Multifunctional driving structure in microfluidic detection equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a multifunctional driving structure in microfluidic detection equipment, which is characterized in that a linear guide rail is fixedly arranged in a shell, a temperature control module is movably arranged on the linear guide rail, and a driving source is fixedly arranged in the shell and is connected with the temperature control module to drive the temperature control module to move under the guide of the linear guide rail; the EWOD micro-fluidic chip is installed above the temperature control module through the objective table, the contact pressing plate is rotatably connected to the objective table through the plate reset mechanism, the contact pressing plate is in contact with the EWOD micro-fluidic chip in a downward pressing state, and the contact pressing plate is not in contact with the EWOD micro-fluidic chip under the action of the plate reset mechanism. The multifunctional driving structure in the microfluidic detection equipment disclosed by the utility model is applied to the control detection of a dielectric electrowetting EWOD microfluidic chip, can replace the operation of manually connecting an electrode and a control unit, directly transfers the chip into a darkroom for detection, and is small and exquisite in structure and convenient to integrate into subsequent detection equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to automated detection equipment, and more particularly to a multifunctional driving structure in a microfluidic detection equipment. Background Art

[0002] Nucleic acid detection technology, with its significant advantages of high sensitivity and accuracy, has become one of the most widely used molecular diagnostic techniques in recent years. Within the field of molecular diagnostics, microfluidics is increasingly being used to improve detection efficiency and conserve reagents. By integrating various unit components, complex and lengthy biological detection processes can be integrated onto chips measuring a few square centimeters or even smaller. This approach offers advantages such as low fluid handling, minimal loss, and high sensitivity, enabling rapid, on-site "sample in, result out" testing.

[0003] EWOD (electrowetting-on-dielectric) microfluidics involves adjusting the potential applied between liquid-solid electrodes to alter the surface tension between the liquid and solid, thereby changing the contact angle between them and driving liquid movement. Based on this control principle, the use of EWOD microfluidic chips requires an external control unit to connect the drive electrodes arranged on the chip.

[0004] An increasing number of researchers are exploring EWOD microfluidics technology, but currently, there are no comprehensive instruments on the market suitable for subsequent testing of EWOD microfluidic chips. Testing EWOD microfluidic chips often requires manual connection and power-up of the chip's electrodes and control unit, followed by placing the entire assembly in a darkroom for fluorescence detection. This operation is not only time-consuming but can also cause misalignment of droplets within the chip, directly impacting the detection process. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the problems in the above-mentioned prior art such as time-consuming manual operation and resulting droplet misalignment, the utility model provides a multifunctional driving structure in a microfluidic detection device.

[0006] According to the multifunctional driving structure in the microfluidic detection equipment of the present invention, it includes a shell, a linear guide rail, a temperature control module, a driving source, a stage, an EWOD microfluidic chip and a contact pressure plate, wherein the linear guide rail is fixedly installed inside the shell, the temperature control module is movably installed on the linear guide rail, the driving source is fixedly installed inside the shell and connected to the temperature control module to drive the temperature control module to move under the guidance of the linear guide rail, the EWOD microfluidic chip is installed above the temperature control module through the stage, the contact pressure plate is rotatably connected to the stage through a plate reset mechanism, the contact pressure plate contacts the EWOD microfluidic chip in the downward state, and the contact pressure plate does not contact the EWOD microfluidic chip under the action of the plate reset mechanism.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the multifunctional driving structure further comprises a door rotatably connected to the housing via a door reset mechanism, and the door is closed relative to the housing under the action of the door reset mechanism.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the multifunctional drive structure also includes a first fixed pulley rotatably mounted on the temperature control module. When the driving source drives the temperature control module to move until it is about to contact the door, the first fixed pulley acts on the door before the temperature control module to push the door to rotate open.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the plate reset mechanism and / or the door reset mechanism is a torsion spring.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the contact pressure plate is formed as a chip contact surface, on which a plurality of compression spring contacts are provided, and the chip contact surface cooperates with the EWOD microfluidic chip through the compression spring contacts.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the driving source is a lead screw motor.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the stage is fixedly mounted above the temperature control module, and the EWOD microfluidic chip is fixedly mounted on the stage.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the multifunctional driving structure further comprises a second fixed pulley rotatably mounted in the housing, the second fixed pulley being located above the contact pressing plate in the depressed state to limit the depressed state of the contact pressing plate.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the contact pressing plate moves under the constraint of the second fixed pulley.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, when the driving source drives the temperature control module to move the loading platform and the contact pressing plate to disengage from the second fixed pulley, the contact pressing plate rotates open under the action of the plate resetting mechanism.

