Micro-fluidic chip clamp

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of micro-fluidic chips, in particular to a micro-fluidic chip clamp which comprises a clamp main body, a pressing plate mounting groove is formed in the clamp main body, a chip mounting groove is formed in the pressing plate mounting groove, an equipment mounting groove is formed in the bottom of the clamp main body, a liquid inlet is formed in the side wall of the clamp main body, and a liquid outlet is formed in the side wall of the clamp main body. A liquid inlet is formed in the clamp main body, the liquid inlet is communicated with the L-shaped flow channel, the L-shaped flow channel is communicated with the chip mounting groove, a liquid outlet is further formed in the clamp main body, the liquid outlet is communicated with the chip mounting groove through the L-shaped flow channel, opening grooves are formed in the tops and the bottoms of the two sides of the clamp main body, and a micro-fluidic chip is mounted in the chip mounting groove. A pressing plate is mounted at the top of the micro-fluidic chip, and various connections between the micro-fluidic chip and a pump, a valve, a pipeline, a converter and the like are quickly realized through the clamp main body. And the view window arranged on the pressing plate can be used for observation. And the clamp main body is provided with the assembling hole, so that the clamp can be clamped on expansion equipment to realize multiple functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microfluidic chip technology, specifically a microfluidic chip fixture. Background Technology

[0002] Currently available microfluidic chip fixtures are complex in structure, with more than five different parts, making it difficult to replace the microfluidic chip and lacking a viewport function. They also lack other expansion installation capabilities, making them inconvenient to use.

[0003] Existing microfluidic chip fixtures have complex structures and too many types of accessories, increasing the difficulty of disassembly and assembly.

[0004] Existing microfluidic chip fixtures are too limited in function, lack fixed mounting holes, and cannot be expanded to include other functions.

[0005] Existing microfluidic chip fixtures have low pressure resistance and mostly adopt snap-fit ​​designs, resulting in poor sealing performance.

[0006] Existing microfluidic chip fixtures have no slotted design;

[0007] Existing microfluidic chip fixtures lack a supplementary light slot design;

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned technical characteristics, this patent provides a new technical solution. Utility Model Content

[0009] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of the embodiments of this utility model and to briefly introduce some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be used to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0010] In view of the problems existing in the current microfluidic chip fixtures, this utility model is proposed.

[0011] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a microfluidic chip fixture that enables rapid connection of microfluidic chips to pumps, valves, pipelines, converters, and other components via the fixture body. A viewing window on the pressure plate allows for observation. Assembly holes are provided on the fixture body for mounting onto expansion devices to achieve multiple functions.

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0013] A microfluidic chip fixture, comprising a fixture body;

[0014] The fixture body has a pressure plate mounting groove, a chip mounting groove, and a device mounting groove at the bottom. A liquid inlet is located on the side wall of the fixture body, communicating with an L-shaped flow channel, which in turn communicates with the chip mounting groove. A drain outlet is also provided on the fixture body, communicating with the chip mounting groove via an L-shaped flow channel. Opening slots are provided at the top and bottom of both sides of the fixture body. A microfluidic chip is installed in the chip mounting groove, and a pressure plate is mounted on top of the microfluidic chip.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the microfluidic chip fixture described in this utility model, fixing holes are evenly arranged around the pressure plate mounting groove, and threaded holes are evenly opened around the pressure plate, with screws passing through the threaded holes and screwed into the fixing holes.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the microfluidic chip fixture described in this utility model, the microfluidic chip has a positioning hole, a liquid inlet hole, and a liquid outlet hole at its bottom. The liquid inlet hole is connected to an L-shaped flow channel, and the liquid outlet hole is also connected to the L-shaped flow channel.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the microfluidic chip fixture described in this utility model, the fixture body has liquid inlets on the front and both sides, and the liquid inlets are screwed with either a threaded connector or a Luer connector.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the microfluidic chip fixture described in this utility model, a countersunk hole is provided at the top of the L-shaped flow channel, and a sealing ring is installed in the countersunk hole.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the microfluidic chip fixture described in this utility model, the fixture body has assembly holes at the front and bottom, and the fixture body is fixedly connected to the microscope and the freezing platform through the assembly holes.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the microfluidic chip fixture described in this utility model, a positioning post is provided on one side of the chip mounting slot, and the positioning post is inserted into a positioning hole opened at the bottom of the microfluidic chip.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the microfluidic chip fixture described in this utility model, the device mounting slot is used for natural supplemental lighting and for mounting supplemental lighting lamps.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the microfluidic chip fixture described in this utility model, the pressure plate may be made of a transparent material and the pressure plate has a convex lens structure.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the microfluidic chip fixture described in this utility model, the fixture body has an inlet and an outlet on its bottom.

