U.S. patent application number 14/155486 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-31 for unit for storing a fluid, and method for producing a unit for storing a fluid.
This patent application is currently assigned to Robert Bosch GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Bosch GmbH. Invention is credited to Holger Behrens, Thomas Brinz, Gustav Klett, Ralf Schmied.
Application Number | 20140209642 14/155486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49841531 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140209642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmied; Ralf ; et
al. |
July 31, 2014 |
UNIT FOR STORING A FLUID, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A UNIT FOR
STORING A FLUID
Abstract
A unit for storing a fluid includes a body, a piston, and a
closure. The body has a through-channel in which the fluid is
arranged. The body is impermeable to the fluid and/or constituents
thereof and is configured to connect in a fluid-tight manner to a
receiving device of a biochemical analysis unit. The
through-channel extends from a first end to a second end. The
piston is mounted to be axially movable in the through-channel and
is configured to provide a fluid-tight seal relative to the body.
The piston is impermeable to the fluid and/or constituents thereof
and is accessible from the first end. The closure is arranged on
the second end and is impermeable to the fluid and constituents
thereof. The closure is connected to the body in a fluid-tight
manner and is configured to burst when a pressure in the fluid
exceeds a bursting pressure.
Inventors: |
Schmied; Ralf; (Freiberg,
DE) ; Brinz; Thomas; (Bissingen A.D. Teck, DE)
; Klett; Gustav; (Moessingen, DE) ; Behrens;
Holger; (Stuttgart, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Robert Bosch GmbH |
Stuttgart |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Robert Bosch GmbH
Stuttgart
DE
|
Family ID: |
49841531 |
Appl. No.: |
14/155486 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/386 ;
222/541.3; 53/452 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 2400/0478 20130101;
B01L 3/523 20130101; B01L 2300/041 20130101; B65D 83/0005 20130101;
B01L 3/5635 20130101; B01L 2400/0683 20130101; B65B 3/02 20130101;
B01L 3/502715 20130101; B01L 2300/044 20130101; B01L 2400/0487
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/386 ; 53/452;
222/541.3 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00; B65B 3/02 20060101 B65B003/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 28, 2013 |
DE |
10 2013 201 297.7 |
Claims
1. A unit for storing a fluid, the unit comprising: a main body
with a through-channel in which the fluid is arranged, the main
body impermeable to the fluid and/or constituents of the fluid, the
main body configured to be connected in a fluid-tight manner to a
receiving device of a biochemical analysis unit, the
through-channel configured to extend from a first end to a second
end; a piston mounted so as to be axially movable in the
through-channel, the piston configured to provide a fluid-tight
seal in relation to the main body, the piston impermeable to the
fluid and/or constituents of the fluid, the piston accessible from
the first end of the through-channel; and a closure arranged on the
second end of the through-channel, the closure impermeable to the
fluid and/or constituents of the fluid and connected to the main
body in a fluid-tight manner, the closure configured to burst when
a pressure in the fluid is greater than a bursting pressure.
2. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the closure is configured
as an anti-diffusion film welded to the main body.
3. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the closure is configured
to close when the pressure in the fluid is lower than the bursting
pressure by a tolerance pressure.
4. The unit according to claim 1, wherein a length of the piston is
greater than or equal to a length of the through-channel.
5. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the piston has, on a side
facing toward the first end, an actuation surface oriented
transversely with respect to a direction of movement of the
piston.
6. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the main body has at
least one locking mechanism configured to connect the main body
non-releasably to the receiving device.
7. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the receiving device of
the biochemical analysis unit includes a receiving opening
configured to receive the main body, the receiving opening
configured as a through-channel from an outside of the receiving
device to an inside of the receiving device, the receiving opening
configured to provide a fluid-tight seal on an outer face of the
main body when the main body is arranged in the receiving
opening.
