Microfluidic fluid converter

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fluid conversion, and discloses a microfluidic fluid converter which comprises at least one group of conversion pipeline structures and a shell covering the conversion pipeline structures, wherein the switching pipeline structure comprises a liquid inlet channel, a liquid outlet channel and a communicating pipeline for communicating the liquid inlet channel with the liquid outlet channel; the liquid inlet channel is arranged on the side face of the shell, and the hole diameter of the liquid inlet channel is gradually reduced from outside to inside. The liquid outlet channel is arranged on the side face, different from the liquid inlet channel, of the shell, and the hole diameters of the liquid outlet channel are gradually increased from inside to outside. The technical bottleneck that an existing micro-fluidic system is single in interface and function and difficult to expand is solved, the sealing performance, modularization, integration and maintainability are greatly improved, and the application requirements of the modern micro-fluidic technology for high throughput, multiple functions, low consumption and rapid switching are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fluid conversion technology, specifically to a microfluidic fluid converter. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of microfluidic technology in life sciences, chemical synthesis, and materials preparation, the requirements for interface stability, multifunctional integration, and modular scalability of microfluidic systems are increasing. Currently, microfluidic platforms mainly consist of syringe pumps and microfluidic chips, and their fluid delivery and connection methods have the following shortcomings:

[0003] 1. The inlet connection method is simple and easily damaged. Existing systems mostly use straight injection needles for direct docking or Luer lock connection, which lacks universal compatibility. During the connection process, leakage or stress concentration is prone to occur, resulting in interface damage and unstable operation.

[0004] 2. Lack of diversity in outlet connection methods: Most microfluidic chips only have the same type of interface at the outlet, and do not support multiple connection methods such as threaded or double-ended (threaded + Luer / threaded + straight), making it difficult to meet the flexible connection with downstream mixers, collection pipelines or online analysis devices.

[0005] 3. Functional modules are difficult to expand. Existing microfluidic devices usually only have a single fluid delivery function and cannot meet downstream processing requirements such as fluid filtration, temperature control, high-pressure homogenization or microjet, nor can they be quickly integrated with external mixing reactors, temperature control modules or online filtration components.

[0006] Based on the above shortcomings, there is an urgent need for a microfluidic fluid converter that is compatible with multiple connection methods, integrates multiple functional modules, and can quickly switch and realize multiphase / multistage fluid processing, so as to meet the application requirements of modern microfluidic systems for high throughput, multifunctionality, and integration. Utility Model Content

[0007] This invention provides a microfluidic fluid converter that not only solves the technical bottlenecks of existing microfluidic systems, such as single interface, single function, and difficulty in expansion, but also significantly improves sealing, modularity, integration, and maintainability, meeting the application requirements of modern microfluidic technology for high throughput, multifunctionality, low consumption, and rapid switching.

[0008] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0009] A microfluidic fluid transducer includes at least one set of switching pipeline structures and a housing covering the switching pipeline structures;

[0010] The aforementioned conversion pipeline structure includes an inlet channel, an outlet channel, and a connecting pipeline connecting the inlet channel and the outlet channel;

[0011] The liquid inlet channel is located on the side of the housing, and the diameter of the liquid inlet channel gradually decreases from the outside to the inside.

[0012] The liquid outlet channel is located on the side of the housing, different from the liquid inlet channel, and the diameter of the liquid outlet channel gradually increases from the inside to the outside.

[0013] In one specific embodiment, the liquid outlet channel further includes an outer body, which is disposed outside the housing, and the shape of the outer body includes, but is not limited to, a cylinder;

[0014] The liquid outlet channel inside the cylinder is a conical orifice with a diameter of 90.5-95 degrees.

[0015] In a specific embodiment, the liquid inlet channel includes a liquid inlet channel A and a liquid inlet channel B. The liquid inlet channel A is embedded in the housing and is a conical hole with a diameter of 90.5-95 degrees. The liquid inlet channel B includes an outer body, the shape of which includes, but is not limited to, a cylinder. The liquid inlet channel inside the cylinder is a conical hole with a diameter of 90.5-95 degrees.

[0016] In a specific embodiment, the connecting pipeline is a right-angle pipeline, the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel are arranged perpendicular to each other, the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are respectively arranged on the mutually perpendicular sides of the shell, and the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel can be interchanged.

[0017] In one specific embodiment, the cylinder is set as a 90-degree cylinder, the angle being the inclination angle between the plane containing the cylinder and the side of the cylinder.

[0018] In a specific embodiment, the external connection method of the liquid inlet channel includes, but is not limited to, insertion or threaded connection;

[0019] Among them, the insert type is provided with an external component corresponding to the inner hole of the liquid inlet channel, and the external component includes a straight-mouth syringe, a Luer head syringe, and a Luer connector;

[0020] The threaded connection is provided with a thread in the inner hole of the liquid inlet channel, and is connected to an external component via the thread. The external component includes a threaded Garruhl connector.

