Microfluidic air pressure driven sample injection system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of micro-fluidic systems, and discloses a micro-fluidic air pressure driven sampling system which comprises a man-machine interaction module, an air pressure module and a circuit module, and the air pressure module comprises an air pump, a regulating valve and a pressure sensor; the air pump is arranged to compress air, peripheral equipment such as an air cylinder does not need to be arranged, the installation space required by the air pressure module can be reduced, and compared with the peripheral equipment such as the air cylinder, the size of the air pump is small, so that the size of the microfluidic air pressure driven sampling system is reduced. By arranging the man-machine interaction module and the circuit module, an operator not only can control the regulating valve to regulate the air pressure value of the output gas through the panel on site, but also can remotely control the regulating valve to regulate the air pressure value of the output gas through the circuit module, and the operator can perform remote or on-site control according to actual conditions. The output gas provides output power for the sample liquid, and the simplicity and convenience of adjustment of output parameters of the sample liquid are improved by increasing the adjustment mode of the pressure value of the output gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of microfluidic systems, in particular to a microfluidic air pressure driven sample injection system. Background Art

[0002] Microfluidic systems operate, control, and process microfluidics through micron-scale pipes. Microfluidic systems offer advantages such as low reagent consumption, low cost, high integration, and excellent portability, thus holding enormous potential for application in fields such as biological monitoring, chemical synthesis, and environmental monitoring. Microfluidic systems generally consist of a fluid-driven injection system, a microfluidic chip, and a detection and analysis system. The precision and portability of the fluid-driven injection system directly impacts the accuracy, portability, and reliability of the microfluidic system.

[0003] Currently, the most commonly used fluid-driven injection systems include syringe pumps, peristaltic pumps, and pneumatic injection systems. Pneumatic injection systems are widely used due to their advantages, such as continuous and stable sample output, a wide range of output pressure and flow rate adjustment, and sensitive response.

[0004] However, the existing pneumatic injection systems require peripheral equipment such as gas cylinders, resulting in bulky systems, poor maneuverability, high costs, and inconvenient maintenance, limiting their widespread adoption. Furthermore, existing pneumatic injection systems require personnel to adjust the output gas pressure on-site via a panel to adjust the output parameters of the sample solution, making adjustment more difficult. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the utility model provides a microfluidic air pressure driven sampling system to solve the problem that the existing air pressure driven sampling system requires peripheral equipment such as gas cylinders, which leads to an increase in the system volume. When using the existing air pressure driven sampling system, staff must go to the site to adjust the gas pressure value and the output parameters of the sample liquid of the air pressure driven sampling system, which increases the difficulty of adjustment.

[0006] The utility model provides a microfluidic air pressure driven sample injection system, comprising:

[0007] Human-computer interaction module;

[0008] An air pressure module is used to adjust the parameters of the sample liquid output to the microfluidic chip. The air pressure module includes an air pump, a regulating valve and a pressure sensor. The regulating valve is connected to the air pump and is used to adjust the air pressure of the output gas of the air pump. The pressure sensor is connected to the regulating valve and is used to monitor the air pressure of the output gas of the regulating valve.

[0009] The circuit module is connected to the human-computer interaction module and the air pressure module. The circuit module is used to remotely adjust the opening of the regulating valve, and / or the circuit module adjusts the opening of the regulating valve through the human-computer interaction module.

[0010] Beneficial effects: By setting up an air pump to compress the air, there is no need to set up peripheral equipment such as gas cylinders, which can reduce the installation space required for the air pressure module. In addition, compared with peripheral equipment such as gas cylinders, the air pump is small in size, which can achieve the technical effect of reducing the volume of the microfluidic air pressure-driven injection system. At the same time, by setting up a human-computer interaction module and a circuit module, the operator can not only adjust the pressure value of the output gas on site through the panel control regulating valve, but also remotely control the regulating valve to adjust the pressure value of the output gas through the circuit module, so that the operator can perform remote or on-site control according to actual conditions, thereby improving the convenience of adjusting the pressure value of the output gas. Furthermore, the output gas provides output power as a sample liquid. Based on this, the pressure value of the required output gas can be adjusted according to the output parameters of the required sample liquid, and by increasing the adjustment method of the output gas pressure value, the convenience of adjusting the output parameters of the sample liquid can be improved.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the circuit module includes a control module, and the control module includes:

[0012] A lower computer connected to the air pressure module;

[0013] The upper computer is communicatively connected to the lower computer and is used to send a remote control instruction to the air pressure module through the lower computer to control the air pressure value of the output gas.

