Vented Fluid Receiving Surface for Bubble-Free Sample Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for fluid delivery in sample processing, particularly for single-cell capture and processing, are inefficient and prone to errors due to bubble formation, reagent mix-ups, and manual handling, leading to cell damage and unfavorable results.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for fluid delivery that significantly reduces bubbles by using a body with a receiving surface and outlet configuration to transition fluids from a bubble-rich to a bubble-free state, enabling automated and precise delivery to microfluidic structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling and delivery of fluids is used in single-cell processing, then operational flexibility is maintained, but the risk of errors, cell damage, and reagent waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated fluid delivery where the device performs sample processing operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each step, thereby improving reliability while achieving automation
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid delivery system acts as an intermediary between reagent storage and the microfluidic device, providing controlled automated delivery that eliminates manual handling errors while maintaining precise operational control
2Reliability
If conventional fluid delivery systems are used, then simplicity is maintained, but bubble presence damages cells and produces unfavorable results
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes bubbles from the fluid delivery path before fluids reach the microfluidic device, eliminating the harmful effect of bubbles on cells while maintaining overall system simplicity through targeted intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of bubble presence into a benefit by incorporating bubble removal mechanisms that actually improve fluid quality and cell integrity, turning a problematic feature into an advantageous one
3Measurement precision
If automated fluid delivery is implemented, then operational accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is designed to perform multiple functions including fluid transport, bubble removal, and precise dosing within a single integrated platform, improving precision while managing complexity through functional consolidation
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 system enhances reliability and efficiency of sample processing by ensuring bubble-free fluid delivery, reduces reagent waste, and allows for partial automation, improving accuracy and preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving surface sloping from an apex to a nadir along a first direction... transmitting the sample processing fluid along the receiving surface toward the nadir
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for receiving and delivering a fluid, the system comprising: a body configured to interface with an opening of a reservoir and defining: a protrusion defining a set position of the body relative to the reservoir; a wall extending from the protrusion; a receiving surface coupled to the wall and sloping from an apex to a nadir along a first direction, the receiving surface comprising a vent; and an outlet positioned closer to the nadir than the apex of the receiving surface and displaced from the vent, the outlet comprising an extension from the body, the extension configured to contact an interior wall of the reservoir, wherein the body comprises: a bubble-mitigating operation mode in which the receiving surface receives and transmits the fluid along the receiving surface, and a fluid-transmitting operation mode in which the body directs the fluid along the interior wall of the reservoir.