8. A system for providing a fluid for a biochemical analysis unit,
the system comprising: a unit for storing a fluid, the unit
including: a main body with a through-channel in which the fluid is
arranged, the main body impermeable to the fluid and/or
constituents of the fluid, the through-channel configured to extend
from a first end to a second end; a piston mounted so as to be
axially movable in the through-channel, the piston configured to
provide a fluid-tight seal in relation to the main body, the piston
impermeable to the fluid and/or constituents of the fluid, the
piston accessible from the first end of the through-channel; and a
closure arranged on the second end of the through-channel, the
closure impermeable to the fluid and/or constituents of the fluid
and connected to the main body in a fluid-tight manner, the closure
configured to burst when a pressure in the fluid is greater than a
bursting pressure; and a receiving device configured to receive the
unit such that the main body is connected in a fluid-tight manner
to the receiving device, the receiving device including a receiving
opening configured to receive the main body, the receiving opening
configured as a through-channel from an outside of the receiving
device to an inside of the receiving device, wherein the inside is
connected fluidically to the analysis unit, wherein the main body
is arranged in the receiving opening and the outer face of the main
body is sealed off in a fluid-tight manner against the receiving
opening, and wherein the main body is configured to be connected
non-releasably to the receiving device and the closure is
configured to be arranged on the inside.
9. A method for producing a unit for providing a fluid, the method
comprising: mounting a piston so as to be axially movable in a
through-channel of a main body, the through-channel configured to
receive the fluid, the main body impermeable to the fluid and
constituents of the fluid, the main body configured to be connected
in a fluid-tight manner to a receiving device of a biochemical
analysis unit, the through-channel configured to extend from a
first end to a second end, the piston configured to provide a
fluid-tight seal in relation to the main body, and the piston
impermeable to the fluid and/or constituents of the fluid and
accessible from the first end of the through-channel; filling at
least a part of the through-channel with the fluid from a direction
of the second end; and arranging a closure on the second end of the
through-channel, the closure impermeable to the fluid and/or
constituents of the fluid and connected to the main body in a
fluid-tight manner, the closure configured to burst when a pressure
in the fluid is greater than a bursting pressure.
10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the piston is
configured to move from the first end into the through-channel
until the pressure in the fluid is greater than the bursting
pressure to provide the fluid at the second end of the
through-channel on the inside.
11. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the closure has a
predetermined breaking point.
12. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the piston and the
through-channel form a press fit.
13. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the piston has a depth
stop configured to limit a depth of penetration of the piston in
the through-channel.
14. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the main body has at
least one stop surface configured to limit a depth of insertion of
the main body into the receiving device.
15. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the main body has at
least one manipulation surface configured to enable manipulation of
the unit by a manipulating system.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
to patent application number DE 10 2013 201 297.7, filed on Jan.
18, 2013 in Germany, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a unit for storing a
fluid, to a receiving device for receiving the unit for storing the
fluid, to a system for providing the fluid, to a method for
producing the unit, and to a method for providing the fluid.
[0003] In modem analysis methods, small units are increasingly
being used for laboratory analysis, these being configured as a
cartridge with components of a disposable laboratory. The reagents
needed for an analysis are to be stored in this cartridge. In this
context, DE 10 2009 045 685 A1 describes a microfluidic chip with a
distensible diaphragm which is distensible into a liquid reservoir,
with volume displacement, in order to move a liquid out of the
liquid reservoir, through a liquid channel inlet and into a liquid
channel of the microfluidic chip.
SUMMARY
[0004] Against this background, the present disclosure proposes a
unit for storing a fluid, a receiving device for receiving the unit
for storing the fluid, a system for providing the fluid, a method
for producing the unit, and a method for providing the fluid,
according to the description below. Advantageous embodiments are
set forth in the description below.
[0005] Depending on their nature, plastics may be permeable to some
substances while being impermeable to other substances. If
different substances are stored in an analysis unit that is made of
plastic and has several directly adjoining chambers, it is possible
for readily volatile substances to diffuse through the plastic and
evaporate, or to contaminate other substances stored in adjoining
chambers.
[0006] In order to rule out the possibility of contamination by
substances diffusing into reagents and auxiliary substances inside
an analysis unit of a biochemical analysis method, the reagents and
auxiliary substances can be stored in prepared portions in
anti-diffusion receptacles, and these receptacles can be opened in
an automated manner just shortly before use, and the reagents and
auxiliary substances are passed into an analysis area. The reagents
and auxiliary substances remain in the analysis area only for the
duration of the analysis method. Thereafter, the whole analysis
unit can be disposed of. In particular, readily volatile reagents
and auxiliary substances can be stored in anti-diffusion
receptacles. The anti-diffusion receptacles can be anti-diffusion
units with an anti-diffusion closure, which units are opened in
response to a switch-over command, such that the reagents and
auxiliary substances can flow into the analysis area. The units can
be stored inside a receiving device.
