Vial Adaptor Piston Mechanism for Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nucleic acid testing methods face challenges in efficiently transferring biological samples and liquid constituents into devices for pathogen detection, especially when pipettes are not available, highlighting a need for improved tools and methods that facilitate the transfer of fluids from vials to devices used for nucleic acid amplification processes.
Innovation Solution
A vial adaptor with a cap member and piston system that allows for the removably coupling with a vial, enabling the translation of the piston to create a positive pressure change and facilitate the flow of fluid from the vial through a channel, preventing re-aspiration and ensuring a seal to prevent leaks, which can be coupled with a receiving device for fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pipettes are used for fluid transfer, then transfer precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vial adaptor as an intermediary device between the vial and the receiving device. The adaptor includes a piston mechanism that mediates the fluid transfer process, eliminating the need for external pipettes while maintaining transfer precision through the sealed piston-chamber system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vial adaptor is designed to be self-contained with an integrated piston mechanism that performs the fluid transfer function autonomously. The piston can be actuated directly through the adaptor body, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring external pipetting equipment, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual fluid transfer without seal is used, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid loss and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible piston seal that forms a hermetic barrier within the adaptor chamber. This flexible sealing element prevents fluid leakage and contamination while maintaining ease of operation through simple piston actuation. The seal flexes with piston movement but maintains continuous sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The vial adaptor appears to be designed as a disposable or single-use component, eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance of sealing mechanisms. This approach ensures reliable sealing performance without the complexity of reusable seal systems, balancing ease of operation with prevention of fluid loss.
3Ease of operation
If piston translation is allowed in both directions, then ease of operation is improved, but re-aspiration and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional bidirectional piston movement approach by designing a ratchet mechanism that allows piston translation in only one direction (toward the vial). This unidirectional constraint prevents re-aspiration of fluid back into the vial, while the ease of operation is maintained through simple forward actuation. The reverse direction is mechanically blocked rather than requiring active prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston mechanism incorporates a dynamic ratchet system that adapts to piston movement direction. The ratchet teeth engage to permit forward motion while automatically disengaging or blocking reverse motion. This dynamic mechanical constraint ensures reliable prevention of re-aspiration without complicating the operation, as the user simply needs to push the piston forward.
4Device complexity
If no seal mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid leakage and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a flexible piston seal directly into the piston structure, forming a hermetic barrier between the vial interior and the external environment. This flexible sealing element prevents fluid leakage and contamination while adding minimal complexity to the overall device architecture. The seal is an inherent part of the piston-chamber assembly rather than a separate complex sealing system.
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 vial adaptor effectively transfers fluid from a vial to a receiving device, ensuring efficient introduction of biological samples and reagents into nucleic acid testing devices without the need for pipettes, enhancing pathogen detection processes by maintaining a seal and preventing re-aspiration.
Implementation Method 1
a translation of the piston in the first direction can cause a positive pressure change in the vial and withdrawal of fluid stored in the vial through the channel of the piston
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet system including: a first arm formed about the proximal opening of the cap member, at least a portion of the first arm extending inward towards a center of the proximal opening of the cap member, the first arm including a tip; and a first rack formed along the body of the piston, the first rack can engage the first arm
Data Source
AI summary
A vial adaptor is disclosed. The vial adaptor can include a cap member and a piston. The cap member can removably couple to a vial storing, for example, liquid constituent for facilitating sample collection for detecting pathogens. The piston can distally translate through the cap member and into the vial to generate volume displacement and positive pressure, which can cause the liquid constituent stored in the vial to flow out from the vial via a channel formed within the piston. The piston can include a cover that creates a water-tight seal with an inner surface of the vial.