[0016] According to the multifunctional driving structure in the microfluidic detection equipment of the utility model, it is used in the control and detection of dielectric electrowetting EWOD microfluidic chips, which can replace the operation of manually connecting the electrode and the control unit, and directly transfer the chip to the darkroom for inspection. It has a compact structure and is easy to integrate into subsequent detection equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is the first state of the multifunctional driving structure in the microfluidic detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is the second state of the multifunctional driving structure in the microfluidic detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is the third state of the multifunctional driving structure in the microfluidic detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1-Figure 3 Bottom view of the contact pressure plate of the multifunctional drive structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and described in detail.

[0022] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the multifunctional drive structure in the microfluidic detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 1 and a door 2, wherein the lower edge of the door 2 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 through a door reset mechanism (not shown). Figure 1 In the first state shown, the door 2 is closed relative to the housing 1 to define a closed space. Figure 2-Figure 3 In the second and third states shown, the door 2 rotates open relative to the housing 1 to open the closed space. In this embodiment, the door reset mechanism is a torsion spring.

[0023] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the multifunctional drive structure in the microfluidic detection device according to this embodiment also includes a linear guide 3, a temperature control module 4, and a drive source 5. The linear guide 3 is fixedly installed inside the housing 1 along the left-right direction, the temperature control module 4 is movably installed on the linear guide 3, and the drive source 5 is fixedly installed on the left side of the housing 1 and connected to the temperature control module 4 to drive the temperature control module 4 to move left and right under the guidance of the linear guide 3. In this embodiment, the drive source 5 is a lead screw motor.

[0024] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the multifunctional drive structure in the microfluidic detection device according to this embodiment also includes two first fixed pulleys 6, which are rotatably mounted on both sides of the lower right side of the temperature control module 4. When the drive source 5 drives the temperature control module 4 to move until it is about to contact the door 2, the first fixed pulleys 6 act on the door 2 before the temperature control module 4, pushing the door 2 to rotate open.

[0025] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the multifunctional driving structure in the microfluidic detection device according to this embodiment also includes a stage 7 and an EWOD microfluidic chip 8, wherein the stage 7 is fixedly mounted above the temperature control module 4, and the EWOD microfluidic chip 8 is fixedly mounted on the stage 7.

[0026] like Figure 1-Figure 3As shown, the multifunctional driving structure in the microfluidic detection device according to this embodiment further includes a contact pressure plate 9, the left edge of which is rotatably connected to the stage 7 via a plate reset mechanism (not shown). Figure 4 As shown, the bottom surface of the contact pressure plate 9 is formed as a chip contact surface 91, on which a number of compression spring contacts 92 are provided. The chip contact surface 91 cooperates with the EWOD microfluidic chip 8 through the compression spring contacts 92. Figure 1 In the first state shown, the contact pressure plate 9 completely covers the stage 7 (also referred to as the pressed state of the contact pressure plate 9) so that the compression spring contact 92 contacts the EWOD microfluidic chip 8, and the closed contact is energized to control the movement of the droplet. Figure 3 In the third state shown, the contact pressure plate 9 is rotated open relative to the stage 7 so that the compression spring contact 92 is not in contact with the EWOD microfluidic chip 8. In this embodiment, the plate reset mechanism is a torsion spring.

[0027] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the multifunctional drive structure in the microfluidic detection device according to this embodiment also includes four second fixed pulleys 10, which are rotatably mounted on the front and rear sides of the housing 1 and positioned above the contact pressure plate 9 in the depressed state to define the depressed state of the contact pressure plate 9. The contact pressure plate 9 can move under the constraints of the second fixed pulleys 10. When the drive source 5 drives the temperature control module 4 to move the stage 7 and the contact pressure plate 9 to disengage from the second fixed pulleys 10, the contact pressure plate 9 rotates open under the action of the plate reset mechanism to define the open state of the contact pressure plate 9.

[0028] The following briefly describes the motion mechanism of the multifunctional driving structure in the microfluidic detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] When the temperature control module 4 moves a certain distance to the right under the drive source 5, the first fixed pulley 6 at the lower right of the temperature control module 4 will first push the door 2. When the temperature control module 4 continues to move to the right, the door 2 will be opened under the push of the first fixed pulley 6.