[0014] Beneficial effect: By setting up a communication connection between the upper computer and the lower computer, the operator can send control instructions to the lower computer through the upper computer to remotely adjust the pressure value of the output gas, so as to further adjust the output parameters of the sample liquid, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the simplicity of adjusting the output parameters of the sample liquid.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the human-computer interaction module includes:

[0016] An air pressure regulating knob connected to the control module and used to adjust the air pressure value of the output gas;

[0017] And / or, a display connected to the control module, for displaying the pressure value of the output gas.

[0018] Beneficial Effects: By turning the pressure adjustment knob, the control module controls the regulating valve to adjust the output gas pressure, thereby improving the ease of adjusting the output gas pressure. Furthermore, the operator can view the output gas pressure in real time on the display, making it easier to adjust the output gas pressure as needed and monitoring the stability of the output gas pressure.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system further comprises:

[0020] a housing, wherein the circuit module and the air pressure module are disposed inside the housing, and the human-computer interaction module is disposed outside the housing;

[0021] A clamp module is arranged outside the housing and is used to clamp the microfluidic chip.

[0022] Beneficial effect: By setting the clamp module, the microfluidic chip can be clamped, so that when the size of the microfluidic chip changes, the microfluidic chip can be easily replaced.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, the fixture module includes:

[0024] fixture base;

[0025] A pressure cover assembly is detachably connected to the clamp base, and is used to clamp the microfluidic chip between the pressure cover assembly and the clamp base. The pressure cover assembly is provided with a visible slot corresponding to the position of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip. The size of the visible slot is greater than or equal to the size of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip, and smaller than the overall size of the microfluidic chip.

[0026] Beneficial effects: The detachable connection between the clamp base and the pressure cover assembly facilitates the disassembly, assembly, and replacement of the microfluidic chip, and by providing a visual slot on the pressure cover assembly, the working area of ​​the clamped microfluidic chip is unobstructed, and the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip can be directly observed through a microscope, thereby improving the ease of observation of the microfluidic chip. At the same time, the size of the visual slot is limited to no less than the size of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip to ensure comprehensive observation of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip, and the size of the visual slot is limited to less than the overall size of the microfluidic chip to ensure that the pressure cover assembly cooperates with the clamp base to achieve clamping of the microfluidic chip.

[0027] In an optional embodiment, the gland assembly includes:

[0028] A gland frame, wherein the gland frame is provided with an accommodating space and a through hole corresponding to the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip;

[0029] A pressing plate is detachably connected to the accommodating space. The pressing plate is provided with the visible slot hole, and the visible slot hole is arranged corresponding to the through hole.

[0030] Beneficial effect: When the working area size of the microfluidic chip changes, the size of the visible slots on the pressure plate can be adapted to the working area size of the microfluidic chip by replacing the pressure plate in the fixture module, so as to be suitable for microfluidic chips with working areas of different sizes.

[0031] In an optional embodiment, a plurality of the pressing plates are provided, and the sizes of the plurality of pressing plates are different.

[0032] Beneficial effect: By setting up multiple pressing plates, microfluidic chips of different sizes can be adapted by replacing suitable pressing plates, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the convenience of the fixture module in adapting to microfluidic chips of different sizes.

[0033] In an optional embodiment, the gland assembly is rotatably connected to the fixture base at one end and is clamped at the other end.

[0034] Beneficial effect: When replacing the microfluidic chip, only one end of the pressure cover assembly and the clamp base needs to be disassembled, thereby improving the convenience of disassembling the pressure cover assembly and the clamp assembly, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the convenience of replacing the microfluidic chip.

[0035] In an optional embodiment, the fixture module further includes:

[0036] A movable platform is fixedly connected to a side of the clamp base away from the gland assembly, and the movable platform is used to adjust the position of the clamp base.

[0037] Beneficial effect: By setting up a mobile platform, when the microfluidic chip needs to be observed through a microscope, the mobile platform can be adjusted as needed, and the position of the microfluidic chip can be adjusted through the fixture module.

[0038] In an optional embodiment, the regulating valve is an electromagnetic proportional valve.

[0039] Beneficial Effects: By setting the regulating valve as a solenoid proportional valve, the accuracy of the output gas pressure value can be achieved. At the same time, the rapidity of the response to adjusting the output gas pressure value can be improved, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the accuracy of adjusting the sample liquid output parameters and the sample liquid output response speed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0041] Figure 1 1 is an exploded view of the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system in this embodiment;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the assembly of the human-computer interaction module and the fixture in this embodiment;

[0043] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the air pressure module in this embodiment;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the assembly of the fixture module and the microfluidic chip in this embodiment;

[0045] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the connection between the human-computer interaction module, the circuit module and the air pressure module in this embodiment;

[0046] Figure 6 Flowchart of the operation of the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system in this embodiment;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a logic block diagram of the microfluidic air pressure control driving the real-time display of the injection system and the adjustment of the pressure value of the output gas when the upper computer sends a control signal to the lower computer in this embodiment.

