Variable Radius Fillet Reservoir for Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid dispensing systems face challenges in efficiently dispensing small volumes of liquids, such as picoliters to microliters, particularly in pharmaceutical and biological research, where precise dosing and normalization of liquid mediums are required, leading to increased costs and residual fluid in reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser cassette with a one-piece integrated slot extender and reservoirs that utilize a conical reservoir floor with a continuous variable radius fillet to minimize stranded fluid, allowing for efficient dispensing and normalization, and reducing the number of dispense heads to increase reservoir volume while aligning components effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the number of dispense heads is reduced to increase reservoir volume, then reservoir capacity increases, but the alignment and integration of components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (reservoir, slot extender, and alignment features) into a single integrated structure. The slot extender integrates alignment features directly into its body, and the reservoir is designed to work seamlessly with this integrated structure, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining precise alignment and increasing reservoir volume.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional reservoir design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but residual fluid remains in the reservoir after dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a filleted corner design with specific radius dimensions in the reservoir. These curved transitions replace sharp corners, creating smooth fluid flow paths that prevent fluid entrapment. The curved geometry ensures complete fluid evacuation while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding techniques.
3Measurement precision
If precise dosing of small liquid volumes is achieved, then dispensing accuracy improves, but the system becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific geometric parameters of the reservoir and slot extender, such as the fillet radius dimensions and the conical surface angles. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves precise fluid control and complete dispensing without requiring complex additional mechanisms, maintaining system simplicity while improving dosing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A slot extender includes a reservoir. The reservoir includes a reservoir floor defining a drain opening, a continuous reservoir sidewall extending from the reservoir floor, and a concave fillet running along at least a portion where the reservoir sidewall joins the reservoir floor. The concave fillet has a variable radius.