A Uniform Clamping and Limiting System for a Multi-Channel Compatible Microfluidic Gripper

Abstract

This invention provides a uniform clamping and limiting system for a multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture. By arranging multiple elastic pressure heads at the bottom of the fixture's pressure plate and using an adjustment component to achieve adaptive adjustment of the pressure head positions, the system can dynamically compensate for pressure based on the sample surface flatness, effectively avoiding localized stress concentration and edge warping. The flexible limiting module employs an adjustable limiting plate and an elastic silicone pad structure, combined with the guiding effect of the positioning boss, to accurately adapt to chips of different sizes and channel numbers. During unilateral loading, a buffer spring compensates for offset, improving alignment accuracy. The pressure-distributing component independently controls the adsorption pressure through a partitioned suction cup assembly. Combined with a sealing gasket structure, this significantly enhances edge sealing performance and fluid pressure uniformity, ensuring stable operation of multi-channel samples under high pressure conditions, thereby greatly improving the reliability and repeatability of experimental data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microfluidic fixture technology, and in particular to a uniform clamping and limiting system for a multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidic fixtures are specialized auxiliary devices used in the field of microfluidics to fix and position microfluidic chips. They serve as a core bridge connecting microfluidic chips to external fluid drive and detection systems. Their core design goal is to adapt to the miniaturized, multi-channel, and high-precision characteristics of microfluidic chips, achieving stable clamping, precise positioning, and reliable sealing of the chip through mechanical structures, thus providing a fundamental guarantee for the smooth conduct of microfluidic experiments. As microfluidic chips develop towards multi-channel and large-area applications, the compatibility and clamping uniformity of the fixtures have become important factors affecting experimental accuracy.

[0003] Existing microfluidic fixtures often suffer from uneven clamping force distribution when adapting to multi-channel or large-area samples, leading to sample edge warping, fluid pressure imbalance, and even leakage. Furthermore, the limiting structures are mostly fixed designs, making them incompatible with samples of different sizes and numbers of channels. Unilateral loading can easily cause sample shift, affecting the accuracy of experimental data. Simultaneously, the lack of targeted limiting compensation mechanisms fails to mitigate errors caused by human operation during assembly. Existing fixtures also have shortcomings in edge sealing and fluid pressure control for multi-channel samples, making them unsuitable for experiments under high pressure or complex fluid conditions.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a microfluidic clamping system that can achieve uniform clamping, is compatible with samples of multiple sizes, and has adaptive limiting and zone pressure control functions, in order to solve the problems of uneven clamping force, poor compatibility, and insufficient sealing performance in the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a uniform clamping and limiting system for a multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0007] This invention provides a uniform clamping and limiting system for a multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture, including a fixture base, wherein a fixture groove is provided on the top of the fixture base, and a clamping and limiting mechanism is provided. The clamping and limiting mechanism includes a clamping plate that engages with the clamping base. The bottom of the clamping plate is provided with multiple guide sleeves, and each guide sleeve is provided with an elastic pressure head. The inner side of the clamping groove is provided with a flexible limiting member, and the inner bottom wall of the clamping groove is provided with a pressure dividing member. The pressure dividing member includes multiple independently controlled suction cup groups for partitioned adsorption of the bottom of the microfluidic chip.

[0008] Preferably, the guide sleeve includes a first sleeve fixed at the center of the bottom of the clamping plate and a second sleeve slidably disposed in the transverse groove, the second sleeve being driven to slide along the transverse groove by an adjusting component.

[0009] Preferably, the adjustment assembly includes a drive gear rotatably connected in the clamping plate, driven gears meshing on both sides of the drive gear, and an eccentric wheel coaxially fixed at the bottom of each driven gear. The eccentric wheel is rotatably connected to the second sleeve through a connecting rod.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic pressure head includes a telescopic spring disposed in the guide sleeve and a silicone head fixed to the bottom end of the telescopic spring, wherein the silicone head has a hemispherical structure.