[0048] Description of reference numerals:

[0049] 1. Human-computer interaction module; 101. Flow controller; 102. Display; 103. Air pressure adjustment knob; 104. Status indicator light; 105. Air pump switch; 106. Output switch; 107. Output indicator light;

[0050] 2. Circuit module; 201. Control module; 2011. Host computer; 2012. Slave computer; 2013. Isolation transmitter; 2014. Control valve drive circuit; 202. Power module;

[0051] 3. Air pressure module; 301. Air pump; 302. Regulating valve; 303. Pressure sensor;

[0052] 4. Housing; 401. Cooling holes; 402. Cooling fan; 403. Air inlet; 404. Air outlet; 405. Power switch;

[0053] 5. Fixture module; 501. Fixture base; 502. Gland frame; 5021. Through hole; 503. Press plate; 5031. Visible slot; 5032. Silicone pad; 504. Lock; 505. Lock rod; 506. Rotating rod; 507. Lock hole; 508. Moving platform; 509. Rotating shaft;

[0054] 6. Sample holder; 7. Microfluidic chip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] The following combination Figures 1 to 7 , describing the embodiments of the present utility model.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, a microfluidic air pressure driven sample injection system is provided, comprising: a human-computer interaction module 1;

[0058] The air pressure module 3 is used to adjust the parameters of the sample liquid output to the microfluidic chip 7. The air pressure module 3 includes an air pump 301, a regulating valve 302 and a pressure sensor 303. The regulating valve 302 is connected to the air pump 301 and is used to adjust the air pressure value of the output gas of the air pump 301. The pressure sensor 303 is connected to the regulating valve 302 and is used to monitor the air pressure value of the output gas of the regulating valve 302.

[0059] The circuit module 2 is connected to the human-computer interaction module 1 and the air pressure module 3 . The circuit module 2 is used to remotely adjust the opening of the regulating valve 302 . At the same time, the circuit module 2 also adjusts the opening of the regulating valve 302 through the human-computer interaction module 1 .

[0060] In the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system of the present embodiment, by setting the human-computer interaction module 1 and the circuit module 2, the operator can not only adjust the air pressure value of the output gas through the panel control regulating valve 302 on site, but also remotely control the regulating valve 302 to adjust the air pressure value of the output gas through the circuit module 2, and the operator can perform remote or on-site control according to the actual situation. The output gas provides output power for the sample liquid, and by increasing the adjustment method of the output gas pressure value, the simplicity of adjusting the output parameters of the sample liquid is improved. At the same time, by setting the air pump 301 in the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system, it is possible to replace the peripheral equipment in the relevant technology. Based on this, there is no need to set peripheral equipment such as gas cylinders, and the technical effect of reducing the volume of the system can be achieved. Further, the human-computer interaction module 1, air pressure module 3 and circuit module 2 in the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system of the present embodiment are all modularly designed and then assembled. The modular design can simplify the assembly difficulty of the system, improve the simplicity of system maintenance and the stability of the equipment. At the same time, the modular design can also improve the compactness of the structure, thereby achieving the technical effect of reducing the volume of the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system.

[0061] Of course, in other embodiments, the pressure value of the output gas can be adjusted by remotely controlling the regulating valve only through the circuit module, or the circuit module can control the regulating valve to adjust the pressure value of the output gas through the human-computer interaction module, which can also achieve the technical effect of adjusting the pressure value of the output gas and the sample liquid output parameters.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of buttons are provided on the human-computer interaction module 1 in this embodiment, and the operator can adjust the pressure value of the output gas and the output parameters of the sample liquid by manually adjusting the buttons on the human-computer interaction module 1 .

[0063] In addition, the air pump 301 provides gas with positive pressure or negative pressure into the sample liquid reagent bottle through compressed air to drive the sample liquid to be output into the microfluidic chip 7.

[0064] Specifically, the regulating valve 302 controls the air pump 301 to output gas with negative pressure or gas with positive pressure based on the control signal sent by the receiving circuit module 2 or the human-computer interaction module 1, so as to output the sample liquid in the sample liquid reagent bottle to the microfluidic chip 7. At the same time, the output parameters of the sample liquid can be adjusted by adjusting the pressure value of the output gas. For example, the output parameters of the sample liquid can be flow rate, flow rate, etc.