[0024] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are: it enables rapid connection of microfluidic chips to pumps, valves, pipelines, converters, and other components via the fixture body. A viewing window on the pressure plate allows for observation. Assembly holes are provided on the fixture body, allowing it to be clamped onto expansion devices to achieve multiple functions. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Among them:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the fixture body of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the main body of the clamp of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the microfluidic chip of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the microfluidic chip structure of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the clamp body according to the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0032] In the diagram: 100 Fixture body, 110 Pressure plate mounting slot, 111 Fixing hole, 120 Chip mounting slot, 121 Positioning post, 130 Equipment mounting slot, 140 Liquid inlet, 141 L-shaped flow channel, 142 Countersunk hole, 150 Liquid outlet, 160 Opening slot, 170 Assembly hole, 200 Microfluidic chip, 201 Positioning hole, 202 Liquid inlet hole, 203 Liquid outlet hole, 210 Pressure plate, 220 Threaded hole. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0035] Secondly, this utility model is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When describing the embodiments of this utility model, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views showing the device structure may be partially enlarged, not according to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In addition, in actual manufacturing, the three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth should be included.

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] This utility model provides the following technical solution: a microfluidic chip fixture, which, during use, allows for rapid connection of the microfluidic chip to pumps, valves, pipelines, converters, and other components via the fixture body. A viewing window on the pressure plate allows for observation. Assembly holes are provided on the fixture body, enabling it to be clamped onto expansion devices to achieve multiple functions.

[0038] Figures 1-5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the first embodiment of a microfluidic chip fixture according to this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1-5 The microfluidic chip fixture of this embodiment includes a fixture body 100 as its main body.

[0039] The fixture body 100 has a pressure plate mounting groove 110, a chip mounting groove 120 is provided in the pressure plate mounting groove 110, an equipment mounting groove 130 is provided at the bottom of the fixture body 100, a liquid inlet 140 is provided on the side wall of the fixture body 100, the liquid inlet 140 is connected to an L-shaped flow channel 141, the L-shaped flow channel 141 is connected to the chip mounting groove 120, the fixture body 100 is also provided with a drain outlet 150, the drain outlet 150 is connected to the chip mounting groove 120 through the L-shaped flow channel 141, and opening grooves 160 are provided at the top and bottom of both sides of the fixture body 100. A microfluidic chip 200 is installed in the chip mounting groove 120, and a pressure plate 210 is installed on the top of the microfluidic chip 200.

[0040] The pressure plate mounting groove 110 has evenly distributed fixing holes 111 around its perimeter, and the pressure plate 210 has evenly distributed threaded holes 220 around its perimeter. Screws pass through the threaded holes 220 and are screwed into the fixing holes 111. The microfluidic chip 200 has a positioning hole 201, a liquid inlet hole 202, and a liquid outlet hole 203 at its bottom. The liquid inlet hole 202 communicates with the L-shaped flow channel 141, and the liquid outlet hole 203 communicates with the L-shaped flow channel 141. The clamp body 100 has liquid inlets 140 on its front and both sides. The liquid inlets 140 are screwed with either a threaded connector or a Luer connector. A countersunk hole 142 is provided at the top of the flow channel 141, and a sealing ring is installed in the countersunk hole 142. Assembly holes 170 are provided at the front and bottom of the fixture body 100. The fixture body 100 is fixedly connected to the microscope and the cryo-platform through the assembly holes 170. A positioning post 121 is provided on one side of the chip mounting slot 120. The positioning post 121 is inserted into the positioning hole 201 at the bottom of the microfluidic chip 200. The equipment mounting slot 130 is used for natural supplemental lighting and installation of supplemental lighting lamps. The pressure plate 210 can be made of transparent material and has a convex lens structure.

