Tapered Gel Electrophoresis Applicator Comb Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrophoresis devices face challenges in increasing sample density on substrates without compromising fluid control, structural integrity, and sensitivity, as narrower teeth lead to inconsistent liquid management and lane contamination.
Innovation Solution
A fluid applicator device with a planar applicator body featuring aligned teeth that taper from a wider base to a narrower tip, combined with perforations for improved liquid retention and control, allowing for higher sample density without losing resolution or fluid transfer control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of teeth per applicator comb is increased to accommodate more samples, then sample density and throughput are improved, but fluid control and structural integrity deteriorate due to reduced tooth dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth geometry is optimized with different dimensions at different locations: wider base for structural integrity and fluid control, narrower tip for precise sample deposition. This local variation in geometry allows the same tooth structure to simultaneously provide mechanical strength and accurate fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth width parameter varies along the length of the tooth, transitioning from a wider base to a narrower tip. This parameter change enables the tooth to maintain structural integrity at the base while achieving precise fluid control at the tip, resolving the contradiction between strength and fluid management.
2Productivity
If the tooth width is reduced to increase the number of samples per substrate, then sample density is improved, but structural integrity and liquid retention are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth is designed with non-uniform width, being wider at the base where structural integrity is critical and narrower at the tip where sample deposition precision is needed. This local quality variation allows the tooth to maintain strength while accommodating higher sample density.
3Productivity
If narrower teeth are used to increase sample capacity, then more samples can be processed in parallel, but liquid deposition consistency and sensitivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth width parameter is optimized to vary along the tooth length, providing a wider base for structural stability and a controlled narrower tip for consistent liquid deposition. This parameter optimization ensures reproducible sample application even with increased tooth count.
4Productivity
If the number of teeth is increased without design changes, then sample throughput is improved, but variable sample deposition causes lane contamination
Solution Approach 1:
Each tooth is designed with optimized local geometry (wider base, narrower tip) that ensures consistent sample loading and deposition. This local optimization prevents variable deposition that would lead to lane contamination, allowing high throughput with maintained accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances sample loading, transfer, and deposition efficiency, maintaining sensitivity and control, enabling higher throughput in electrophoresis applications by effectively managing liquid flow and preventing premature release.
Implementation Method 1
The flash dimension of each tooth is insufficient to maintain surface tension of the liquid droplet to prevent premature liquid release if the tooth is too narrow and no other provision is made to hold the liquid.
Implementation Method 2
Electrophoresis in general is the voltage-driven migration of suspended and/or colloidal particles in a liquid or a gel, due to the effect of a potential difference across immersed electrodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid applicator device includes an applicator body having a surface that is generally planar. A plurality of aligned applicator teeth extend from said applicator body. Each applicator tooth extends longitudinally from said applicator body along a length from a base of the applicator tooth proximate to the applicator body to a tip of the applicator tooth distal to the applicator body. At least one applicator tooth of the plurality of aligned applicator teeth has a width that is greater at the base than at the tip. A method for depositing a liquid sample on a substrate using the fluid applicator device is also disclosed.