[0011] Preferably, the flexible limiting member includes a first limiting plate and a second limiting plate distributed along the inner wall of the clamp groove. The first limiting plate is threadedly connected to the first adjusting screw, and the second limiting plate is threadedly connected to the second adjusting screw. Both the first adjusting screw and the second adjusting screw are provided with symmetrical bidirectional threaded layers.

[0012] Preferably, a lead screw is fixed to one side of both the first limiting plate and the second limiting plate, a buffer spring is sleeved on the lead screw, one end of the buffer spring abuts against the sleeve block, a support arm is hinged to the outside of the sleeve block, and a silicone pad is hinged to the end of the support arm.

[0013] Preferably, the four corners of the inner top of the fixture groove are provided with positioning bosses, and the outer side of the positioning bosses is provided with a 45° chamfer structure to guide the alignment of the microfluidic chip.

[0014] Preferably, the pressure-distributing component includes multiple pressure-distributing zones formed in the bottom wall of the clamp groove, and each pressure-distributing zone is fixed with a suction cup assembly. The suction cup assembly is connected to a pressure regulating valve through an air supply pipe to independently adjust the adsorption pressure of each pressure-distributing zone.

[0015] Preferably, a sealing gasket layer is laid on the inner side of the fixture groove, and the sealing gasket layer is distributed around the outer edge of the microfluidic chip to enhance the edge sealing performance.

[0016] Preferably, the top of the clamp base is further provided with a first reinforcing plate and a second reinforcing plate. A positioning rod is inserted into the first reinforcing plate, and the second reinforcing plate is snapped into the guide groove. A locking screw is threaded to the top of the clamp pressure plate for locking and fixing the clamp pressure plate and the clamp base.

[0017] The present invention achieves the following beneficial technical effects compared to the prior art: This invention provides a uniform clamping and limiting system for a multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture, featuring uniform clamping force distribution, strong compatibility, precise limiting, and excellent sealing performance. By arranging multiple elastic pressure heads at the bottom of the fixture's pressure plate and coordinating with an adjustment component to achieve adaptive adjustment of the pressure head positions, pressure can be dynamically compensated based on the sample surface flatness, effectively avoiding localized stress concentration and edge warping. The flexible limiting module employs an adjustable limiting plate and an elastic silicone pad structure, combined with the guiding effect of the positioning boss, to accurately adapt to chips of different sizes and channel numbers. During unilateral loading, offset compensation is achieved through a buffer spring, improving alignment accuracy. The pressure-distributing component independently controls the adsorption pressure through a partitioned suction cup assembly, and combined with a sealing gasket structure, significantly enhances edge sealing performance and fluid pressure uniformity, ensuring stable operation of multi-channel samples under high pressure conditions, thereby greatly improving the reliability and repeatability of experimental data. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the microfluidic fixture of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the microfluidic fixture of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping plate structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fixture groove structure of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a partial structure; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting plate structure of the present invention.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Fixture base; 2. Clamping and limiting mechanism; 201. Fixture pressure plate; 202. First reinforcing plate; 203. Second reinforcing plate; 204. Guide sleeve; 2041. First sleeve; 2042. Second sleeve; 205. Adjustment assembly; 2051. Drive gear; 2052. Driven gear; 2053. Eccentric wheel; 2054. Linkage rod; 206. Elastic pressure head; 2061. Telescopic spring; 2062. Silicone head; 207. Flexible limiting component; 20 71. First limiting plate; 2072. Second limiting plate; 2073. Lead screw; 2074. Buffer spring; 2075. Sleeve block; 2076. Support arm; 2077. Silicone pad; 208. Positioning boss; 209. Pressure dividing component; 2091. Pressure dividing area; 2092. Suction cup assembly; 210. Sealing gasket layer; 3. Fixture groove; 4. Positioning rod; 5. Threaded pin; 6. Guide groove; 7. Locking screw; 8. Horizontal groove; 9. First adjusting screw; 10. Second adjusting screw. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first," "second," etc., are merely used to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages). In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0022] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] The purpose of this invention is to provide a uniform clamping and limiting system for a multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] Example 1: Please see Figures 1 to 6 This invention provides a uniform clamping and limiting system for a multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture, primarily addressing technical problems in existing microfluidic fixtures when adapting to multi-channel or large-area samples, such as uneven clamping force distribution, difficulty in fixing the limiting structure to accommodate samples of different sizes, and insufficient edge sealing performance. This fixture system, through the coordinated operation of distributed multi-point clamping, flexible limiting compensation, and zoned pressure control, effectively improves the stability, sealing, and compatibility of microfluidic chips during experiments.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the microfluidic fixture system of this embodiment includes a fixture base 1, which serves as the supporting foundation for the entire device. It is typically made of high-strength metal or engineering plastic to ensure good structural stability and dimensional accuracy during long-term use. A fixture groove 3 is formed on the top of the fixture base 1 to accommodate the microfluidic chip. The shape of the fixture groove 3 is adapted to the shape of the microfluidic chip, typically designed as a rectangular groove structure. A clamping and limiting mechanism 2 is also provided on the top of the fixture base 1. This clamping and limiting mechanism 2 is used to fix, limit, and seal the microfluidic chip placed in the fixture groove 3.