[0030] After door 2 is opened, as temperature control module 4 continues to move rightward under the drive source 5, contact pressure plate 9 above temperature control module 4 releases the restraint of second fixed pulley 10 above and automatically opens, completing the opening operation. At this point, temperature control module 4 has moved outside of housing 1, and contact pressure plate 9 has opened, exposing EWOD microfluidic chip 8 on stage 7, allowing the microfluidic chip to be replaced.

[0031] After replacing the EWOD microfluidic chip 8, the drive source 5 reverses, causing the temperature control module 4 to move in the opposite direction and to the left. This causes the contact pressure plate 9 above the loading platform 7 to close under the restraint of the second fixed pulley 10 above, contacting the EWOD microfluidic chip 8, completing the loading and energizing process and paving the way for subsequent energization and control of the microdroplets. As the temperature control module 4 continues to retract and move to the left under the drive source 5, the first fixed pulley 6 at the lower right of the temperature control module 4 slowly disengages from the door 2. Freed from the external restraint, the door 2 closes, completing the closing action.

[0032] According to the multifunctional driving structure of the utility model, the structure is compact and is driven by only one driving source 5. With the assistance of a torsion spring (not shown) and fixed pulleys 6 and 10, six actions can be completed, namely, the ejection and retraction of the loading platform 7, the opening and closing of the door 2, and the opening and closing of the contact pressure plate 9. The driving source of the door 2 and the contact pressure plate 9 is saved, thereby greatly compressing the equipment structure space and saving costs.

[0033] According to the multifunctional driving structure of the present invention, it has strong adaptability. For EWOD microfluidic chips 8 with different layout formats of electrodes, it is only necessary to change the contact position of the compression spring contact 92 connected to the control unit on the contact pressure plate 9 to make it the same as the corresponding electrode layout format. Without changing other components, the multifunctional driving structure can be used to complete the operations of loading, powering on and placing the EWOD microfluidic chip 8 in the darkroom, avoiding manual operation.

[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications are possible to the above embodiments of the present invention. In other words, any simple, equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present invention fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Anything not fully described in this invention represents conventional technology.

Claims

1. A multifunctional driving structure in a microfluidic detection device, characterized in that: The multifunctional driving structure includes a shell, a linear guide rail, a temperature control module, a driving source, a stage, an EWOD microfluidic chip and a contact pressure plate, wherein the linear guide rail is fixedly installed inside the shell, the temperature control module is movably installed on the linear guide rail, the driving source is fixedly installed inside the shell and connected to the temperature control module to drive the temperature control module to move under the guidance of the linear guide rail, the EWOD microfluidic chip is installed above the temperature control module through the stage, the contact pressure plate is rotatably connected to the stage through a plate reset mechanism, the contact pressure plate contacts the EWOD microfluidic chip in a downward pressed state, and the contact pressure plate does not contact the EWOD microfluidic chip under the action of the plate reset mechanism.

2. The multifunctional driving structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multifunctional driving structure also includes a door rotatably connected to the shell through a door reset mechanism, the lower edge of the door is rotatably connected to the shell through the door reset mechanism, the contact pressure plate contacts the EWOD microfluidic chip in a pressed state, and the door is closed relative to the shell under the action of the door reset mechanism.

3. The multifunctional driving structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The multifunctional driving structure also includes a first fixed pulley rotatably mounted on the temperature control module. When the driving source drives the temperature control module to move until it is about to contact the door, the first fixed pulley acts on the door before the temperature control module to push the door to rotate and open.

4. The multifunctional driving structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plate reset mechanism and / or the door reset mechanism is a torsion spring.

5. The multifunctional driving structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the contact pressure plate is formed as a chip contact surface, on which a number of compression spring contacts are provided. The chip contact surface cooperates with the EWOD microfluidic chip through the compression spring contacts.

6. The multifunctional driving structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving source is a screw motor.

7. The multifunctional driving structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stage is fixedly installed above the temperature control module, and the EWOD microfluidic chip is fixedly installed on the stage.

8. The multifunctional driving structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multifunctional driving structure further comprises a second fixed pulley rotatably mounted in the housing, wherein the second fixed pulley is located above the contact pressing plate in the depressed state to limit the depressed state of the contact pressing plate.

9. The multifunctional driving structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The contact pressing plate moves under the constraint of the second fixed pulley.

10. The multifunctional driving structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the driving source drives the temperature control module to move the loading platform and the contact pressing plate to disengage from the second fixed pulley, the contact pressing plate rotates and opens under the action of the plate resetting mechanism.

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