[0041] Three inlets 140 are provided, located on both sides and the front surface of the fixture body 100, respectively. The outlet 150 is located on the rear surface of the fixture body 100, enabling multiple simultaneous injections, staged injections, and other fluid injection methods. Each inlet and outlet has markings or lettering to prevent incorrect connection during use. The inlets and outlets can be connected to the fixture using threaded fittings, Luer fittings, or other methods, allowing for quick connection and readily available fittings.

[0042] The inlet 140 and outlet 150 are connected to the inlet hole 202 and outlet hole 203 on the microfluidic chip 200 through the L-shaped flow channel 141. This connection method minimizes the direct impact of fluid on the microfluidic chip 200 and extends the service life of the microfluidic chip 200.

[0043] A countersunk hole 142 is designed between the fixture body 100 and the microfluidic chip 200. A sealing ring can be installed at the countersunk hole 142. The installed sealing ring is higher than the main plane of the fixture cavity. When the pressure plate 210 is locked, the height of the sealed ring after compression is on the same plane as the plane of the pressure plate mounting groove 110 or on the plane of the pressure plate mounting groove 110, so as to achieve the sealing of each liquid inlet hole 202 and liquid outlet hole 203 of the microfluidic chip 200.

[0044] The pressure plate 210 has an observation window in the middle, which is located in the reaction area of ​​the microfluidic chip 200 and is used to observe the fluid state in the microfluidic chip 200. The fixture body 100 has assembly holes 170 on the bottom and one side, which can be used to quickly fix the fixture body 100 to extended equipment such as microscopes and freezing platforms to realize microscopic observation and other functions.

[0045] The bottom of the fixture body 100 is designed with an opening slot 160 and an equipment mounting slot 130. The equipment mounting slot 130 can be used for natural lighting and light source supplementation for the observation window, while the lower opening slot 160 can be used for clamping and fixing. The upper opening slot 160 can be used for skid mounting of the microfluidic chip 200 pressure plate 210, and can also be used for clamping and fixing. The non-closed notch slot also facilitates the cleaning of the fixture cavity.

[0046] The fixture body 100 is designed with fixing holes 111 for fixing the microfluidic chip 200 and the pressure plate 210 into the cavity. Screws of different lengths can be used to clamp microfluidic chips 200 of various thicknesses, enabling diverse applications of the microfluidic chip 200. The cavity of the fixture body 100 is designed with positioning posts 121, which have positioning and foolproof functions, used to fix the microfluidic chip 200 and prevent the microfluidic chip 200 from being installed backwards.

[0047] The microfluidic chip consists of three inlet ports 202, one outlet port 203, and a spiral flow channel 204. The angle between the inlet ports and the flow channels of the microfluidic chip is between 5 degrees and 180 degrees. The sum of the widths of the flow channels of each inlet port is the width of the main flow channel after the convergence. The flow channel after the convergence is spirally designed. This design can constrain the fluid to carry out longer micro-reaction mixing or fluid alignment in the microfluidic chip channel, and enhance the mixing reaction intensity or fluid stability.

[0048] Working principle: During use, the fixture body 100 quickly connects the microfluidic chip 200 to various components such as pumps, valves, pipelines, and converters. Observation can be performed through the viewing window on the pressure plate 210. The fixture body 100 has assembly holes 170, allowing it to be clamped onto expansion devices to achieve multiple functions.

