Vertical Clamp Device for Flow Cell Electronic Interface Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cell devices with both electronic and fluid interfaces are prone to short-circuiting or damage due to fluid contact during engagement or disengagement, posing a significant risk to the electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A vertical clamping device that supports flow cell components in a vertical configuration, featuring a mechanism with a handle, guide block, and fluidics interface block to securely engage and disengage the flow cell with the electronic interface, preventing fluid contact with the electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flow cell component is engaged or disengaged from the electronic interface, then fluid handling capability is improved, but the risk of fluid contact with electronic interface increases causing short-circuiting or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional blocks: a fluidics interface block for fluid handling and an electronic interface block for electrical connections. These blocks are separated by the carriage structure, ensuring that fluid cannot contact electronic components during engagement or disengagement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage acts as an intermediary structure between the fluidics interface block and the electronic interface block. It provides a physical barrier and transmission path that allows mechanical engagement while preventing fluid from reaching the electronic interface, thus protecting against short-circuiting.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the flow cell component is left disengaged from the electronic interface, then access for fluid contact is reduced, but any fluid contacting the electronic interface can significantly damage it
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a horizontal engagement configuration to a vertical configuration. The flow cell component is held vertically by the carriage, with the fluidics interface positioned at a different vertical level than the electronic interface. This dimensional separation ensures that even when disengaged, fluid cannot contact the electronic interface due to the vertical offset.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a clamping mechanism is used to secure the flow cell, then engagement stability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage provides a stable, fixed position for the flow cell component during engagement. By maintaining the flow cell in a consistent vertical orientation and position, the mechanism achieves reliable engagement without requiring complex active clamping systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vertical clamping device (100) is provided that supports a flow cell component in a vertical configuration in which the flow cell is on an opposite side of the vertical support from the electronic interface (112). The clamp (100) includes a vertical setting (122) to receive the flow cell component and provides an electronic interface (112) on a vertical surface of the vertical setting (122). A block (108) supports the fluidics interface (170) and can move in a horizontal direction bringing the fluidics interface (170) into contact with the flow cell component.