[0007] A unit is proposed for storing a fluid, in particular a
reagent or an auxiliary substance for a biochemical analysis
method, wherein the unit has the following features:
[0008] a main body with a through-channel, in which the fluid is
arranged, wherein the main body is impermeable to the fluid and/or
constituents of the fluid and is configured to be connected in a
fluid-tight manner to a receiving device of a biochemical analysis
unit, wherein the through-channel extends from a first end to a
second end;
[0009] a piston, which is mounted so as to be axially movable in
the through-channel, wherein the piston is configured to provide a
fluid-tight seal in relation to the main body, and/or the piston is
impermeable to the fluid and constituents of the fluid and is
accessible from the first end of the through-channel; and
[0010] a closure, which is arranged on the second end of the
through-channel, wherein the closure is impermeable to the fluid
and/or constituents of the fluid and is connected to the main body
in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the closure is configured to burst
when a pressure in the fluid is greater than a bursting
pressure.
[0011] Moreover, a receiving device is proposed for receiving a
unit for storing a fluid according to the approach set out here,
wherein the receiving device has the following feature:
[0012] a receiving opening for receiving the main body, wherein the
receiving opening is configured as a through-channel from an
outside of the receiving device to an inside of the receiving
device, wherein the receiving opening is configured to provide a
fluid-tight seal on an outer face of the main body when the main
body is arranged in the receiving opening.
[0013] Furthermore, a system is proposed for providing a fluid for
a biochemical analysis unit, having the following features:
[0014] a receiving device according to the approach set out here,
wherein the inside is connected fluidically to the analysis unit;
and
[0015] a unit for storing a fluid according to the approach set out
here, wherein the main body is arranged in the receiving opening
and the outer face of the main body is sealed off in a fluid-tight
manner against the receiving opening, wherein the main body is
connected or can be connected non-releasably to the receiving
device, and the closure is arranged or can be arranged on the
inside.
[0016] A method is proposed for producing a unit for providing a
fluid, wherein the method has the following steps:
[0017] provision of a main body with a through-channel, and of a
piston which is mounted so as to be axially movable in the
through-channel, wherein the fluid can be arranged in the
through-channel, and the main body is impermeable to the fluid and
constituents of the fluid and is configured to be connected in a
fluid-tight manner to a receiving device of a biochemical analysis
unit, wherein the through-channel extends from a first end to a
second end, wherein the piston is configured to provide a
fluid-tight seal in relation to the main body, and the piston is
impermeable to the fluid and/or constituents of the fluid and is
accessible from the first end of the through-channel;
[0018] filling at least a part of the through-channel with the
fluid from the direction of the second end; and
[0019] arranging a closure on the second end of the
through-channel, wherein the closure is impermeable to the fluid
and/or constituents of the fluid and is connected to the main body
in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the closure is configured to burst
when a pressure in the fluid is greater than a bursting pressure,
in order to produce the unit for providing the fluid.
[0020] Moreover, a method is proposed for providing a fluid for a
biochemical analysis unit, having the following steps:
[0021] provision of a system for providing according to the
approach set out here; and
[0022] moving the piston from the first end into the
through-channel until the pressure in the fluid is greater than the
bursting pressure, in order to provide the fluid at the second end
of the through-channel on the inside.
[0023] A main body can be a hollow cylinder, for example. A
through-channel can be a bore or generally an opening in the main
body. The through-channel can extend rectilinearly, and with
substantially a constant cross section, through the main body. The
through-channel can have an irregular cross section. Likewise, the
main body can have a prismatic shape. In terms of its cross
section, the through-channel can be a smaller image of a cross
section of the main body. The through-channel can also be shaped
independently of the cross section of the main body. For example,
the cross section of the main body can correspond externally to a
polygon, while the through-channel is cylindrical. In this way, for
example, the unit can be identified by the cross section of the
main body, thus preventing the main body from being inserted into
the wrong receiving device. A piston standardized for use in
differently shaped main bodies can be arranged in the inside of the
unit, so as to be able to use the same parts in several different
units. The piston can have a seal for bearing sealingly on the main
body. The piston can be movable along the through-channel. A
cross-sectional area of the through-channel can vary from unit to
unit, depending on what kind of fluid is arranged in the
through-channel. The cross-sectional area may depend on the
required amount of the fluid in the biochemical analysis method.