[0028] Specifically, the clamping and limiting mechanism 2 includes a clamping plate 201 that engages with the top of the clamping base 1. The clamping plate 201 is generally plate-shaped, and its dimensions match the top contour of the clamping base 1. When the clamping plate 201 is closed on the clamping base 1, it can clamp and fix the microfluidic chip placed in the clamping groove 3. In order to achieve a uniform clamping force distribution and avoid chip damage or deformation due to excessive local pressure, multiple guide sleeves 204 are provided at the bottom of the clamping plate 201, and each guide sleeve 204 is provided with an elastic pressure head 206. By providing multiple elastic pressure heads 206, multi-point support can be formed when the clamping plate 201 contacts the chip, thereby distributing the clamping force to multiple areas of the chip. Each elastic pressure head 206 has an independent elastic adjustment capability. When there is a slight height difference on the chip surface, the elastic pressure heads 206 at different positions can produce different degrees of compression deformation, thereby adaptively adjusting the pressure at each point to ensure uniform force on the entire chip surface.

[0029] Please combine Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, to further optimize the distribution of the elastic pressure head 206 and enable it to be adaptively adjusted according to the channel layout of chips of different specifications, a transverse groove 8 is provided at the bottom of the clamping plate 201 in this embodiment. The guide sleeve 204 specifically includes a first sleeve 2041 fixed at the center of the inner side of the transverse groove 8, and two second sleeves 2042 slidably disposed within the transverse groove 8. The position of the first sleeve 2041 is fixed and located in the middle region of the clamping plate 201; while the two second sleeves 2042 are respectively located on both sides of the first sleeve 2041 and can slide along the length direction of the transverse groove 8. In order to realize the position adjustment of the second sleeves 2042, an adjustment component 205 is provided inside the clamping plate 201.

