Single cell sequencing micro-fluidic chip positioning mechanism

Abstract

The utility model is suitable for the technical field of chip positioning, and provides a single cell sequencing micro-fluidic chip positioning mechanism which comprises a box body, the air inlet is formed in the top of the box body; the silica gel ring is mounted at the top of the box body, can be in contact with the bottom of the single-cell sequencing micro-fluidic chip and is used for increasing the sealing degree; the piston plate is movably mounted in the box body and is used for assisting in adjusting the air pressure in the box body; the threaded rod is installed on the box body in a threaded mode and used for adjusting the position of the piston plate. According to the single-cell sequencing micro-fluidic chip positioning mechanism provided by the scheme, the single-cell sequencing micro-fluidic chip can be positioned by utilizing negative pressure, the damage to the chip is relatively small, and meanwhile, the disassembly is also convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of chip positioning technology, and in particular relates to a positioning mechanism for a single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidic chip technology integrates basic operational units such as sample preparation, reaction, separation, and detection in biological, chemical, and medical analysis processes onto a single chip at the micrometer scale, automating the entire analysis process. Due to its enormous potential in fields such as biology, chemistry, and medicine, it has developed into a new interdisciplinary research field that combines biology, chemistry, medicine, fluid dynamics, electronics, materials science, and mechanics.

[0003] In single-cell sequencing, the chip needs to be placed in the detector first. Then, the chip is stabilized with one hand, and the tubes in the detector are connected to the chip with the other hand. After connecting the tubes, the chip does not have a fixed positioning structure, and there is a risk of chip displacement, which affects the observation by personnel. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a microfluidic chip positioning mechanism for single-cell sequencing, aiming to solve the problem mentioned in the background art that existing single-cell sequencing instruments lack a fixed limiting structure, making it inconvenient to stabilize the chip.

[0005] To solve the above problems, this utility model is implemented as follows: a single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism, comprising: a housing; an air inlet disposed on the top of the housing; a silicone ring installed on the top of the housing and capable of contacting the bottom of the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip, the silicone ring being used to increase the degree of sealing; a piston plate movably installed in the housing for assisting in adjusting the air pressure inside the housing; and a threaded rod threadedly installed on the housing for adjusting the position of the piston plate.

[0006] Preferably, a support cylinder that is rotatably connected to the threaded rod is fixed on one side of the piston plate, and an adjusting block is installed on the side of the threaded rod away from the support cylinder.

[0007] Preferably, the two sides of the housing are fitted with limiting frames for defining single-cell sequencing microfluidic chips. The limiting frames are arranged in groups and sleeved on the outside of the housing. The sides of the grouped limiting frames that are close to each other are provided with magnetic strips that can attract each other.

[0008] Preferably, the piston plate is fitted with a sealing ring that contacts the inner wall of the housing, the bottom of the housing is provided with an exhaust port that allows gas to pass through, and both the exhaust port and the air inlet are provided with dustproof nets.

[0009] Preferably, a support plate for supporting the limiting frame is installed on the outer wall of the housing, the top of the support plate is in contact with the bottom of the limiting frame, and a handle for providing an operating grip point is installed on the limiting frame.

[0010] Preferably, a rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the box, and a base for supporting the box is fixed at the bottom of the rotating shaft. A suction cup is detachably mounted on the bottom of the base.

[0011] Preferably, the top of the suction cup is provided with a sleeve, the bottom of the base is installed with a limiting rod, the sleeve can be sleeved over the limiting rod, and a fixing bolt threaded on the sleeve and threadedly connected to the limiting rod is installed on the sleeve.

[0012] Preferably, the housing, support plate, piston plate, support cylinder, threaded rod, adjusting block, rotating shaft, base, sleeve, limiting rod and fixing bolt are all made of plastic, and the top and bottom of the support plate are provided with anti-slip texture.