[0065] In addition, preferably, in this embodiment, the pressure sensor 303 can monitor the air pressure value of the output gas of the regulating valve 302 in real time, and feed the air pressure value back to the circuit module 2. The air pressure value of the output gas and the output parameters of the sample liquid can be monitored through the circuit module 2, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the stability of the air pressure value and the output parameters of the sample liquid.

[0066] In addition, preferably, the air pump 301 is a micro diaphragm pump, which can further reduce the installation space required for the air pump 301, so as to achieve the technical effect of reducing the volume of the microfluidic air pressure-driven injection system.

[0067] In addition, preferably, the regulating valve 302 is an electromagnetic proportional valve, which can achieve the accuracy of the output gas pressure value through the electromagnetic proportional valve, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the accuracy of adjusting the sample liquid output parameters. Furthermore, the electromagnetic proportional valve is a standard part, which is convenient for operators to repair and replace.

[0068] Of course, in other embodiments, a solenoid switch valve and a throttle valve can be used in conjunction to adjust the sample liquid output parameters. Compared to other embodiments, this embodiment can adjust the sample liquid output parameters solely through the solenoid proportional valve, reducing the number and complexity of system components, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the ease of system setup and maintenance. Furthermore, the solenoid proportional valve can increase the response speed of the output gas command, thereby accelerating the response speed of the microfluidic pressure-driven injection system.

[0069] In addition, combined Figure 5 As shown, the circuit module 2 includes a control module 201. The control module 201 includes a slave computer 2012 connected to the air pressure module 3. A host computer 2011 is connected to the slave computer 2012 via a serial port and is configured to send remote control commands to the air pressure module 3 via the slave computer 2012, specifically adjusting the pressure of the output gas via the regulating valve 302 in the air pressure module 3.

[0070] Preferably, in this embodiment, the lower computer 2012 is an embedded single-chip microcomputer, specifically an ARM Cortex-M core single-chip microcomputer of the STM32 series, which can achieve the technical effect of reducing power consumption.

[0071] Specifically, the host computer 2011 sends a control signal to the slave computer 2012 through control software, enabling the slave computer 2012 to control the regulating valve 302 using its stored algorithm to adjust the pressure of the output gas, thereby adjusting the output parameters of the sample liquid. The host computer 2011 can be an electronic device such as a computer or a mobile phone, enabling the operator to remotely issue control commands.

[0072] At the same time, pressure sensor 303 can feed output gas pressure data back to host computer 2011 in real time via slave computer 2012, enabling real-time monitoring of the output gas pressure and improving the stability of the output gas pressure. This reduces operator commissioning and maintenance work, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the ease of operation of the system. The algorithm stored in the system is a PID (Proportional Integral Differential) algorithm, which can improve the sensitivity of the control response.

[0073] Furthermore, the control module 201 also includes an isolation transmitter 2013. The isolation transmitter 2013 is connected between the host computer 2011 and the slave computer 2012 to achieve electrical isolation, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving circuit stability. Among them, the isolation transmitter 2013 can be a PWM to DC current isolation transmitter.

[0074] Furthermore, the control module 201 also includes a regulating valve drive circuit 2014. The regulating valve drive circuit 2014 is connected to both the slave computer 2012 and the regulating valve 302. The slave computer 2012 generates a control signal using its built-in PID algorithm based on control instructions sent by the master computer 2011. This control signal controls the regulating valve drive circuit 2014 to adjust the opening of the regulating valve 302, thereby adjusting the output gas pressure. The regulating valve drive circuit 2014 can be an electromagnetic proportional valve drive circuit.

[0075] In addition, combined Figure 5 As shown, the circuit module 2 further includes a power module 202. The power module 202 is connected to the lower computer 2012, the air pressure module 3 and the human-computer interaction module 1, and can provide power for the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system.

[0076] The power module 202 includes an AC-DC module and a DC-DC module. The AC-DC module's input is connected to the mains, while its output is connected to the DC-DC module's input, enabling conversion between alternating current and direct current. The DC-DC module's output is electrically connected to the lower computer 2012, the air pressure module 3, and the human-computer interaction module 1, converting the voltage to the required DC voltage for power supply.

[0077] In addition, combined Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the human-computer interaction module 1 includes: an air pressure regulating knob 103, which is connected to the regulating valve drive circuit 2014 in the control module 201. The operator turns the air pressure regulating knob 103 so that the regulating valve drive circuit 2014 can adjust the opening of the regulating valve 302 according to the required output gas pressure value.

[0078] The display 102 is connected to the lower computer 2012 in the control module 201 and is used to display the output gas pressure value. Based on this, the operator can obtain the output gas pressure value by viewing the display 102, and can intuitively know the output gas pressure value, which facilitates the operator to adjust the output gas pressure as needed, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the ease of adjusting the output gas pressure value.