The amount of the fluid can also be determined by a stroke length
of the piston in the through-channel. A closure can be a lid. The
closure can also be a cap or a flap. The main body, the piston and
the closure can be made from the same material. The main body, the
piston and the closure can also be made from different materials.
At the moment of bursting, a connection site between the closure
and the main body can break open, for example. Likewise, the
closure itself can break open. The pressure can increase when the
piston is pressed into the through-channel in the direction of the
closure.
[0024] A receiving device can be an interface for receiving a unit.
The fluid can also be filled into several chambers inside the
through-channel. Several different species can then be stored in a
single through-channel and can be pressed out together by the
piston. The species can be mixed while being pressed out.
[0025] The closure can be configured as an anti-diffusion film,
which is welded to the main body. Alternatively or in addition, the
closure can have a predetermined breaking point. For example, the
film can be a laminate of different types of plastics and/or metal
film. To close it, at least one layer of the film can be fused to
the main body. A predetermined breaking point can be a
predetermined area of weakening of the closure which, for example
on account of a notch effect, only fails when the pressure is
greater than the bursting pressure.
[0026] The closure can be configured to close when the pressure in
the fluid is lower, by a tolerance pressure, than the bursting
pressure. The closure can close again in a fluid-tight manner when
the piston remains in one position, for example because only a
partial amount of the fluid is needed in the biochemical analysis.
For this purpose, for example, the closure can apply restoring
forces, which once again close the closure.
[0027] A length of the piston can be greater than or equal to a
length of the through-channel. Alternatively or in addition, the
piston and the through-channel can form a press fit. If the piston
is longer than or the same length as the main body, the piston can
be pressed along the entire length of the through-channel without
aids. A press fit can be an interference fit. If the piston has a
slightly larger cross section than the through-channel, the piston
can then bear sealingly on the main body, without a further seal
being necessary.
[0028] The piston can have, on a side facing toward the first end,
an actuation surface which is oriented transversely with respect to
a direction of movement of the piston. Alternatively or in
addition, the piston can have a depth stop, which is configured to
limit a depth of penetration of the piston in the through-channel.
An actuation surface can be understood, for example, as a seat for
a stamp for actuating the piston. Likewise, the area of the
actuation surface available for actuating the piston can be greater
than the cross-sectional area of the piston. In this way, the
piston can be pressed down more easily. For example, the piston can
have a thickened part at an end protruding from the main body. A
depth stop can be a functional surface on the piston, which
functional surface abuts against another functional surface when
the piston reaches its maximum planned depth of penetration. The
other functional surface can be arranged on the main body. The
other functional surface can also be arranged on the receiving
device.
[0029] The main body can have at least one locking mechanism for
connecting the main body non-releasably to the receiving device.
Alternatively or in addition, the main body can have at least one
stop surface for limiting a depth of insertion of the main body
into the receiving device. Alternatively or in addition, the main
body can have at least one manipulation surface for manipulation of
the unit by a manipulating system. A locking mechanism can be a
detent lug, for example. In the latched state, the locking
mechanism can no longer be reached manually or by means of an
instrument, i.e. it can be concealed, such that the main body can
no longer be removed from the receiving device. The main body can
also have an engagement surface for a locking mechanism of the
receiving device. Receiving device and main body can engage one
inside the other. A stop surface can bear on another stop surface
of the receiving device when the main body is arranged at an
intended position. A manipulation surface can be configured, for
example, as a mating piece for a gripper. The unit can be held at
the manipulation surface in an automated manner, for example in
order to be transported for filling or to be inserted into the
receiving device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The disclosure is explained in more detail below on the
basis of examples and with reference to the attached drawings, in
which:
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system for providing a
fluid for a biochemical analysis unit according to an illustrative
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method for producing a unit
for providing a fluid according to an illustrative embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for providing a
fluid for a biochemical analysis unit according to an illustrative
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a detail from a system for
providing a fluid for a biochemical analysis unit according to an
illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a view of a system for providing a fluid, with
two units according to an illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0036] In the following description of preferred illustrative
embodiments of the present disclosure, identical or similar
reference signs are used for the elements that are shown in the
various figures and that have a similar effect, the aim being to
avoid repeated description of these elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system 100 for providing a
fluid 102 for a biochemical analysis unit according to an
illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. The fluid 102
can be used in particular as a reagent or an auxiliary substance
for a biochemical analysis method. For example, the fluid 102 can
be alcohol or an alcohol mixture containing at least 75% alcohol.