[0013] Compared with related technologies, the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism provided in this solution achieves stable positioning and precise control of the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip through air pressure regulation, limiting frame fixation, sealing design, and flexible adjustment methods. This positioning mechanism not only improves the convenience and efficiency of operation, but also ensures the stability and safety of the chip during the experiment, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of single-cell sequencing. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front cross-sectional structure of a single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism provided by this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the limiting frame in this utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An enlarged structural diagram of part A shown in the figure;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the base and suction cup in this utility model.

[0019] Reference numerals: 1. Housing; 2. Air inlet; 3. Silicone ring; 4. Support plate; 5. Limiting bracket; 6. Magnetic strip; 7. Handle; 8. Piston plate; 9. Sealing ring; 10. Support cylinder; 11. Threaded rod; 12. Adjusting block; 13. Exhaust port; 14. Dustproof net; 15. Rotating shaft; 16. Base; 17. Suction cup. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order; the terms "inner," "outer," "left," and "right" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0021] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0022] This utility model embodiment provides a positioning mechanism for a single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip, such as... Figure 1-4 As shown, the positioning mechanism of the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip includes: a housing 1; an air inlet 2 disposed on the top of the housing 1; a silicone ring 3 installed on the top of the housing 1 and capable of contacting the bottom of the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip, the silicone ring 3 being used to increase the sealing degree; a piston plate 8 movably installed inside the housing 1 for assisting in adjusting the air pressure inside the housing 1; and a threaded rod 11 threadedly installed on the housing 1 for adjusting the position of the piston plate 8.

[0023] In this embodiment, the housing 1 serves as the basic support structure of the entire positioning mechanism, accommodating other components and ensuring smooth chip positioning. It provides a closed environment, facilitating stable chip positioning through air pressure regulation. The air inlet 2 is used to introduce or expel gas into the housing 1 to regulate the air pressure within the housing 1. Changes in air pressure can assist in the stable fixation of the chip and facilitate control operation. The silicone ring 3 increases the sealing degree, improves the sealing between the chip and the housing 1, prevents gas leakage, ensures the effectiveness of air pressure regulation, and protects the chip from damage. By moving the position of the piston plate 8, the volume within the housing 1 can be changed, thereby regulating the air pressure. The flexible movement of the piston plate 8 makes air pressure regulation more precise, contributing to the stable fixation of the chip. By rotating the threaded rod 11, the piston plate 8 can be pushed or pulled up and down, thereby adjusting the position of the piston plate 8. This provides a simple and effective adjustment method, allowing operators to easily control the position of the piston plate 8 and achieve precise air pressure regulation.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a support cylinder 10 rotatably connected to the threaded rod 11 is fixed on one side of the piston plate 8, and an adjusting block 12 is installed on the side of the threaded rod 11 away from the support cylinder 10.

[0025] In this embodiment, the support cylinder 10 is fixed to one side of the piston plate 8 and rotatably connected to the threaded rod 11. In this way, when the threaded rod 11 rotates, the support cylinder 10 can remain fixed, while the piston plate 8 moves along the axial direction of the threaded rod 11. The design of the support cylinder 10 allows the rotation of the threaded rod 11 to be converted into the linear motion of the piston plate 8, realizing precise control of air pressure regulation. At the same time, the fixing effect of the support cylinder 10 also enhances the stability of the entire positioning mechanism. The adjusting block 12 provides an operating interface, allowing the operator to easily rotate the threaded rod 11 to adjust the position of the piston plate 8 and the air pressure in the housing 1. This design improves the convenience and efficiency of operation.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two sides of the housing 1 are provided with limiting frames 5 for limiting single-cell sequencing microfluidic chips. The limiting frames 5 are arranged in groups and sleeved on the outside of the housing 1. The sides of the grouped limiting frames 5 that are close to each other are provided with magnet strips 6 that can attract each other.

[0027] In this embodiment, the positioning frame 5 is used to limit the position of the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip and prevent it from moving in the horizontal direction. The design of the positioning frame 5 provides additional fixation and enhances the stability of the chip on the housing 1. It ensures that the chip will not be displaced in the horizontal direction due to external force or changes in internal air pressure during air pressure regulation, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of positioning. The magnetic strips 6 can attract each other to further fix the position of the positioning frame 5 without the need for additional fasteners or tools. This design not only improves the convenience of operation, but also reduces wear and damage between components.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sealing ring 9 is fixedly sleeved on the piston plate 8 and contacts the inner wall of the housing 1. The bottom of the housing 1 is provided with an exhaust port 13 that allows gas to pass through. Both the exhaust port 13 and the air inlet 2 are provided with dustproof nets 14.