[0030] like Figure 3As shown, the adjustment assembly 205 includes a drive gear 2051 rotatably connected inside the clamping plate 201. The top of the drive gear 2051 may be equipped with a knob or a drive unit that engages with an external tool, allowing the operator to rotate it from the outside. Two driven gears 2052 are symmetrically meshed on both sides of the drive gear 2051, maintaining engagement with it. When the drive gear 2051 rotates, the two driven gears 2052 rotate synchronously in opposite directions. An eccentric wheel 2053 is coaxially fixedly connected to the bottom of each driven gear 2052, rotating together with it. A connecting rod 2054 is rotatably connected to the bottom of each eccentric wheel 2053, with one end rotatably connected to the eccentric position of the eccentric wheel 2053 and the other end rotatably connected to the top of the corresponding second sleeve 2042. When the driving gear 2051 drives the driven gear 2052 and the eccentric wheel 2053 to rotate, the rotational motion of the eccentric wheel 2053 is converted into the linear sliding of the second sleeve 2042 along the transverse groove 8 through the connecting rod 2054. Through this transmission method, the operator can pre-adjust the positions of the two second sleeves 2042 according to the size and channel distribution of the microfluidic chip to be clamped, so that the three guide sleeves 204 form a distributed layout of "fixed in the middle and adjustable on both sides" at the bottom of the clamping plate 201, ensuring that the elastic pressure head 206 can cover the periphery and the critical central area of ​​the chip.

[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the elastic pressure head 206 includes a telescopic spring 2061 disposed inside each guide sleeve 204, and a silicone head 2062 fixed to the bottom end of the telescopic spring 2061. The upper end of the telescopic spring 2061 abuts against the inner top wall of the guide sleeve 204, and the lower end is connected to the silicone head 2062, so that the silicone head 2062 always maintains a downward elastic force. The silicone head 2062 adopts a hemispherical structure. This design can form point contact or small-area contact when contacting the chip surface, reducing friction and scratches on the chip surface. At the same time, the hemispherical curved surface also facilitates adaptive adjustment of the angle during contact, ensuring good adhesion to the chip surface. When the clamping pressure plate 201 closes and applies pressure, the silicone head 2062 first contacts the chip surface, and then the telescopic spring 2061 is compressed, generating a reverse elastic support force. Since the extension spring 2061 of each elastic pressure head 206 operates independently, when there is a local protrusion on the chip surface, the extension spring 2061 at that location will be compressed more severely, generating a greater supporting force; when there is a local depression on the chip surface, the extension spring 2061 at that location will be compressed less, and the supporting force will be correspondingly smaller. Through this adaptive adjustment mechanism, the multiple elastic pressure heads 206 work together to effectively offset the differences in the flatness of the chip surface, achieving a dynamic balance of clamping force and avoiding local stress concentration.

[0032] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 To achieve precise positioning and offset compensation of the chip within the fixture slot 3, this embodiment provides a flexible positioning element 207 on the inner side of the fixture slot 3. The flexible positioning element 207 includes a first positioning plate 2071 and a second positioning plate 2072 distributed along the inner wall of the fixture slot 3. Specifically, there are two first positioning plates 2071, respectively positioned along the left and right inner walls of the fixture slot 3, used to limit the chip's left-right direction; there are two second positioning plates 2072, respectively positioned along the front and rear inner walls of the fixture slot 3, used to limit the chip's front-back direction. To achieve adjustable positioning width, a first adjusting screw 9 and a second adjusting screw 10 are rotatably connected inside the fixture base 1. The first adjusting screw 9 is axially arranged in the left-right direction, and its outer side has a symmetrically designed bidirectional threaded layer. The two first positioning plates 2071 are respectively threadedly connected to the bidirectional threads of the first adjusting screw 9. When the first adjusting screw 9 is rotated, the two first limiting plates 2071 will move synchronously in opposite directions, thereby adjusting the limiting width in the left and right directions. The second adjusting screw 10 is axially arranged in the front-back direction, and its outer side is also provided with a symmetrically designed bidirectional threaded layer. The two second limiting plates 2072 are respectively threaded to the bidirectional threads of the second adjusting screw 10. By rotating the second adjusting screw 10, the limiting width in the front-back direction can be adjusted synchronously.