The system 100 consists of a unit 104, for storing the fluid 102,
and of a receiving device 106. The unit has a main body 108, a
piston 110 and a closure 112. The receiving device 106 has a
receiving opening 114, a supply chamber 116, and a channel 118
leading to a biochemical analysis unit (not shown) for carrying out
a biochemical analysis method.
[0038] The unit 104 for storing the fluid 102 has been inserted
non-releasably into the receiving device 106 after the unit 104 has
been produced. The unit 104 and the receiving device 106 are
connected to each other in a fluid-tight manner. The main body 108
of the unit has a central through-channel 120, in which the fluid
102 is arranged. The main body 108 is made from a material that is
impermeable to the fluid 102 and constituents of the fluid 102. The
through-channel 120 extends from a first end to a second end of the
main body 108. The piston 110 is mounted so as to be axially
movable in the through-channel. The piston 110 is sealed off in a
fluid-tight manner in relation to the main body 108. The piston 110
is made from a material that is impermeable to the fluid and
constituents of the fluid. The piston 110 is accessible from the
first end of the through-channel. The closure 112 is arranged on
the second end of the through-channel 120. The closure 112 is made
from a material that is impermeable to the fluid and/or
constituents of the fluid. The closure 120 is connected to the main
body 108 in a fluid-tight manner. The closure 112 is configured to
burst when a pressure in the fluid 102 is greater than a bursting
pressure.
[0039] The receiving opening 114 is configured to receive the main
body 108. The receiving opening 114 is configured as a
through-channel from an outside of the receiving device 106 to an
inside of the receiving device 106. The receiving opening 114 is
configured to provide a fluid-tight seal on an outer face of the
main body 108 when the main body 108 is arranged in the receiving
opening 108.
[0040] The unit 104 can be made from a material that prevents
diffusion of solvents, in particular alcohol. The material can be a
polymer in particular. In this way, solvent-containing, in
particular alcohol-containing, fluids or liquids and/or pastes can
be stored in the unit 104 permanently and without loss, until they
are needed. Moreover, fluids that tend to denature can be protected
in the unit against solvent vapors, in particular alcohol vapors.
The receiving device 106 can in turn be produced from an
inexpensive and easily formable material, since the fluid and other
fluids remain in the receiving device only for the duration of the
biochemical analysis method, and there is not enough time for
diffusion processes.
[0041] By using a syringe container 104, an advantageous plastic
(COC, PP, PE) or steel can be used for the storage of alcohol as
fluid. The plastic of the syringe container 104 can be chosen
independently of the plastic of the cartridge 106. Thus, the
cartridge 106 can be configured using an inexpensive plastic with
high alcohol permeation rates (e.g. PC).
[0042] By the actuation of the syringe 104, the liquid 102 is
always forced out by 100%, and there is no loss of expensive
reagents in the LOC fluid network 116, which leads to cost
optimization of expensive PCR primers. In addition, the liquid 102
can be provided in metered amounts, which leads to an improved
process. Small amounts (a few .mu.l) of liquids 102 can be stored
in a stable state over a long period of time and can be provided
100% for the assay. This leads to a quality improvement in the
course of the assay.
[0043] By the movement of the piston 110, low-viscosity liquids 102
can be stored and safely forced out. Forcing them out by a volume
displacement constitutes a flexible and robust system. The syringes
104 can be used as additional reservoirs on the cartridge 100
during the process, as a result of which a reduction in the overall
size is permitted. By means of a two-chamber system inside the
syringe 104, liquids 102 can be mixed inside the syringe 104,
thereby permitting a further reduction in the overall size of the
cartridge 100.