[0079] Of course, in other embodiments, the structure of the human-computer interaction module may be adjusted according to different designs of the human-computer interaction module, and only the air pressure adjustment knob 103 or the display 102 may be provided.

[0080] In addition, combined Figure 2 As shown, the human-computer interaction module 1 also includes:

[0081] The flow controller 101 has one end connected to the lower computer 2012, and the other end of the flow controller 101 is connected to a pipeline that can be connected to the sample liquid reagent bottle to display the output gas flow in real time. At the same time, the output gas flow can be adjusted according to the output parameters of the sample liquid, and the output gas flow can be uploaded to the lower computer 2012, thereby achieving the technical effect of continuously adjusting the output parameters of the required sample liquid.

[0082] The output switch 106 is located at the position where the power module 202 is electrically connected to the flow controller 101 and at the position where the power module 202 is electrically connected to the regulating valve 302. By controlling the output switch 106, the flow controller 101 and the regulating valve 302 can be opened and closed at the same time.

[0083] The output indicator light 107 is connected to the lower computer 2012. The lower computer 2012 can monitor the gas path between the air pump 301, the regulating valve 302 and the flow controller 101, so that the staff can understand whether the gas path is in normal working state according to the color of the indicator light.

[0084] The status indicator light 104 is connected to the lower computer 2012. The lower computer 2012 can monitor the operating status of the air pump 301 and send the operating status to the status indicator light 104 so that the operator can understand the working status of the air pump 301 by observing the color of the status indicator light 104.

[0085] Furthermore, the lower computer 2012 also sends the operating status of the flow controller 101 and the operating status of the air pump 301 to the upper computer 2011, so that the operator can understand the operating status of the flow controller 101 and the air pump 301 through the upper computer 2011 and realize remote monitoring and adjustment.

[0086] The air pump switch 105 is located at the electrical connection position between the power module 202 and the air pump 301. Based on this, the operator can turn on and off the air pump 301 by turning on and off the air pump switch 105.

[0087] In addition, combined Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system further comprises a housing 4. A circuit module 2 and an air pressure module 3 are arranged inside the housing 4, and a human-computer interaction module 1 is arranged outside the housing 4.

[0088] The clamp module 5 is disposed outside the housing 4 and is used to clamp the microfluidic chip 7. Based on this, the system can be adapted to microfluidic chips 7 of different sizes, thereby improving the system's applicability. Specifically, the clamp module 5 can be located at the top of the housing 4 to facilitate subsequent observation of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip 7 using a microscope. As an alternative embodiment, the clamp module 5 can also be disposed at other locations on the housing 4, without further limitation.

[0089] Further, combined with Figure 1 As shown, a sample holder 6 is provided on the back of the housing 4 to facilitate sample positioning. A heat dissipation hole 401 is provided on one side of the housing 4, and a cooling fan 402 is embedded on the other side of the housing 4. These facilitate heat transfer from the components within the housing 4, such as the regulating valve 302 and the pressure sensor 303, out of the housing 4, preventing the temperature within the housing 4 from affecting the accuracy of the regulating valve 302 and the pressure sensor 303.

[0090] Furthermore, an air inlet 403 is provided on the side of the housing 4 , through which air can be continuously input into the air pump 301 , so that the system can output the sample liquid continuously and stably.

[0091] Combine Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the clamp module 5 includes: a clamp base 501;

[0092] The gland assembly is detachably connected to the fixture base 501 and is used to clamp the microfluidic chip 7 between the gland assembly and the fixture base 501. The gland assembly is provided with a visible slot 5031. The size of the visible slot 5031 is equal to the size of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip 7 and smaller than the overall size of the microfluidic chip 7. The overall size of the microfluidic chip 7 refers to the length and width of the top surface of the microfluidic chip 7.

[0093] Based on this, the detachable connection between the clamp base 501 and the gland assembly facilitates the disassembly, assembly, and replacement of the microfluidic chip 7. The provision of the visual slot 5031 ensures that the working area of ​​the clamped microfluidic chip 7 is unobstructed, and a microscope can be directly placed on top of the visual slot 5031 to observe the sample liquid in the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip 7, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the ease of sample liquid observation. In this embodiment, the size of the visual slot 5031 is larger than the size of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip 7, ensuring that the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip 7 can be fully observed through the visual slot 5031. At the same time, by ensuring that the size of the visual slot 5031 is smaller than the overall size of the microfluidic chip 7, it is possible to ensure that the gland assembly and the clamp base 501 cooperate to achieve clamping of the microfluidic chip 7.

[0094] As a changeable implementation, the size of the visible slot 5031 may be equal to the size of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip 7 and smaller than the overall size of the microfluidic chip 7 .

