Vented Converging Capillary Biological Sample Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic devices face inefficiencies in loading and transporting sample liquids, particularly for volumes around 1 mL, due to limitations in capillary forces and surface tension, leading to potential spilling and unreliable assays.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an entry port with a converging channel and a diverging channel, where the converging channel narrows and the diverging channel widens, combined with a fin structure, to efficiently transport sample liquids from a proximal to a distal region, minimizing spilling by concentrating the liquid at the distal end, and optionally using a hydrophobic material and a cap to seal the entry port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If capillary forces and surface tension are used to trap sample liquid, then the liquid can be held in a desired location, but the approach is inefficient for volumes of sample liquid on the order of 1 mL
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic pathway is divided into distinct functional segments: a loading region with first geometry for receiving sample liquid, a converging channel with second geometry for directing flow, and a reservoir with third geometry for storage. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, enabling efficient handling of 1 mL volumes while maintaining control over liquid movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fluidic device are designed with locally optimized geometries and surface properties. The loading region, converging channel, and reservoir each have specific dimensional characteristics and surface treatments tailored to their function, allowing efficient sample liquid handling at 1 mL volumes through localized capillary and gravitational effects rather than relying on capillary forces alone throughout the entire device.
2Ease of operation
If converging channels are used to partially direct the loading of sample liquid, then the liquid flow can be guided, but the surface tension forces experienced in such channels are limited and can be hampered by encapsulated gas or changes in shape of the channels
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic pathway is segmented into distinct functional zones: a loading region for sample liquid reception, a converging channel for flow direction, and a reservoir for storage. This segmentation isolates the converging channel from direct contact with the loading region, allowing the converging channel to reliably direct liquid flow without being compromised by gas bubbles or shape changes in the loading zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The converging channel acts as an intermediary element between the loading region and the reservoir. It receives liquid from the loading region and reliably directs it to the reservoir, mediating the transition and protecting the critical surface tension forces in the converging channel from interference by encapsulated gas or deformation in the loading region.
3Productivity
If pneumatic force is used to transport the sample liquid within the fluidic device, then the liquid can be moved efficiently, but a gas supply cannot be used to load the sample liquid into the device
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a loading region optimized for sample liquid reception and a fluidic pathway optimized for transport. This segmentation allows the loading region to accommodate various loading methods (manual, automated, pneumatic) while the fluidic pathway uses pneumatic force for efficient transport, achieving both loading flexibility and transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading region is designed with universal characteristics that accommodate multiple loading methods, making the device adaptable to different sample liquid introduction techniques while maintaining efficient pneumatic transport capability through the separated fluidic pathway.
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
This configuration ensures efficient and reliable transport of sample liquids, preventing spilling and allowing for precise volume delivery, enhancing assay reliability and safety by maintaining the sample within the device.
Implementation Method 1
capillary forces and surface tension are commonly used to trap the sample liquid in a desired location within the device
Implementation Method 2
capillary forces and surface tension are commonly used to trap the sample liquid in a desired location within the device
Implementation Method 3
at least a portion of the converging channel can be made of a hydrophobic material
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an assembly for loading a sample liquid. The assembly comprises an entry port comprising an inlet and a gas vent, and a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a distal wall, a fin, and a continuous fluidic pathway. The fin comprises first and second surfaces and extends from the inlet towards the distal wall. The continuous fluidic pathway comprises a converging channel that is in fluidic communication with the inlet and is defined by the second surface of the fin, and a diverging channel that is defined by the first surface of the fin and is in fluidic communication with the gas vent. At a distal end of the fin, a width of the converging channel at most equals a width of the diverging channel, and the width of the converging channel at most equals a distance between the distal end of the fin and the distal wall.