[0044] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method 200 for producing a
unit for providing a fluid according to an illustrative embodiment
of the present disclosure. The method 200 has a step 202 of
providing, a step 204 of filling, and a step 206 of arranging. In
the step 202 of providing, a main body with a through-channel, and
a piston which is mounted so as to be axially movable in the
through-channel, are provided. The fluid can be arranged in the
through-channel. The main body is impermeable to the fluid and/or
constituents of the fluid. The main body is configured to be
connected in a fluid-tight manner to a receiving device of a
biochemical analysis unit. The through-channel extends from a first
end to a second end. The piston is configured to provide a
fluid-tight seal in relation to the main body and is impermeable to
the fluid and constituents of the fluid. The piston is accessible
from the first end of the through-channel. In the step 204 of
filling, the through-channel is filled with the fluid from the
second end. In the step 206 of arranging, a closure is arranged on
the second end of the through-channel. The closure is impermeable
to the fluid and constituents of the fluid and is connected to the
main body in a fluid-tight manner, in order to produce the unit for
providing the fluid. The closure is configured to burst when a
pressure in the fluid is greater than a bursting pressure.
[0045] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method 300 for providing a
fluid for a biochemical analysis unit according to an illustrative
embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 300 has a step 302
of providing, and a step 304 of moving. In the step 302 of
providing, a system for providing according to the approach set out
here is provided. In the step 304 of moving, the piston is moved
from the first end into the through-channel until the pressure in
the fluid is greater than the bursting pressure, in order to
provide the fluid at the second end of the through-channel on the
inside.
[0046] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a detail of a system 100
for providing a fluid for a biochemical analysis unit according to
an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 thus
shows a cross section of a clipped-in syringe 104 in the cartridge
106. The system 100 corresponds to the system in FIG. 1. In
addition, the piston 110 has a length that is greater than a length
of the main body 108. Therefore, in the filled state of the unit
104 as shown, the piston 110 protrudes with a free end above the
main body 108. The piston 110 has an actuation surface 400 at the
free end. The actuation surface 400 is oriented transversely with
respect to a direction of movement of the piston 110. The actuation
surface 400 is many times greater than a cross-sectional surface of
the piston 110. A movement of the piston 110 is made easier by the
size of the actuation surface 400. A collar 402 is arranged on an
edge of the actuation surface 400. The collar 402 is oriented
transversely with respect to the actuation surface 400 and points
in the direction of the receiving device 106. The collar 402 is
configured extending peripherally about the actuation surface 400.
A sectional plane of the piston 110, of the actuation surface 400
and of the collar 402 has the shape of an upper-case letter T with
serifs on the horizontal stroke. The piston 110 represents the stem
of the letter, the actuation surface 400 represents the horizontal
stroke, and the collar 402 represents the serifs. The collar 402 is
configured to act as a depth stop for the piston 110. During the
actuation of the piston 110, the piston 110 can be pressed into the
main body 108 until a stop surface 404 of the collar 402 bears on
an outside of the receiving device 106.
[0047] The main body 108 is configured as a hollow cylinder in this
illustrative embodiment. The main body has a locking mechanism 406
for connecting the main body 108 non-releasably to the receiving
device 106. In this illustrative embodiment, the locking mechanism
406 is configured as a plurality of springs 406 protruding from the
main body 108. Upon insertion of the unit 104 into the receiving
device 106, the springs 406 are each configured to be bent and to
latch onto a projection 408 of the receiving device 106. For this
purpose, the receiving device 106 has, in the area of the
through-channel 114, pockets 410, which form the projections 408.
Between the pockets 410 and the inside, a sealing face 412 is
arranged, at which the unit 104 seals off the through-channel 114
in a fluid-tight manner when the unit 104 is connected to the
receiving device 106. In the inserted state, the springs 406 bear
on that face of the pockets 410 directed toward the inside and thus
represent the stop surface for limiting the depth of insertion of
the main body 108. Between the outside and the pockets 410, the
through-channel 114 has widenings in order to make space available
for the insertion of the springs 406. When the springs 406 are
arranged in the pockets 410, they extend diagonally through the
pockets 410 and prevent removal of the unit 104 from the receiving
device 106. As in FIG. 1, the through-channel in the main body 108
is covered by a film acting as a closure 112. The film is
integrally bonded to the main body 108. In order to obtain a
controlled bursting of the closure 112, the film can have a
predetermined breaking point. Similarly, for example, a partial
area of a connection site between the closure 112 and the main body
108 can be configured to be weaker than the rest of the connection
site, such that the closure fails in a controlled manner in the
partial area.