[0095] Specifically, in this embodiment, the cover assembly includes: a cover frame 502, a housing space is provided on the cover frame 502, and a through hole 5021 is provided on the cover frame 502 corresponding to the microfluidic chip 7, so that the microfluidic chip 7 can be exposed, which is convenient for observation of the microfluidic chip 7.

[0096] The pressure plate 503 is detachably connected to the accommodating space, and a visible slot 5031 is provided on the pressure plate 503, which corresponds to the through hole 5021. Based on this, since the pressure plate 503 is detachably connected to the accommodating space, the pressure plate 503 with the visible slot 5031 of the corresponding size can be replaced according to the change in the size of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip 7, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the ease of replacement of the microfluidic chip 7.

[0097] Specifically, a silicone pad 5032 is provided on the side of the pressure plate 503 that contacts the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip 7. The silicone pad 5032 is arranged along the outer contour of the visible slot 5031. Since the visible slot 5031 is smaller than the overall size of the microfluidic chip 7, the silicone pad 5032 can cooperate with the clamp base 501 to clamp and secure the microfluidic chip 7. This not only allows the microfluidic chip 7 to be positioned, but also protects it through the silicone pad 5032.

[0098] Of course, in other embodiments, as a changeable implementation of the silicone pad, rubber can also be used in conjunction with the clamp base to similarly achieve the clamping and protection of the microfluidic chip.

[0099] The accommodation space on the cover frame 502 in this embodiment is a card slot. Figure 2In the vertical direction, the height between the top of the card slot and the clamp base 501 is equal to the sum of the thickness of the microfluidic chip 7 and the thickness of the pressure plate 503, so that after the pressure cover frame 502 is connected to the clamp base 501, the silicone pad 5032 can stably clamp the microfluidic chip 7, which can improve the technical effect of the clamping reliability of the microfluidic chip 7.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressing plate 503 is detachably connected to the accommodating space by being inserted into or removed from the card slot. As an alternative embodiment, the pressing plate 503 and the cover frame 502 can also be detachably connected by other means, such as magnetic attraction, which is not limited here.

[0101] Furthermore, multiple pressing plates 503 are provided, and the sizes of the multiple pressing plates 503 are different. Here, the size refers to the size of the visible slot 5031. Based on this, by replacing the visible slot 5031 with the same size as the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip 7, it is possible to clamp microfluidic chips 7 of different sizes.

[0102] In addition, the size of the through hole 5021 is smaller than that of the pressure plate 503 . Based on this, the pressure plate 503 around the visible slot hole 5031 can be covered by the pressure cover frame 502 , thereby limiting the position of the pressure plate 503 by the pressure cover frame 502 .

[0103] In addition, combined Figure 4 As shown, the gland assembly is rotatably connected to the fixture base 501 at one end and is clamped at the other end.

[0104] Specifically, one end of the pressure cover frame 502 is rotatably connected to one end of the clamp base 501 through a rotating shaft 509, and the other end of the pressure cover frame 502 is provided with a locking rod 505, and the other end of the clamp base 501 is provided with a rotating rod 506. A lock buckle 504 is provided on the rotating rod 506, and the lock buckle 504 can rotate around the rotating rod 506, and a lock hole 507 is provided on the lock buckle 504 that can form a snap connection with the locking rod 505.

[0105] Based on this, when the microfluidic chip 7 needs to be replaced, first, drive the lock buckle 504 to rotate around the rotating rod 506 so that the lock hole 507 disengages the locking rod 505, then rotate the pressure cover frame 502 to separate the pressure cover frame 502 from the clamp base 501, and then separate the microfluidic chip 7 from the pressure plate 503. When the pressure plate 503 needs to be replaced, match the pressure plate 503 corresponding to the working area of ​​the replaced microfluidic chip 7, place the microfluidic chip 7 on the clamp base 501, and place the pressure plate 503 in the accommodating space of the pressure cover frame 502. Finally, rotate the lock buckle 504 and snap the locking rod 505 into the lock buckle 504 so that the lock buckle 504 is locked with the locking rod 505 to complete the replacement of the microfluidic chip 7.

[0106] Preferably, combined Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the clamp base 501 is provided with lock buckles 504 on both sides along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 509, and correspondingly, the pressure cover frame 502 is provided with locking rods 505 on both sides along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 509, which can improve the connection point between the clamp base 501 and the pressure cover frame 502 to achieve the technical effect of improving the stability of the connection between the clamp base 501 and the pressure cover frame 502.