[0021] In one specific embodiment, the converter is provided with a double-ear-shaped conversion pipeline structure, and the conversion pipeline structure is arranged side by side on the same plane of the cavity; the cavity is a rectangular cavity, and the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel are arranged on two adjacent and mutually perpendicular planes.

[0022] In one specific embodiment, the converter may also include, but is not limited to, three conversion pipeline structures arranged side by side.

[0023] In one specific embodiment, the converter further includes a filter structure at the inlet / outlet liquid channel;

[0024] Among them, any one or all of the inlet / outlet channels A and B are equipped with a filter membrane, filter sheet or filter or a combination thereof in the inner hole.

[0025] In one specific embodiment, a temperature control module is also provided inside the converter housing to control the fluid temperature of the converter.

[0026] The microfluidic fluid converter provided by this technical solution has the following significant advantages in practical applications due to its structural design and functional integration:

[0027] 1. The inlet and outlet are designed with a conical inner hole (90.5°–95°) and a 90° cylindrical outer body, which can simultaneously support various insertion and threaded connection methods such as straight syringes, Luer connectors, Luer locks, threaded connections and multi-head combination connectors. It is compatible with mainstream syringe pumps, microfluidic chips and downstream modules, greatly improving the system's versatility and interchangeability.

[0028] 2. The threaded + Luer / straight-end combination locking structure can maintain a stable connection under high pressure or vibration environment, significantly reducing the risk of leakage and interface failure.

[0029] 3. The dual-ear parallel switching pipeline design makes it possible to quickly switch multiple fluid channels in parallel or alternately; the right-angle bend structure of the pipeline saves space and allows for quick replacement or parallel connection of external mixing reactors, temperature control modules, filter components, microfluidic chips, etc., to achieve an integrated, high-throughput microfluidic process.

[0030] 4. The compact design of the conical orifice and right-angle tubing significantly reduces the dead volume of the system and lowers sample and reagent consumption; the device is small in size and lightweight, and can be easily integrated into portable or field microfluidic reagent devices. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of Example 1;

[0033] Figure 2 The image shown is a front view of Example 1;

[0034] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of Example 2;

[0035] Figure 4 The image shown is a schematic diagram of the back side of Example 1;

[0036] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic of the filter structure in Example 2;

[0037] Figure 6 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of the filter. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0039] The following describes a specific embodiment of the present invention, “A Microfluidic Fluid Converter,” with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] refer to Figure 1 , 2 4. The converter mainly includes a conversion pipeline structure 1, a cavity 2, and a filter structure. The cavity 2 is made of rectangular integrated metal or high-strength engineering plastic. Two parallel "double-ear" conversion slots 6 are opened inside the cavity 2 along the same plane. Each slot is used to fix a set of conversion pipeline structures 1. The slots are set to protrude from the surface of the shell to enhance the strength of the converter hole wall, and also to guide and further limit the conversion pipeline structure 1.

[0042] The conversion pipeline structure 1 includes: an inlet channel 3, an outlet channel 4, and a connecting pipeline 5; the connecting pipeline is a right-angle pipeline, and the inlet channel and outlet channel are arranged perpendicular to each other, with the inlet and outlet respectively located on the perpendicular sides of the shell.

[0043] The outer body of the liquid inlet channel B is a cylinder with its side inclined at 90° to the plane on which it is located; the inside is a conical inner hole 7, with the diameter decreasing from the outside to the inside. The outer end diameter is Φ1.2mm, the inner end diameter is Φ0.8mm, and the cone angle of the conical hole is about 92° (range 90.5°–95°).

[0044] The outer body of the liquid outlet channel 4 is also a cylinder, with its side facing 90° to the plane it is on. The diameter of the internal conical hole increases from the inside to the outside, corresponding to Φ1.2mm at the outer end and Φ0.8mm at the inner end, with a cone angle of 92°.

[0045] Interface connection methods include:

[0046] Insertion type: compatible with straight-mouth syringes, Luer-head syringes and Luer connectors;

[0047] Threaded type: M6×0.75, thread + Luer lock or straight-end combination structure;

[0048] After insertion / thread combination locking, leakage-free operation is achieved under high pressure (≥2MPa) and vibration environments through the matching O-ring.

[0049] Filtration structure: In this embodiment, the liquid inlet channel 3 is type B, which can be used for insert-type or threaded filter 8. The filter can be directly inserted or connected by thread.

