A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-assisted automatic sample introduction

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of microfluidic analysis, and more specifically, to a microfluidic chip analyzer with automatic side-mounted sample introduction. It includes a housing, a sleeve, a mounting bracket, a sample introduction mechanism, and an analytical component. The mounting bracket and analytical component are installed in the inner cavity of the housing. The sleeve includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring can slide on the mounting bracket, and the inner ring is rotatably connected to the outer ring. The mounting bracket also has a first driving unit, and the inner ring is connected to a second driving unit. The sample introduction mechanism includes a guide rail, a third driving unit, and a bracket. The guide rail is installed on the mounting bracket, and the bracket is slidably connected to the guide rail. The third driving unit can drive the bracket to slide along the guide rail. A stage is installed on the top of the inner ring, and a positioning part is provided on the stage. This utility model's microfluidic chip analyzer simplifies chip placement and enables precise positioning of the microfluidic chip, eliminating human error caused by manual placement and improving the analyzer's detection accuracy and the repeatability of analysis results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of microfluidic analysis, and more specifically, to a microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction. Background Technology

[0002] When performing analysis, the microfluidic chip is placed on an analyzer, which can automatically complete steps such as sample introduction, reaction, washing, and detection. For example, an existing microdroplet detection bioanalytical system includes a frame, a stage, a first drive mechanism, a second drive mechanism, a heating mechanism, a sample dispensing mechanism, a detection mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, and an analytical chip with a reagent card mounted on the frame. The analytical chip is placed on the stage, and a sample inlet is located on the side of the analytical chip facing away from the stage. The analytical chip also has a flow channel connecting the sample inlet and the reagent card, and an inlet gas slot with the same opening direction as the sample inlet is connected to the flow channel. The first drive mechanism is connected to the stage and drives the stage to rotate. The sample dispensing mechanism includes a sealing mechanism for sealing the opening of the sample inlet and a squeezing mechanism for squeezing the gas in the inlet gas slot. The second drive mechanism is connected to the sample dispensing mechanism and drives the sample dispensing mechanism to move in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the stage. This solution uses a sealing mechanism to seal the sample inlet of the analytical chip, and then uses a squeezing mechanism to squeeze the sample in the microchannel, so that all the sample in the microchannel flows into the reaction cell of the analytical chip. This ensures that all the added sample can enter the analytical card and avoids some sample remaining in the microchannel, which would affect the detection accuracy.

[0003] However, in practical applications, it has been found that when microfluidic chips are placed in analytical instruments manually, the manual placement may cause positional errors in the microfluidic chip within the analyzer, affecting the accuracy and repeatability of the detection. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies where manual placement of microfluidic chips in the analyzer may lead to positional errors within the analyzer. This invention provides a microfluidic chip analyzer with automatic side-mounted sample introduction. The analyzer of this solution can automatically introduce samples and adjust the position of the microfluidic chip, enabling the microfluidic chip to be accurately positioned within the analyzer.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction is provided, comprising a housing, a sleeve, a mounting bracket, a sample introduction mechanism, and an analytical component. The housing has a sample inlet on its side wall. The mounting bracket and the analytical component are mounted within the housing cavity. The sleeve includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring is slidable on the mounting bracket, and the inner ring is rotatably connected to the outer ring. The mounting bracket also has a first driving unit that drives the outer ring to slide on the mounting bracket. The inner ring is connected to a second driving unit. The inner ring is driven to rotate within the outer ring. The sample injection mechanism includes a guide rail, a third drive unit, and a bracket. The bracket can support the microfluidic chip. The guide rail is mounted on the mounting frame. The bracket is slidably connected to the guide rail. The third drive unit can drive the bracket to extend along the guide rail through the sample injection port to the outside of the housing. A stage is mounted on the top of the inner ring. The stage is provided with a positioning part for positioning the microfluidic chip. The stage can pass through the bracket and connect to the microfluidic chip on the bracket.

