Pneumatic microfluidic liquid production device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device, including box, preparation mechanism for loading and mixing liquid, with the pneumatic mechanism of preparation mechanism is releasably connected, preparation mechanism includes preparation chip with at least two input ends and one output end, several infusion pipelines respectively with input end corresponding connection and for loading liquid, the one end of each infusion pipeline is connected with corresponding input end by electromagnetic valve, pneumatic mechanism includes several buffer gas tank respectively with the other end of several infusion pipelines one-to-one and releasably connected, with buffer gas tank and for supplying gas external gas source, pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device further includes liquid feeding device that injects liquid from the other end of infusion pipeline to infusion pipeline inside.The utility model not only improves control precision, avoids the influence of abrasion, dead volume on precision;Also avoid the adverse effects of liquid pollution to product quality, ensure product quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device, which is applicable to the field of biomedical processing technology. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidic liquid preparation devices are used in processing steps such as biochemical reactions, rapid reagent mixing, and microparticle synthesis. Their working principle involves using two immiscible liquids as the continuous and discrete phases, respectively. Driven by a pump with a fixed volumetric flow rate, each enters a different microchannel. When the two fluids meet at their intersection, the discrete phase fluid continues to extend, forming a "plug-like" or "jet-like" liquid column. This column is then clamped by the shearing and compression of the continuous phase fluid, dispersing as tiny volumetric units within the continuous phase to form droplets. Currently, most common microfluidic devices rely on mechanical pumps to drive the liquid. This involves loading the liquid into a test tube-like container and then using a mechanical device to drive a piston within the container, thereby applying pressure to the liquid and pumping it into the prepared chip.

[0003] However, when such devices pump liquids, precision errors in the container and piston structure inevitably result in some residual liquid inside the container. This residual liquid not only easily contaminates the solution being prepared but also causes a discrepancy between the amount of liquid being prepared and the amount of liquid loaded in the container, leading to errors in the accuracy of liquid flow delivery. This is especially problematic when controlling trace amounts of liquid, making it difficult to meet control requirements. Furthermore, the direct contact between the liquid and the mechanism in the mechanical pumping structure poses a risk of contamination, which is exacerbated by wear and aging of the seals after prolonged use. In addition, the natural wear and tear of the mechanical structure over long-term use leads to a decline in the precision and performance of the drive structure, further reducing the accuracy of liquid control and ultimately affecting the quality of the processed products. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, this invention proposes a pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device, including a housing, a preparation mechanism disposed in the housing for loading and mixing liquid, and a pneumatic mechanism detachably connected to the preparation mechanism for driving the liquid. The preparation mechanism includes a preparation chip having at least two input ends and one output end, and a plurality of infusion pipes respectively connected to the at least two input ends for loading liquid. One end of each infusion pipe is connected to the corresponding input end through a solenoid valve. The pneumatic mechanism includes a plurality of buffer gas tanks respectively corresponding to and detachably connected to the other ends of the plurality of infusion pipes, and an external gas source connected to the buffer gas tanks for supplying gas. The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device also includes a liquid injection device for injecting liquid into the infusion pipes from the other end of the infusion pipes. In practical use, the solenoid valve is first closed, then the other end of the infusion pipeline is disconnected. A measured amount of solution is then introduced into the infusion pipeline using a liquid adding device. After the liquid is added, the other end of the infusion pipeline is connected to and sealed to a buffer gas tank. Air is then introduced into the buffer gas tank through an external air source. Once the gas pressure in the buffer gas tank reaches the target level, the solenoid valve is opened. The high-pressure gas in the buffer gas tank applies pressure to the liquid in the infusion pipeline and pushes it into the chip preparation area for mixing and preparation. By replacing the mechanical pumping structure in the traditional equipment with a pneumatic mechanism and eliminating the container in the traditional equipment, the liquid is directly transported through the infusion pipeline. This not only improves the control accuracy of the liquid flow rate and avoids the adverse effects of mechanical structure wear and residual dead volume on control accuracy, but also avoids the adverse effects on product quality caused by factors such as cross-contamination of residual liquid, direct contact of pistons and other drive structures, and leakage due to structural wear, thus ensuring product quality.