[0033] Please combine Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, to provide flexible buffering during the limiting process and avoid damage to the chip from rigid contact, both the first limiting plate 2071 and the second limiting plate 2072 are provided with elastic buffer structures on the side facing the center of the fixture groove 3. Specifically, a lead screw 2073 is fixedly connected to one side of each of the first limiting plates 2071 and the second limiting plate 2072, and the lead screw 2073 extends horizontally. A buffer spring 2074 is sleeved on the outside of the lead screw 2073, and one end of the buffer spring 2074 abuts against the side wall of the limiting plate. A sleeve block 2075 is also slidably connected to the outside of the lead screw 2073, and the sleeve block 2075 can slide along the lead screw 2073, with the other end of the buffer spring 2074 abutting against the sleeve block 2075. A support arm 2076 is hinged to the outside of the sleeve block 2075, and there can be multiple support arms 2076, which are radially distributed. A silicone pad 2077 is hinged to the end of each support arm 2076 away from the sleeve block 2075. With this structure, when the chip is placed in the fixture slot 3 and comes into contact with the silicone pad 2077, the silicone pad 2077 is compressed, which pushes the sleeve block 2075 to compress the buffer spring 2074 through the support arm 2076, thereby generating a reverse elastic thrust. Since the silicone pad 2077 is connected to the sleeve block 2075 through the hinged support arm 2076, the contact surface can be adaptively adjusted according to the angle of the chip sidewall to ensure full contact with the chip surface. When the chip tends to shift horizontally due to unilateral loading, the buffer spring 2074 on the shifted side will be further compressed, generating a larger reverse elastic thrust, while the buffer spring 2074 on the other side maintains preload, forming a bidirectional flexible constraint, thereby effectively counteracting the shifting force and keeping the chip in the centered positioning position.

[0034] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, to achieve initial rapid alignment when the chip is placed into the fixture slot 3, positioning bosses 208 are fixedly installed at the four corners of the top inner side of the fixture slot 3. The outer sides of each positioning boss 208 are designed with a 45° chamfer. When the operator places the microfluidic chip into the fixture slot 3 from above, the four corners of the chip first contact the 45° chamfered surfaces of the four positioning bosses 208. Under the influence of gravity, the chip will automatically slide along the chamfered surfaces towards the center of the fixture slot 3, thus achieving initial precise alignment. This guiding design effectively reduces operational difficulty and minimizes human assembly errors.

[0035] Please continue reading. Figure 4 and Figure 5To enhance the sealing performance of the chip during experiments, especially for the edge sealing requirements of multi-channel chips under high-pressure fluid conditions, this embodiment includes a pressure divider 209 on the inner bottom wall of the fixture groove 3, and a sealing gasket 210 is laid on the inner side of the fixture groove 3. The sealing gasket 210 is made of elastic silicone and is distributed around the outer edge of the microfluidic chip. When the chip is pressed into the fixture groove 3, the sealing gasket 210 fits tightly against the edge of the chip and undergoes slight deformation under the clamping force, filling the tiny gap between the chip and the fixture groove 3, forming the first sealing barrier, effectively blocking edge leakage channels.