[0107] In addition, combined Figure 4 As shown, the fixture module 5 also includes: a movable platform 508, which is fixedly connected to the side of the fixture base 501 away from the pressure cover assembly. The movable platform 508 is used to adjust the position of the fixture base 501 to facilitate adjustment of the position of the microfluidic chip 7 required for observation, providing a better observation space for the microscope.

[0108] Preferably, in this embodiment, the mobile platform 508 is a two-dimensional mobile platform. Of course, in other embodiments, depending on the design of the microfluidic drive injection system, the mobile platform 508 can also be a three-dimensional mobile platform to facilitate adjustment of the position of the microfluidic chip 7.

[0109] In addition, combined Figure 2 As shown, the housing 4 is further provided with an output port 404, which is connected to the sample liquid reagent bottle. Specifically, the output port 404 can output gas, and the sample liquid in the sample liquid reagent bottle is output to the microfluidic chip 7 through the gas, providing the microfluidic chip 7 with sample liquid.

[0110] The power switch 405 can be connected to the power module 202 and serve as a switch of the microfluidic pneumatic drive system to improve the safety of the microfluidic pneumatic drive system.

[0111] In addition, in this embodiment, there are three regulating valves 302, pressure sensors 303, air pressure adjustment knobs 103, clamp modules 5, flow controllers 101, output switches 106, output indicator lights 107 and output ports 404, which can output three sample liquids at the same time, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the sample liquids.

[0112] Of course, in other embodiments, the number of sample liquids can be adjusted as needed, for example, more than three. Compared to other embodiments with one or four, this embodiment can not only simultaneously detect three sample liquids, improving the detection effect, but also reduce the volume of the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system.

[0113] In addition, combined Figure 6 As shown, the operation process of the microfluidic air pressure driven injection system of this embodiment is as follows:

[0114] First, preparation work is performed. Specifically, the air pressure module 3 is connected, the clamp module 5 clamps the microfluidic chip 7 , and the sample liquid reagent bottle is placed in the sample holder 6 .

[0115] Then, the power is turned on, the power switch 405 is turned on, and the air pump switch 105 is turned on to provide initial air pressure for the air pressure module 3. At the same time, the output switch 106 is turned on to start the regulating valve 302 and the flow controller 101.

[0116] Subsequently, after connecting to the upper computer 2011, the lower computer 2012 is started to realize the communication connection between the upper computer 2011 and the lower computer 2012. The operator can understand the pressure value of the output gas, the output parameters of the sample liquid and the operating status of the system according to the upper computer 2011 and the display 102.

[0117] Then, the control software in the host computer 2011 or the air pressure regulating knob 103 in the human-computer interaction module 1 outputs a control instruction to the lower computer 2012. The lower computer 2012 can control the regulating valve 302 to adjust the air pressure value of the output gas through the PID algorithm, and control the flow controller 101 to adjust the flow rate of the output gas. Further, the microfluidic chip 7 is clamped into the fixture module 5, and the output port 404 is connected to the sample liquid reagent bottle. The output port 404 can output gas, and the sample liquid in the sample liquid reagent bottle is output to the microfluidic chip 7 through the gas, providing the sample liquid for the microfluidic chip 7. At the same time, the lower computer 2012 feeds back the air pressure value data of the output gas to the host computer 2011 in real time, realizing real-time monitoring and improving the technical effect of the output stability of the air pressure value of the output gas.

[0118] Finally, when performing microfluidic experimental operations and needing to observe the microfluidic chip 7 with a microscope, the observation position of the microscope is placed above the visual slot 5031 , and the position of the microfluidic chip 7 can be adjusted by the mobile platform 508 to achieve ease of observation.

[0119] In addition, combined Figure 7 As shown, when the upper computer 2011 sends a control signal to the lower computer 2012, the control logic of the microfluidic pressure-driven injection system to adjust and display the pressure value of the output gas in real time is as follows:

[0120] When starting the control software of the host computer 2011, you need to verify the usage authority, that is, whether the user name and password are correct. If incorrect, re-enter the user name and password information.

[0121] If it is correct, the upper computer 2011 opens the serial port communication, and the upper computer 2011 transmits the control signal to the lower computer 2012, and turns on the air pump switch 105 at the same time, so that the air pump 301 can be controlled by the lower computer 2012. Next, the upper computer 2011 can choose to detect the output gas pressure value K, modify the output gas pressure value K, or turn off the control command of the air pump 301, and package the detected data and send it to the lower computer 2012 through the serial port communication. After receiving the control command, the lower computer 2012 identifies the data content through the PID algorithm.

[0122] If the lower computer 2012 recognizes that the control command is to detect the air pressure value K of a certain output gas channel, the voltage data fed back by the air pressure sensor of the channel is read through the ADC analog-to-digital converter, and the lower computer 2012 processes the voltage data and sends it to the upper computer 2011 through serial communication. The upper computer 2011 parses the voltage data and displays the air pressure data, thereby ending the output gas pressure value detection.