[0006] Furthermore, the pneumatic mechanism also includes an electro-proportional valve that is respectively installed between the external air source and each buffer gas tank. The electro-proportional valve controls the amount of gas supplied from the external air source into the buffer gas tank, thereby controlling the air pressure inside the buffer gas tank to facilitate the control of liquid flow.

[0007] Furthermore, a partition is installed inside the chamber, dividing the interior into a preparation area at the front and a drive area at the rear. The preparation mechanism is located in the preparation area, and the pneumatic mechanism is located in the drive area. By dividing the internal space of the chamber, the neatness of each component inside is ensured, and accidental contact during operation and processing is avoided.

[0008] Furthermore, each buffer gas tank has a first interface for connecting to an external gas source, a second interface for connecting to the fabrication chip, and a third interface equipped with a pressure sensor for detecting the internal pressure of the buffer gas tank. The first interface connects to the external gas source, allowing the external gas source to supply gas into the buffer gas tank. The second interface connects to the fabrication chip, allowing the high-pressure gas inside the buffer gas tank to flow into the liquid delivery pipeline and drive the liquid into the fabrication chip. The third interface connects to the pressure sensor, facilitating real-time monitoring of the internal gas pressure of the buffer gas tank. This allows for pressure adjustment, thereby enabling real-time regulation of the liquid flow rate. Simultaneously, the pressure sensor allows setting a pressure threshold within the buffer gas tank, ensuring the device operates within a safe pressure range.

[0009] Furthermore, the partition has the same number of connection holes as the buffer tanks, and their positions correspond to those of the buffer tanks. The second interface of each buffer tank is fixed to the back of the partition and aligns with the corresponding connection hole. The other end of the infusion tubing is detachably inserted into the corresponding connection hole and detachably connected to the second interface. Specifically, the outer wall of the other end of the infusion tubing and the inner wall of the connection hole have corresponding threads, allowing the infusion tubing to be detachably connected to the connection hole via the threads, thus achieving a detachable connection between the buffer tank and the infusion tubing.

[0010] Furthermore, the fabrication mechanism also includes a pair of fixing clamps fixed in front of the partition. The fabrication chip is detachably snapped between the pair of fixing clamps. The fixing clamps hold and fix the fabrication chip to ensure the stability of the processing and also facilitate the replacement of different models of fabrication chips, improving the versatility of the device.

[0011] Furthermore, the preparation area has an opening on the front, and the surface of the box is equipped with a door that covers the opening and can be opened or closed relative to the opening. This not only facilitates personnel operation and processing but also prevents external dust from contaminating the products in the preparation area.

[0012] Due to the application of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0013] The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device of this invention has a simple structure and is easy to operate. By improving the mechanical pumping structure in traditional equipment to a pneumatic mechanism and eliminating the container in traditional equipment, liquid is directly transported through a delivery pipeline. This not only improves the control accuracy of liquid flow rate and avoids the adverse effects of mechanical structure wear and residual dead volume on control accuracy, but also avoids the adverse effects on product quality caused by factors such as cross-contamination of residual liquid, direct contact of pistons and other drive structures, and leakage caused by structural wear, thus ensuring product quality. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the present invention in a detailed manner by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar components or parts. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the preparation mechanism in the illustrated embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The internal structure diagram of the embodiment shown is shown.

