Fluidic Cartridge Dispensing Cap for Controlled Viscous-Sample Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges arise in dispensing small quantities of viscous liquid samples into fluidic cartridges due to surface tension and the need for controlled force, which can lead to air bubbles, reduced sample availability, and variability in testing, particularly affecting sensitivity and reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic cartridge kit with a dispensing cap featuring a closure, compressible sealing component, and sample release component that pressurizes the sample reservoir to a predetermined pressure range, allowing controlled dispensing of a consistent volume into the analysis portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If force is applied to dispense liquid sample into cartridge, then liquid movement is achieved, but air bubbles are produced and sample availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically during dispensing. A pressure sensor monitors the pressure in the sample reservoir, and a pump adjusts the pressure to maintain optimal dispensing conditions. This prevents air bubble formation while ensuring complete sample transfer to the cartridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control through a pressure sensor that continuously monitors the pressure in the sample reservoir. The pump receives feedback signals based on pressure readings and adjusts its operation accordingly, ensuring precise control of liquid dispensing and preventing air bubble formation.
2Productivity
If force is applied to dispense liquid sample into cartridge, then dispensing action is achieved, but leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure parameters during dispensing. By monitoring pressure changes and adjusting pump operation accordingly, the system maintains pressure within optimal ranges that prevent leakage while ensuring efficient dispensing of the liquid sample into the cartridge.
3Ease of operation
If variable force is applied during dispensing, then dispensing flexibility is achieved, but test reproducibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control with a pressure sensor to monitor pressure in real-time during dispensing. The pump adjusts its operation based on pressure feedback, ensuring that the same dispensing conditions are maintained across multiple tests. This eliminates variability in dispensing force and ensures high test reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure parameters based on real-time monitoring. By maintaining pressure within a controlled range and adjusting pump operation based on pressure feedback, the system ensures consistent dispensing results across multiple tests while maintaining operational flexibility.
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
Ensures precise and reproducible dispensing of sample fluid into the analysis portion, minimizing air bubbles and leakage, thereby enhancing test sensitivity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible sealing component configured to form a seal between the closure and dispensing component and the sample reservoir and thereby seal the sample reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the closure and dispensing component is further operable to compress the compressible sealing component and thereby pressurise the sealed sample reservoir to a predetermined pressure range that causes at least a portion of the sample fluid to be dispensed through the opening in the pressurised sample reservoir into the analysis portion of the fluidic cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic cartridge kit, including: a fluidic cartridge having an analysis portion and a sample reservoir sealed with a removable shipping closure to contain contents of the sample reservoir during transport: and a dispensing cap; wherein the dispensing cap includes: a closure and dispensing component configured to engage the dispensing cap to the fluidic cartridge and close an opening of the sample reservoir of the fluidic cartridge following removal of the shipping closure from the sample reservoir; a compressible sealing component configured to form a seal between the closure and dispensing component and the sample reservoir and thereby seal the sample reservoir; and a sample release component coupled to the closure and dispensing component and configured to make an opening in a wall of the sealed sample reservoir; and wherein the closure and dispensing component is operable to engage the fluidic cartridge, close the sample reservoir, and compress the compressible sealing component therebetween to seal the sample reservoir, wherein the sample reservoir is partially filled with a sample fluid; wherein the closure and dispensing component is further operable to compress the compressible scaling component and thereby pressurise the sealed sample reservoir and to cause the sample release component to make the opening in the wall of the pressurised sample reservoir; and wherein the closure and dispensing component, the compressible scaling component and the sample release component are configured such that the pressurised sample reservoir is pressurised to a predetermined pressure range that causes at least a portion of the sample fluid to be dispensed through the opening in the pressurised sample reservoir into the analysis portion of the fluidic cartridge.