[0029] In this embodiment, the design of the sealing ring 9 ensures that there is no gas leakage between the piston plate 8 and the inner wall of the housing 1 during the movement, thereby ensuring the accuracy and stability of the air pressure regulation. It further enhances the sealing performance of the entire positioning mechanism, prevents the entry of external gas or impurities, and protects the chip from contamination. The design of the exhaust port 13 allows the gas in the housing 1 to be smoothly discharged or drawn in during the air pressure regulation process, thereby ensuring the timeliness and effectiveness of the air pressure regulation. It helps to maintain the stability of the air pressure in the housing 1 and further enhances the accuracy of chip positioning. The design of the dustproof net 14 effectively prevents external dust and impurities from entering the housing 1 through the air inlet 2 or the exhaust port 13, protecting the cleanliness of the chip and the inside of the housing 1. It improves the durability and reliability of the entire positioning mechanism and ensures the accuracy and stability of the single-cell sequencing process.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a support plate 4 for supporting the limiting frame 5 is installed on the outer wall of the housing 1, the top of the support plate 4 is in contact with the bottom of the limiting frame 5, and a handle 7 for providing an operating grip point is installed on the limiting frame 5.

[0031] In this embodiment, the design of the support plate 4 provides a stable support point for the limiting frame 5, enhancing the stability of the limiting frame 5. It prevents the limiting frame 5 from shaking or falling off due to external forces, thereby ensuring the chip is stably fixed in the horizontal direction. The design of the handle 7 allows the operator to easily pick up, move and fix the limiting frame 5 without using additional tools or force. This design improves the convenience and efficiency of operation, while also reducing the safety risks during operation.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a rotating shaft 15 is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the box 1, and a base 16 for supporting the box 1 is fixed at the bottom of the rotating shaft 15. A suction cup 17 is detachably mounted on the bottom of the base 16.

[0033] In this embodiment, the design of the rotating shaft 15 allows the housing 1 to rotate or tilt within a certain range, thus providing a more flexible operating angle. This design helps operators to observe and operate the chip more conveniently from different angles, improving the flexibility and convenience of operation. The base 16 provides a stable support foundation for the housing 1, ensuring the stability of the positioning mechanism during use. At the same time, the design of the base 16 also makes it easy to place the entire positioning mechanism on the experimental table or other flat surfaces, facilitating experiments for operators. The design of the suction cup 17 enhances the adhesion between the positioning mechanism and the experimental table, preventing the positioning mechanism from moving or tipping over due to external forces during the experiment. This design not only improves the safety of the experiment but also ensures the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the top of the suction cup 17 is provided with a sleeve, the bottom of the base 16 is installed with a limiting rod, the sleeve can be sleeved on the limiting rod, and a fixing bolt threaded on the sleeve and threadedly connected to the limiting rod is installed on the sleeve.

[0035] In this embodiment, a stable connection between the suction cup 17 and the base 16 is achieved through the cooperation of the sleeve and the limiting rod, as well as the threaded connection of the fixing bolt. This design greatly enhances the stability of the positioning mechanism during the experiment, preventing movement or tipping caused by external forces. The threaded connection of the fixing bolt makes the disassembly and replacement of the suction cup 17 very convenient. When the suction cup 17 is worn or fails due to long-term use, the operator can easily disassemble it and replace it with a new suction cup 17, thereby extending the service life of the positioning mechanism. When conducting experiments on different experimental platforms, the operator can select the appropriate suction cup 17 for installation as needed to ensure that the positioning mechanism can be stably attached to the experimental platform.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the housing 1, support plate 4, piston plate 8, support cylinder 10, threaded rod 11, adjusting block 12, rotating shaft 15, base 16, sleeve, limiting rod and fixing bolt are all made of plastic, and the top and bottom of the support plate 4 are provided with anti-slip texture.