[0050] Detachable, located inside the outlet or inlet, containing a stainless steel woven mesh filter membrane with a pore size of 5μm;

[0051] Temperature control module: In this embodiment, the temperature control module can be embedded inside the cavity and includes a thin-film heating element and an NTC temperature sensor. The temperature control range is 4℃–85℃, and the response time is <5s. Other temperature control methods include water bath temperature control, etc.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] refer to Figure 3 The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 lies in the arrangement of the liquid inlet channel 3 and the distribution and number of the conversion pipeline structure 1. The converter is provided with three conversion pipeline structures 1, which are arranged side by side on the same plane of the cavity 2; the liquid inlet channel 3 and the liquid outlet channel 4 are arranged on two adjacent and mutually perpendicular planes.

[0054] In this embodiment, the liquid inlet channel 3 is type A, which is embedded in the housing, and the liquid outlet channel is a conical hole with a diameter of 90.5-95 degrees.

[0055] The filtration structure can be selected from filter membrane 10, filter sheet 9 and filter 8. The connection method includes single selection and combination selection. The filter membrane or filter sheet is placed in the inner hole of the liquid inlet channel 3 and the filter is inserted to achieve multiple filtration.

[0056] Among them, the detachable filter membrane 10 is located in the liquid inlet channel 3, and contains a stainless steel woven mesh filter membrane with a pore size of 5μm;

[0057] This setup can meet the needs of multiphase conversion. Multiphase connections allow for various methods, such as connecting inlets or outlets to each other or alternatingly, to achieve multiphase integration, enabling multi-stage and multiphase mixing reactions, multi-stage and multiphase filtration, and multi-stage and multiphase homogenization. This approach allows the converter to be built as a module within microfluidic systems or other fluid devices, enabling low-cost and rapid application in various scenarios.

[0058] In addition to the above, the converter may include, but is not limited to, having one, two or three conversion pipeline structures, with the conversion pipeline structures arranged side by side. The conversion pipeline structure and distribution can be adjusted according to the specific application scenario. Furthermore, the inlet channel 3 and the outlet channel 4 can be interchanged. That is, when installed in the reverse direction, the outlet channel 4 becomes the inlet channel 3, and the inlet channel 3 becomes the outlet channel 4.

[0059] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0060] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A microfluidic fluid transducer, characterized in that, The converter includes at least one set of conversion pipeline structures and a housing covering the conversion pipeline structures; The aforementioned conversion pipeline structure includes an inlet channel, an outlet channel, and a connecting pipeline connecting the inlet channel and the outlet channel; The liquid inlet channel is located on the side of the housing, and the diameter of the liquid inlet channel gradually decreases from the outside to the inside. The liquid outlet channel is located on the side of the housing, different from the liquid inlet channel, and the diameter of the liquid outlet channel gradually increases from the inside to the outside.

2. The fluid converter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid outlet channel also includes an outer body, which is disposed outside the shell. The shape of the outer body includes, but is not limited to, a cylinder. The liquid outlet channel inside the cylinder is a conical orifice with a diameter of 90.5-95 degrees.

3. The fluid converter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid inlet channel includes liquid inlet channel A and liquid inlet channel B. Liquid inlet channel A is embedded in the housing, and the liquid outlet channel is a conical hole with a diameter of 90.5-95 degrees. Liquid inlet channel B includes an outer body, the shape of which includes, but is not limited to, a cylinder. The liquid inlet channel inside the cylinder is a conical hole with a diameter of 90.5-95 degrees, and the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel can be converted into each other during application.

4. The fluid converter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting pipeline is a right-angle pipeline, and the liquid inlet channel and liquid outlet channel are arranged perpendicular to each other. The liquid inlet and liquid outlet are respectively located on the perpendicular sides of the shell, and the liquid inlet channel and liquid outlet channel can be converted to each other during use.

5. The fluid converter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cylinder is set as a 90-degree cylinder, and the angle is the inclination angle between the plane on which the cylinder is located and the side of the cylinder.

6. The fluid converter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external connection method of the liquid inlet channel includes, but is not limited to, insertion or threaded connection; Among them, the insert type is provided with an external component corresponding to the inner hole of the liquid inlet channel, and the external component includes a straight-mouth syringe, a Luer head syringe, and a Luer connector; The threaded connection is provided with a thread in the inner hole of the liquid inlet channel, and is connected to an external component via the thread. The external component includes a threaded Garruhl connector.

7. The fluid converter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The converter is equipped with a double-ear-shaped conversion pipeline structure, which is arranged side by side on the same plane of the cavity; the cavity is a rectangular cavity, and the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel are arranged on two adjacent and mutually perpendicular planes.

8. The fluid converter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The converter also includes, but is not limited to, setting up three conversion pipeline structures, which are arranged side by side.

9. The fluid converter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The converter also includes a filter structure at the inlet / outlet liquid channel; In this case, any one or all of the inlet / outlet channels are equipped with a filter membrane, filter sheet, or filter, or a combination thereof, in the inner hole.

10. The fluid converter according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature control module installed inside the converter housing to control the fluid temperature of the converter.

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