[0036] The pressure-dividing component 209 includes multiple pressure-dividing zones 2091 formed on the bottom wall of the fixture groove 3. These pressure-dividing zones 2091 are separated from each other by isolation ribs, forming multiple independent pressure control areas. A suction cup assembly 2092 is fixedly installed inside each pressure-dividing zone 2091. The suction cup assembly 2092 consists of multiple miniature suction cups used to adsorb the bottom surface of the chip. Each suction cup assembly 2092 has a gas supply pipe connected to its bottom, which extends through the fixture base 1 to the outside and connects to an external pressure regulating valve (not shown in the figure). Through the pressure regulating valve, the operator can independently adjust the adsorption pressure of the suction cup assembly 2092 in each pressure-dividing zone 2091. Before the experiment begins, an initial negative pressure is first introduced into each pressure-dividing zone 2091 through the pressure regulating valve, causing the suction cup assembly 2092 to adsorb the bottom of the chip, achieving a tight fit between the chip and the bottom wall of the fixture groove 3. During the experiment, the pressure of each pressure-dividing zone 2091 was independently adjusted using pressure regulating valves according to the fluid pressure requirements of each channel of the chip. For areas with dense channels and high fluid resistance, the negative pressure of the corresponding pressure-dividing zone was appropriately increased to enhance the chip's fit and prevent local pressure imbalances that could cause the chip to lift. For channel areas near the edges, the pressure could be finely adjusted to be slightly higher than that of the center area to compensate for pressure loss due to edge sealing. This zoned pressure control ensures the uniformity of the overall liquid circuit pressure of the chip, effectively preventing leakage or distortion of experimental data caused by local pressure imbalances.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2To ensure a stable and reliable connection between the clamping plate 201 and the clamping base 1, this embodiment also provides a first reinforcing plate 202 and a second reinforcing plate 203 on the top of the clamping base 1. There are two first reinforcing plates 202, fixedly installed on the front and rear sides of the top of the clamping base 1, respectively. Positioning rods 4 are inserted into the inner sides of the two first reinforcing plates 202, passing horizontally through them and secured at both ends with nuts or pins. Threaded pins 5 are also threadedly connected to the inner sides of the first reinforcing plates 202, with the ends of the pins abutting against the sidewalls of the clamping plate 201. There are also two second reinforcing plates 203, respectively located on the left and right sides of the top of the clamping base 1. Vertical guide grooves 6 are provided at corresponding positions on the top of the clamping base 1. The second reinforcing plates 203 engage with the inner sides of the guide grooves 6 and can slide up and down along the guide grooves 6 to adjust their positions. Locking screws 7 are threaded to the top four corners of the clamping plate 201. The locking screws 7 pass downward through the clamping plate 201 and are threaded to the top of the clamping base 1. By tightening the locking screws 7, the clamping plate 201 and the clamping base 1 can be locked and fixed.

[0038] In this embodiment, the microfluidic clamping system first adjusts the positions of the first limiting plate 2071 and the second limiting plate 2072 according to the size of the microfluidic chip to be clamped by rotating the first adjusting screw 9 and the second adjusting screw 10, so that the limiting width of the clamping groove 3 matches the outer dimensions of the chip. Simultaneously, based on the chip's channel layout, the position of the two second sleeves 2042 is adjusted by rotating the drive gear 2051 to drive the adjusting component 205, so that the distribution of the elastic pressure heads 206 corresponds to the key force-bearing areas of the chip. Next, the microfluidic chip is placed into the clamping groove 3 from above, and the chip automatically slides into the center position under the guidance of the positioning boss 208. Then, the clamping pressure plate 201 is closed, so that the silicone heads 2062 of each elastic pressure head 206 contact the chip surface. Tightening the locking screw 7 applies downward pressure to the clamping pressure plate 201. At this time, the extension springs 2061 of each elastic pressure head 206 adaptively compress according to the flatness of the chip surface, achieving multi-point uniform clamping. The clamping plate 201 is reinforced and locked laterally and longitudinally by the positioning rod 4 and the threaded pin 5. Finally, negative pressure is introduced into the suction cup assembly 2092 of each pressure division zone 2091 through the external pressure regulating valve, so that the bottom of the chip is tightly attached to the inner bottom wall of the clamping groove 3, and the adsorption pressure of each pressure division zone is independently adjusted according to the experimental requirements to ensure uniform liquid circuit pressure.

[0039] In summary, the uniform clamping and limiting system of the multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture of this invention, through multiple designs such as distributed multi-point clamping mechanism, flexible limiting module, and partitioned pressure control structure, effectively solves the problems of uneven clamping force, poor compatibility, and insufficient sealing performance in the prior art, and can significantly improve the stability, reliability and data accuracy of microfluidic chip experiments.

[0040] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0041] It should be noted that the components mentioned in the above embodiments are all general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structures and principles can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.