[0037] In this embodiment, the plastic material is relatively lightweight, which helps to reduce the weight of the entire positioning mechanism, making it easier for operators to handle and move. The plastic material is also relatively inexpensive, which helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the positioning mechanism and improve its market competitiveness. The plastic material has good corrosion resistance to a variety of chemicals, which can adapt to different experimental environments and needs. The plastic material has good insulation properties, which helps to protect the electronic components inside the positioning mechanism from electrical interference. The anti-slip texture can increase the friction between it and the contact surface.

[0038] In summary, compared with related technologies, this device achieves stable positioning and precise control of the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip through air pressure regulation, fixed positioning frame 5, sealing design, and flexible adjustment methods. This positioning mechanism not only improves the convenience and efficiency of operation, but also ensures the stability and safety of the chip during the experiment, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of single-cell sequencing.

[0039] The working principle of the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0040] In use, first, place the limiting frame 5 outside the housing 1, then place the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip on the top of the housing 1, press the chip and rotate the threaded rod 11 through the adjusting block 12. At this time, the piston plate 8 moves to adjust the air pressure inside the housing 1, generating suction to adsorb the chip and stabilize it. After stabilization, remove the limiting frame 5 by holding the handle 7, then attach the suction cup 17 to the single-cell sequencing instrument and connect the instrument tubing to the chip.

[0041] It should be understood, in the several embodiments provided in this application, that the disclosed apparatus may be implemented in other ways.

[0042] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on these embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can still combine, add, delete, or otherwise adjust the features of the various embodiments of this utility model according to the circumstances without conflict or creative effort, thereby obtaining different technical solutions that do not fundamentally depart from the concept of this utility model. These technical solutions are also within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A positioning mechanism for a single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip, characterized in that, include: Box (1); An air inlet (2) is provided at the top of the housing (1); A silicone ring (3) is installed on the top of the housing (1) and can contact the bottom of the single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip. The silicone ring (3) is used to increase the degree of sealing. A piston plate (8) is installed inside the housing (1) to assist in adjusting the air pressure inside the housing (1). A threaded rod (11) is threaded onto the housing (1) for adjusting the position of the piston plate (8).

2. The single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A support cylinder (10) is fixed on one side of the piston plate (8) and rotatably connected to the threaded rod (11). An adjusting block (12) is installed on the side of the threaded rod (11) away from the support cylinder (10).

3. The single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two sides of the box (1) are fitted with limiting frames (5) for limiting single-cell sequencing microfluidic chips. The limiting frames (5) are arranged in groups and sleeved on the outside of the box (1). The limiting frames (5) arranged in groups are provided with magnet strips (6) that can be attracted to each other on the side that is close to each other.

4. The single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The piston plate (8) is fixedly fitted with a sealing ring (9) that contacts the inner wall of the box (1). The bottom of the box (1) is provided with an exhaust port (13) that allows gas to pass through. Both the exhaust port (13) and the air inlet (2) are provided with dustproof nets (14).

5. The single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the housing (1) is equipped with a support plate (4) for supporting the limiting frame (5). The top of the support plate (4) is in contact with the bottom of the limiting frame (5). The limiting frame (5) is equipped with a handle (7) for providing an operating grip point.

6. The single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A rotating shaft (15) is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the box (1), and a base (16) for supporting the box (1) is fixed at the bottom of the rotating shaft (15). A suction cup (17) is detachably mounted on the bottom of the base (16).

7. The single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The suction cup (17) is provided with a sleeve at the top, and a limit rod is installed at the bottom of the base (16). The sleeve can be sleeved on the limit rod, and a fixing bolt threaded on the sleeve is threaded to the limit rod.

8. The single-cell sequencing microfluidic chip positioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The box body (1), support plate (4), piston plate (8), support cylinder (10), threaded rod (11), adjusting block (12), rotating shaft (15), base (16), sleeve, limit rod and fixing bolt are all made of plastic. The top and bottom of the support plate (4) are provided with anti-slip texture.

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