[0049] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a second embodiment of the microfluidic chip fixture of this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 Unlike the first embodiment described above, the fixture body 100 has an inlet 140 and an outlet 150 at its bottom. Due to the structural issues of the first embodiment, when the liquid supply device and the liquid collection device are located below the fixture body, it is inconvenient to connect the liquid supply device and the liquid collection device with the inlet 140 and the outlet 150, requiring the addition of a bend to ensure the smooth flow of the flow channel. To address this problem, the second embodiment of this utility model is proposed.

[0050] The clamp body 100 has an inlet 140 and an outlet 150 on its bottom. It can be directly connected to the liquid supply device and liquid collection device at the bottom of the clamp body 100 via a hose. Since the inlet 140 and the outlet 150 are on the same side, the installation efficiency is improved compared to the first embodiment described above, and no additional bends are required.

[0051] All standard parts used in this utility model can be purchased from the market, and irregularly shaped parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts, and equipment all adopt conventional models in the prior art. In addition, the circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here. The control method of this utility model is controlled by a controller. The control circuit of the controller can be implemented by those skilled in the art through simple programming. It should be noted that the electrical components mentioned in this utility model have been sorted according to the actual situation during manufacturing, so that the wire harness will not cause the wire harness to become tangled or affect the operation. The contents not described in detail in this specification belong to the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0052] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and is not intended to 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 this utility model.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip fixture, characterized in that: Includes the fixture body (100); The fixture body (100) has a pressure plate mounting groove (110) and a chip mounting groove (120) inside the pressure plate mounting groove (110). The fixture body (100) has a device mounting groove (130) at its bottom. The fixture body (100) has a liquid inlet (140) on its side wall, which is connected to an L-shaped flow channel (141). The L-shaped flow channel (141) is connected to the chip mounting groove (120). 0) Connected, the fixture body (100) is also provided with a drain port (150), the drain port (150) is connected to the chip mounting slot (120) through an L-shaped flow channel (141), the top and bottom of both sides of the fixture body (100) are provided with opening slots (160), the chip mounting slot (120) is installed with a microfluidic chip (200), and a pressure plate (210) is installed on the top of the microfluidic chip (200).

2. The microfluidic chip (200) fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure plate mounting groove (110) is provided with fixing holes (111) evenly around its perimeter, and the pressure plate (210) is provided with threaded holes (220) evenly around its perimeter. Screws pass through the threaded holes (220) and are screwed into the fixing holes (111).

3. A microfluidic chip (200) fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microfluidic chip (200) has a positioning hole (201), a liquid inlet hole (202) and a liquid outlet hole (203) at its bottom. The liquid inlet hole (202) is connected to the L-shaped flow channel (141) and the liquid outlet hole (203) is connected to the L-shaped flow channel (141).

4. A microfluidic chip (200) fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamp body (100) has liquid inlets (140) on the front and both sides, and either a threaded connector or a Luer connector is screwed onto the liquid inlet (140).

5. A microfluidic chip (200) fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The L-shaped flow channel (141) has a countersunk hole (142) at the top, and a sealing ring is installed in the countersunk hole (142).

6. A microfluidic chip (200) fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixture body (100) has assembly holes (170) at the front and bottom, and the fixture body (100) is fixedly connected to the microscope and the cryo-platform through the assembly holes (170).

7. A microfluidic chip (200) fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: A positioning post (121) is provided on one side of the chip mounting slot (120), and the positioning post (121) is inserted into the positioning hole (201) at the bottom of the microfluidic chip (200).

8. A microfluidic chip (200) fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The equipment mounting slot (130) is used for natural supplemental lighting and for installing supplemental lighting lamps.

9. A microfluidic chip (200) fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure plate (210) may be made of transparent material, and the pressure plate (210) has a convex lens structure.

10. A microfluidic chip (200) fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamp body (100) has an inlet (140) and a outlet (150) on its bottom.

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