[0123] If the lower computer 2012 recognizes that the control command is to modify the pressure value K of a certain output gas channel, it adjusts the output gas pressure by modifying the PWM duty cycle of the pressure channel (i.e., the proportion of the entire cycle occupied by the high level within a pulse cycle). At the same time, the ADC reads the voltage data fed back by the pressure sensor, processes it, and sends it to the upper computer 2011 via serial communication. The upper computer 2011 analyzes the voltage data and displays the pressure data, completing the output gas pressure value detection.

[0124] If the lower computer 2012 recognizes that the control command is to stop a particular output port from outputting gas, it adjusts the PWM duty cycle to zero. Simultaneously, it reads the voltage data fed back by the pressure sensor through the ADC, processes the voltage, and sends it to the upper computer 2011 via the serial port. The upper computer 2011 interprets the voltage data and displays the pressure data, thus ending the output gas pressure detection.

[0125] If the lower computer 2012 does not detect the air pressure value K, modify the air pressure value K or turn off the air pressure after receiving the control instruction, it will continue to recognize the data until the upper computer finally displays the air pressure value detection of the output gas.

[0126] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations shall fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A microfluidic air pressure driven injection system, characterized in that: include: Human-computer interaction module (1); An air pressure module (3) is used to adjust the parameters of the sample liquid output to the microfluidic chip (7), the air pressure module (3) comprising an air pump (301), a regulating valve (302) and a pressure sensor (303), the regulating valve (302) being connected to the air pump (301), the regulating valve (302) being used to adjust the air pressure value of the output gas of the air pump (301), and the pressure sensor (303) being connected to the regulating valve (302) being used to monitor the air pressure value of the output gas of the regulating valve (302); The circuit module (2) is connected to the human-machine interaction module (1) and the air pressure module (3), and the circuit module (2) is used to remotely adjust the opening of the regulating valve (302), and / or the circuit module (2) adjusts the opening of the regulating valve (302) through the human-machine interaction module (1).

2. The microfluidic air pressure driven injection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit module (2) includes a control module (201), and the control module (201) includes: A lower computer (2012) connected to the air pressure module (3); The upper computer (2011) is communicatively connected to the lower computer (2012) and is used to send a remote control instruction to the air pressure module (3) via the lower computer (2012) to control the air pressure value of the output gas.

3. The microfluidic air pressure driven injection system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The human-computer interaction module (1) comprises: A gas pressure regulating knob (103), connected to the control module (201), for adjusting the gas pressure of the output gas; And / or, a display (102), connected to the control module (201), for displaying the pressure value of the output gas.

4. The microfluidic air pressure driven injection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: include: A housing (4), wherein the circuit module (2) and the air pressure module (3) are arranged inside the housing (4), and the human-computer interaction module (1) is arranged outside the housing (4); A clamp module (5) is arranged outside the housing (4), and the clamp module (5) is used to clamp the microfluidic chip (7).

5. The microfluidic air pressure driven injection system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixture module (5) comprises: fixture base (501); A pressure cover assembly is detachably connected to the clamp base (501), and is used to clamp the microfluidic chip (7) between the pressure cover assembly and the clamp base (501). The pressure cover assembly is provided with a visible slot (5031) corresponding to the position of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip (7), and the size of the visible slot (5031) is greater than or equal to the size of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip (7) and smaller than the overall size of the microfluidic chip (7).

6. The microfluidic air pressure driven injection system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The gland assembly comprises: A gland frame (502), wherein the gland frame (502) is provided with an accommodating space, and the gland frame (502) is provided with a through hole (5021) corresponding to the position of the working area of ​​the microfluidic chip (7); The pressing plate (503) is detachably connected to the accommodating space. The pressing plate (503) is provided with the visible slot hole (5031), and the visible slot hole (5031) is arranged corresponding to the through hole (5021).

7. The microfluidic air pressure driven injection system according to claim 6, characterized in that: There are multiple pressing plates (503), and the sizes of the multiple pressing plates (503) are different.

8. The microfluidic air pressure driven injection system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pressure cover assembly is rotatably connected to the clamp base (501) at one end and is clamped at the other end.

9. The microfluidic air pressure driven injection system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The clamp module (5) further comprises: A movable platform (508) is fixedly connected to a side of the clamp base (501) away from the gland assembly, and the movable platform (508) is used to adjust the position of the clamp base (501).

10. The microfluidic air pressure driven injection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The regulating valve (302) is an electromagnetic proportional valve.

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