[0018] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0019] 1. Housing; 11. Partition; 111. Connection hole; 12. Preparation area; 13. Drive area; 14. Door; 2. Preparation mechanism; 21. Chip preparation; 22. Infusion pipeline; 23. Solenoid valve; 24. Fixing fixture; 3. Pneumatic mechanism; 31. Buffer gas tank; 311. First interface; 312. Second interface; 313. Third interface; 314. Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. 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.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the directional terms "front" and "back" are defined according to the direction of use of the preparation device. Specifically, when the preparation device is in normal use, the direction in which a person stands is "front," and vice versa; when a person faces forward, the person's left side is "left," and vice versa. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0022] Reference Appendix Figure 1-3The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device in this embodiment includes a housing 1, a preparation mechanism 2 disposed in the housing 1 for loading and mixing liquid, and a pneumatic mechanism 3 detachably connected to the preparation mechanism 2 for driving the liquid. The preparation mechanism 2 includes a preparation chip 21 having at least two input ends and one output end, and a plurality of infusion pipes 22 respectively connected to the at least two input ends for loading liquid. One end of each infusion pipe 22 is connected to the corresponding input end through a solenoid valve 23. The pneumatic mechanism 3 includes a plurality of buffer gas tanks 31 respectively corresponding to the other ends of the plurality of infusion pipes 22 and detachably connected, and an external gas source connected to the buffer gas tanks 31 for supplying gas. The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device also includes a liquid injection device (not shown in the figure) for injecting liquid into the infusion pipe 22 from the other end of the infusion pipe 22. In practical use, first close the solenoid valve 23, then disconnect the other end of the infusion pipeline 22. Use a liquid adding device (such as a syringe) to add a fixed amount of solution into the infusion pipeline 22. After adding the solution, connect and seal the other end of the infusion pipeline 22 to the buffer gas tank 31. Then, introduce air into the buffer gas tank 31 through an external air source. When the air pressure in the buffer gas tank 31 reaches the standard, open the solenoid valve 23. The high-pressure gas in the buffer gas tank 31 applies pressure to the liquid in the infusion pipeline 22 and pushes it to the chip preparation 21 for mixing and preparation. By improving the mechanical pumping structure in the traditional equipment to a pneumatic mechanism and eliminating the container in the traditional equipment, the liquid is directly transported through the infusion pipeline 22. This not only improves the control accuracy of the liquid flow rate and avoids the adverse effects of mechanical structure wear and residual dead volume on control accuracy, but also avoids the adverse effects on product quality caused by residual liquid cross-contamination, direct contact of pistons and other drive structures, and leakage caused by structural wear, thus ensuring product quality.

[0023] In a more preferred embodiment, the pneumatic mechanism 3 further includes an electro-proportional valve (not shown in the figures) respectively disposed between the external air source and each buffer gas tank 31. The electro-proportional valve controls the amount of gas supplied from the external air source into the buffer gas tank 31, thereby controlling the air pressure inside the buffer gas tank 31 to facilitate control of the liquid flow rate.

[0024] In a more preferred embodiment, a partition 11 is provided inside the housing 1, dividing the interior of the housing 1 into a preparation area 12 located at the front and a drive area 13 located at the rear. The preparation mechanism 2 is located in the preparation area 12, and the pneumatic mechanism 3 is located in the drive area 13. By dividing the internal space of the housing 1, the neatness of each component inside the housing 1 is ensured, and accidental contact during operation and processing is avoided.

[0025] In a more preferred embodiment, each buffer gas tank 31 has a first interface 311 for connecting to an external gas source, a second interface 312 for connecting to the fabrication chip 21, and a third interface 313 equipped with a pressure sensor 314 for detecting the internal pressure of the buffer gas tank 31. The first interface 311 connects to the external gas source, allowing the external gas source to supply gas into the buffer gas tank 31. The second interface 312 connects to the fabrication chip 21, allowing the high-pressure gas inside the buffer gas tank 31 to flow into the liquid delivery pipe 22 and drive liquid into the fabrication chip 21. The pressure sensor 314 is connected to the third interface 313, facilitating real-time monitoring of the internal gas pressure of the buffer gas tank 31. This allows for pressure adjustment, thereby regulating the liquid flow rate in real time. Simultaneously, the pressure sensor 314 allows setting a pressure threshold within the buffer gas tank 31, ensuring the device operates within a safe pressure range.