[0006] In operation, the microfluidic chip analyzer of this invention firstly drives the bracket on the guide rail to slide outwards from the housing until it passes through the sample inlet and reaches the outer side of the housing. At this point, the microfluidic chip is placed on the bracket. Then, the third drive unit drives the bracket to slide in the opposite direction until it slides into the inner cavity of the housing and resets. After the bracket resets, the first drive unit drives the outer ring to slide upwards on the mounting bracket, which in turn drives the inner ring to move upwards until the stage on the inner ring abuts against the bottom of the microfluidic chip on the bracket. Once the stage abuts against the microfluidic chip, the second drive unit drives the inner ring to rotate within the inner cavity of the outer ring. The rotation of the inner ring causes the stage to rotate, and during the rotation, the positioning part on the stage mates with the positioning part on the microfluidic chip, fixing the microfluidic chip on the stage. After the microfluidic chip is fixed on the stage, the first drive unit continues to drive the outer ring to move upward on the bracket. This upward movement of the outer ring causes the inner ring, the stage, and the microfluidic chip to move upward within the housing cavity until the microfluidic chip reaches the designated position, at which point the movement stops. At this point, the analytical components can act on the microfluidic chip to perform sample addition, heating, and detection. After the microfluidic chip has been detected, the first drive unit drives the outer ring to move downward on the mounting bracket until the stage separates from the microfluidic chip, and the outer ring resets. Then, the third drive unit drives the bracket to move in the opposite direction on the guide rail until the bracket passes through the sample inlet and extends to the outside of the housing. At this point, the microfluidic chip is removed. After the microfluidic chip is removed, the third drive unit drives the bracket back into the housing cavity and resets, completing one detection cycle.

[0007] The microfluidic chip analyzer of this invention features a bracket that extends from the inner cavity of the housing. After the microfluidic chip is placed on the bracket, the bracket guides the microfluidic chip into the inner cavity of the analyzer. At this point, the position of the microfluidic chip can be further corrected by the movement of the sleeve, achieving precise positioning of the microfluidic chip. This invention simplifies chip placement and enables precise positioning of the microfluidic chip, eliminating human error caused by manual placement and improving the analyzer's detection accuracy and the repeatability of analysis results.

[0008] Furthermore, the sample introduction mechanism also includes a slide, and the guide rails include a first guide rail and a second guide rail. A first driving wheel and a first driven wheel are rotatably connected to both ends of the slide, respectively. The first driving wheel and the first driven wheel are connected by a first transmission belt. The third drive unit is a rotary motor, mounted on the slide, and its drive end is fixedly connected to the first driving wheel. A first slider and a second slider are also mounted on the slide. The first slider is slidably connected to the first guide rail, and the second slider is slidably connected to the second guide rail. The first transmission belt includes a first part and a second part, with the first part and the second part moving in opposite directions. A first connecting block is provided on the mounting bracket, and the first connecting block is fixedly connected to the first part. A second connecting block is provided on the bracket, and the second connecting block is fixedly connected to the second part. Guide rails are provided on both sides of the bracket, and each guide rail has a corresponding third drive unit and a slide. The guide rails on both sides of the bracket move synchronously. The presence of guide rails on both sides of the bracket further improves the stability of the bracket during sliding.

[0009] The direction of movement of the bracket towards the outside of the housing is defined as the positive direction. When the third drive unit drives the first driving wheel to rotate clockwise, the first driving wheel drives the first driven wheel to rotate via the first transmission belt. When the first transmission belt rotates, the first part moves towards the first driving wheel, and the second part moves towards the first driven wheel. When the first part moves towards the first driving wheel, the first connecting block fixedly connected to the first part moves towards the first driving wheel, causing the first slider on the carriage to move in the positive direction on the first guide rail. At the same time, when the second part moves towards the first driven wheel, the second connecting block fixedly connected to the second part moves towards the first driven wheel, causing the second slider on the carriage to move in the positive direction on the second guide rail. When both the first slider and the second slider slide to their maximum limit in the positive direction, the bracket on the second guide rail extends out of the inner cavity of the housing through the sample inlet on the side wall of the housing.

[0010] When the third drive unit reverses the first drive wheel, the first drive wheel drives the first driven wheel to rotate in the opposite direction via the first transmission belt. As the first transmission belt moves in the opposite direction, the first part moves towards the first driven wheel, and the second part moves towards the first drive wheel. When the first part moves towards the first driven wheel, the first connecting block, fixedly connected to the first part, moves towards the first driven wheel, causing the first slider on the carriage to move in the opposite direction on the first guide rail. When the second part moves towards the first drive wheel, the first connecting block, fixedly connected to the second part, moves towards the first drive wheel, causing the second slider on the carriage to move in the opposite direction on the second guide rail. When the first slider and the second slider reset on the first and second guide rails respectively, the bracket on the second guide rail returns to the inner cavity of the housing and resets, thus completing one bracket extension and retraction action.