[0048] In contrast to FIG. 1, the receiving device 106 does not
have a supply chamber here. The closure 112 is arranged directly in
the channel 118, while the main body 104 protrudes into the channel
118.
[0049] In other words, the reagents are filled into so-called
syringes 104. FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a clipped-in syringe
104 in the cartridge 106. These syringes 104 can be filled outside
the cartridge 106 and are then sealed by an adhesive film 112. All
of the syringes 104 are clipped into the cartridge 106 during the
production process, with alternative securing options also being
possible, for example screwing or clamping. The syringes 104 can be
protected by a lid, as in FIG. 5, against accidental actuation
during transport. During the provision of the fluid, the DxU
(DxU=Diagnostic Unit) presses on the piston 110 with a force F and
thus actuates the syringe 104. A DxU can be understood as an
evaluation device into which the cartridge is fitted and by which
the cartridge is operated. The evaluation unit also represents the
interface to the user for displaying the results. The amount of the
reagent that is provided can be determined by the distance traveled
and by a defined stop 404 in the cartridge 106. In addition, the
volume of the syringe 104 can be varied by the diameter of the
piston 110. For actuating the piston 110, no sealing elements are
needed between DxU and cartridge 100. The sealing elements are
already integrated in the cartridge 106 and syringe 104.
[0050] FIG. 5 shows a view of a system 100 for providing a fluid,
with two units 104 according to an illustrative embodiment of the
present disclosure. The units 104 correspond to the unit in FIG. 4.
Both units 104 are arranged alongside each other. The units 104 are
inserted into a common receiving device 106 and latched
non-releasably. The receiving device 106 has two through-holes
arranged alongside each other. The through-holes can open into a
common mixing chamber in order to mix the fluids of both units 104.
Likewise, the through-holes can also each open into a respective
supply chamber, so as to be able to be used separately for the
biochemical analysis method. In order to protect the units 104
against accidental actuation, the actuation surfaces 400 are
covered by a protective cap 500. The protective cap 500 is secured
on the receiving device 106 and is intended to be removed before
the system 100 is used, such that the actuation surfaces are
exposed. The protective cap 500 also protects the units 104 from
environmental effects, in particular contamination. In this way, an
analysis appliance can be kept clean when the analysis unit, with
the providing system 100 secured thereon, is inserted.
[0051] In other words, FIG. 5 shows a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) cartridge
100 with integrated syringes 104 for storing reagents. In
lab-on-a-chip (LOC) products or so-called microfluidic platforms
(.mu.TAS), medical and biological liquids are processed on a
substrate and, in this way, samples from patients are analyzed for
the presence of pathogens and bacteria. The lab-on-a-chip platforms
can be constructed as so-called cartridges which, as disposable
articles, receive and process the patient sample. Liquids are
needed for the process carried out on the cartridge, which liquids
can either be stored on the cartridge or can subsequently be added
for the process by a user. The subsequent introduction of the
reagents, even of alcohol-containing substances, can be avoided by
the approach set out here, since this is provided just shortly
before the assay is performed. Thus, the high permeation rates of
the alcohol in favorable plastics is unimportant.
[0052] The approach set out here allows all the reagents of a
lab-on-a-chip assay to be stored in a stable state over a long
period of time on the cartridge 100. In particular, with the
storage units 104 set out here, reagents containing alcohol or
reagents in small amounts can be safely stored inside the LOC
cartridge 100. The illustrated system 100 makes storage safe during
transport, and it permits simple opening and provision of the
reagents in the case of use. All the pistons of the syringes 104 of
a cartridge 106 can be connected by a beam, which is pressed down
by the DxU and thus empties the syringes 104 simultaneously.
[0053] The illustrative embodiments that have been described and
that are shown in the figures are chosen only as examples.
Different illustrative embodiments can be combined with one another
as a whole or in terms of individual features. An illustrative
embodiment can also be supplemented by features of another
illustrative embodiment.
[0054] Moreover, method steps according to the disclosure can be
repeated and can also be carried out in a different sequence than
that described.
[0055] Where an illustrative embodiment comprises an "and/or" link
between a first feature and a second feature, this is to be
understood as meaning that the illustrative embodiment, in one
form, has both the first feature and also the second feature and,
in another form, has either only the first feature or only the
second feature.
* * * * *