[0026] In a more preferred embodiment, the partition 11 has the same number of connecting holes 111 as the buffer gas tanks 31, and the holes are positioned correspondingly. The second interface 312 of each buffer gas tank 31 is fixed to the back of the partition 11 and aligns with the corresponding connecting hole 111. The other end of the infusion pipe 22 is detachably inserted into the corresponding connecting hole 111 and detachably connected to the second interface 312. Specifically, the outer wall of the other end of the infusion pipe 22 and the inner wall of the connecting hole 111 are provided with corresponding threads, so that the infusion pipe 22 can be detachably connected to the connecting hole 11 via the threads, thereby achieving a detachable connection between the buffer gas tank 31 and the infusion pipe 22.

[0027] In a more preferred embodiment, the preparation mechanism 2 further includes a pair of fixing clamps 24 fixed to the front of the partition 11. The preparation chip 21 is detachably snapped between the pair of fixing clamps 24. The preparation chip 21 is clamped and fixed by the fixing clamps 22 to ensure the stability of the processing and to facilitate the replacement of different models of preparation chips, thereby improving the versatility of the device.

[0028] In a more preferred embodiment, the preparation area 12 has an opening on the front side, and the surface of the box 1 is provided with a door 14 that covers the opening and can be opened or closed relative to the opening. This not only facilitates personnel operation and processing, but also prevents external dust from contaminating the products in the preparation area.

[0029] Due to the application of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0030] The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device of this invention has a simple structure and is easy to operate. By improving the mechanical pumping structure in traditional equipment to a pneumatic mechanism and eliminating the container in traditional equipment, liquid is directly transported through a delivery pipeline. This not only improves the control accuracy of liquid flow rate and avoids the adverse effects of mechanical structure wear and residual dead volume on control accuracy, but also avoids the adverse effects on product quality caused by factors such as cross-contamination of residual liquid, direct contact of pistons and other drive structures, and leakage caused by structural wear, thus ensuring product quality.

[0031] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be used to limit the protection scope of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device, characterized in that: The device includes a housing (1), a preparation mechanism (2) disposed within the housing (1) for loading and mixing liquids, and a pneumatic mechanism (3) detachably connected to the preparation mechanism (2) for driving the liquids. The preparation mechanism (2) includes a preparation chip (21) having at least two input ends and one output end, and a plurality of infusion pipes (22) respectively connected to at least two input ends for loading liquids. One end of each infusion pipe (22) is connected to the corresponding input end via a solenoid valve (23). The pneumatic mechanism (3) includes a plurality of buffer gas tanks (31) respectively corresponding to the other end of the plurality of infusion pipes (22) and detachably connected, and an external gas source connected to the buffer gas tanks (31) for supplying gas. The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device also includes a liquid injection device for injecting liquid into the infusion pipes (22) from the other end of the infusion pipes (22).

2. The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pneumatic mechanism (3) also includes an electric proportional valve that is respectively disposed between the external air source and each buffer air tank (31).

3. The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box (1) is provided with a partition (11), and the partition (11) divides the interior of the box (1) into a preparation area (12) located on the front side and a driving area (13) located on the rear side. The preparation mechanism (2) is located in the preparation area (12), and the pneumatic mechanism (3) is located in the driving area (13).

4. The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the buffer gas tanks (31) has a first interface (311) for connecting to the external gas source, a second interface (312) for connecting to the fabrication chip (21), and a third interface (313) provided with a pressure sensor (314) for detecting the internal pressure of the buffer gas tank (31).

5. The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The partition (11) has the same number of connection holes (111) as the buffer gas tank (31) and corresponding positions. The second interface (312) of each buffer gas tank (31) is fixed to the back of the partition (11) and is connected to the corresponding connection hole (111). The other end of the infusion pipe (22) can be detachably inserted into the corresponding connection hole (111) and detachably connected to the second interface (312).

6. The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fabrication mechanism (2) further includes a pair of fixing clamps (24) fixed to the front of the partition (11), and the fabrication chip (21) is detachably snapped between the pair of fixing clamps (24).

7. The pneumatic microfluidic liquid preparation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The preparation area (12) has an opening on the front side, and the surface of the box (1) is provided with a box door (14) that covers the opening and can be opened or closed relative to the opening.

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