[0042] This invention has illustrated its principles and implementation methods using specific examples. The descriptions of these embodiments are merely illustrative of the method and its core ideas; furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made to the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the principles of this invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Claims

1. A uniform clamping and limiting system for a multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture, comprising a fixture base (1), characterized in that: The top of the clamp base (1) is provided with a clamp groove (3) and a clamping and limiting mechanism (2). The clamping and limiting mechanism (2) includes a clamping plate (201) that is engaged with the clamping base (1). The bottom of the clamping plate (201) is provided with a plurality of guide sleeves (204), and each guide sleeve (204) is provided with an elastic pressure head (206). The inner side of the clamping groove (3) is provided with a flexible limiting member (207), and the inner bottom wall of the clamping groove (3) is provided with a pressure dividing member (209). The pressure dividing member (209) includes multiple independently controlled suction cup groups (2092) for partitioning and adsorbing the bottom of the microfluidic chip.

2. The uniform clamping and limiting system of the multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide sleeve (204) includes a first sleeve (2041) fixed at the bottom center of the clamping plate (201) and a second sleeve (2042) slidably disposed in the transverse groove (8). The second sleeve (2042) is driven to slide along the transverse groove (8) by the adjusting component (205).

3. The uniform clamping and limiting system of the multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adjustment assembly (205) includes a drive gear (2051) rotatably connected in the clamping plate (201), driven gears (2052) meshing on both sides of the drive gear (2051), and an eccentric wheel (2053) coaxially fixed at the bottom of each driven gear (2052). The eccentric wheel (2053) is rotatably connected to the second sleeve (2042) through a connecting rod (2054).

4. The uniform clamping and limiting system of the multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic pressure head (206) includes a telescopic spring (2061) disposed in the guide sleeve (204) and a silicone head (2062) fixed at the bottom end of the telescopic spring (2061), wherein the silicone head (2062) is a hemispherical structure.

5. The uniform clamping and limiting system of the multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible limiting member (207) includes a first limiting plate (2071) and a second limiting plate (2072) distributed along the inner wall of the clamp groove (3). The first limiting plate (2071) is threadedly connected to the first adjusting screw (9), and the second limiting plate (2072) is threadedly connected to the second adjusting screw (10). Both the first adjusting screw (9) and the second adjusting screw (10) are provided with symmetrical bidirectional thread layers.

6. The uniform clamping and limiting system of the multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that: A lead screw (2073) is fixed on one side of the first limiting plate (2071) and the second limiting plate (2072). A buffer spring (2074) is sleeved on the lead screw (2073). One end of the buffer spring (2074) abuts against the sleeve block (2075). A support arm (2076) is hinged to the outside of the sleeve block (2075). A silicone pad (2077) is hinged to the end of the support arm (2076).

7. The uniform clamping and limiting system of the multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner top four corners of the fixture groove (3) are provided with positioning bosses (208), and the outer side of the positioning bosses (208) is provided with a 45° chamfer structure to guide the alignment of the microfluidic chip.

8. The uniform clamping and limiting system of the multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure-distributing component (209) includes multiple pressure-distributing zones (2091) formed in the bottom wall of the clamp groove (3). Each pressure-distributing zone (2091) is fixed with a suction cup assembly (2092). The suction cup assembly (2092) is connected to an external pressure regulating valve through an air supply pipe to independently adjust the adsorption pressure of each pressure-distributing zone (2091).

9. The uniform clamping and limiting system of the multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the fixture groove (3) is covered with a sealing gasket layer (210), which is distributed around the outer edge of the microfluidic chip to enhance the edge sealing performance.

10. The uniform clamping and limiting system of the multi-channel compatible microfluidic fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the clamp base (1) is also provided with a first reinforcing plate (202) and a second reinforcing plate (203). A positioning rod (4) is inserted into the first reinforcing plate (202), and the second reinforcing plate (203) is snapped into the guide groove (6). The top of the clamp pressure plate (201) is threaded with a locking screw (7) for locking and fixing the clamp pressure plate (201) and the clamp base (1).

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