[0011] The guide rails include a first guide rail and a second guide rail. The second guide rail can slide and extend on the first guide rail, further extending the length of the guide rail and thus increasing the extension length of the bracket. The arrangement of the first and second guide rails not only achieves the goal of increasing the extension length of the bracket but also makes the analyzer structure more compact. Furthermore, the sample injection mechanism can simultaneously drive the second guide rail to slide on the first guide rail and the bracket to slide on the second guide rail via only the third drive unit, reducing the number of drive motors and lowering the power requirements during operation.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate. The first mounting plate is sleeved on the outer wall of the outer ring and fixedly connected to the outer ring. The first drive unit is a telescopic motor, which is mounted on the first mounting plate. The drive end of the first drive unit is fixedly connected to the mounting frame. The sleeve also includes a support column. The inner ring is sleeved on the support column and rotatably connected to the support column. The support column and the second drive unit are both mounted on the second mounting plate. Bearings are provided between the support column and the inner ring, and between the inner ring and the outer ring. The bearings reduce the friction between the support column and the inner ring, and between the inner ring and the outer ring, making it easier for the second drive unit to drive the inner ring to rotate between the outer ring and the support column. The first drive unit can drive the first mounting plate to slide up and down on the mounting frame. When the first mounting plate slides up and down, it can drive the sleeve to slide up and down through the outer ring. The up and down sliding of the sleeve can drive the platform on the inner ring and the second mounting plate at the bottom of the support column to slide up and down. When the second mounting plate slides up and down, it drives the second drive unit to slide up and down. The first mounting plate enables the first drive unit to slide the sleeve up and down on the mounting bracket, thereby driving the stage to lift the microfluidic chip on the bracket. The second mounting plate enables the second drive unit to move synchronously with the sleeve, preventing the second drive unit from being unable to drive the inner ring of the sleeve to rotate after the sleeve rises.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a fourth drive unit, which is a telescopic motor. The fourth drive unit is mounted on the second mounting plate, and its drive end is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the housing. The fourth drive unit moves synchronously with the first drive unit. The fourth drive unit can provide support for the rising and falling of the second mounting plate, reduce the working load of the first drive unit, extend its service life, and make the movement of the sleeve more stable during lifting and lowering.

[0014] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the housing is provided with a first guide post, and a first guide sleeve is fixedly mounted on the second mounting plate. The first guide post can pass through the second mounting plate and extend into the inner cavity of the first guide sleeve, and the first guide post and the first guide sleeve are slidably connected. The mounting bracket is provided with a second guide post, and a second guide sleeve passes through the first mounting plate. The second guide post can penetrate into the inner ring of the second guide sleeve and be slidably connected to the second guide sleeve. The first guide post can further constrain the movement direction of the second mounting plate during lifting; the second guide post can constrain the movement direction of the first mounting plate during lifting.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a second driven wheel, which is sleeved on the support and fixedly connected to the bottom of the sleeve. The second drive unit is a rotary motor, and a second driving wheel is fixedly connected to the drive end of the second drive unit. The second driving wheel and the second driven wheel are connected by a second transmission belt.

[0016] Furthermore, the positioning unit includes a magnetic component and a positioning sensor. The positioning sensor can contact the positioning point on the microfluidic chip to detect whether the microfluidic chip is accurately positioned. The magnetic component can attract the microfluidic chip to fix it on the stage. When the positioning sensor on the positioning unit contacts the positioning point on the microfluidic chip, it indicates that the microfluidic chip has been accurately positioned on the stage. At this time, the positioning unit uses the magnetic component to attract the microfluidic chip to the stage, thus fixing the microfluidic chip on the stage. Several positioning units can be provided, arranged equidistantly in a circle with the axis of the stage as the center. Providing multiple positioning units not only facilitates the positioning of the microfluidic chip but also increases the magnetic attraction strength between the stage and the microfluidic chip. By placing the positioning sensor on the magnetic component, the sensor can pass through the magnetic component to contact the positioning point on the microfluidic chip, saving space and allowing the microfluidic chip to be accurately positioned on the stage while simultaneously being attracted and fixed.

[0017] Furthermore, the analytical assembly includes a liquid inlet mechanism, a detection mechanism, and a magnetic mechanism. The liquid inlet mechanism and the detection mechanism are both fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing. The magnetic mechanism is mounted on the outer ring, and its active end can contact the microfluidic chip on the stage to separate the magnetic beads from the microfluidic chip. It also includes a light shield located within the inner cavity of the housing and fixedly connected to it. The liquid inlet mechanism and the detection mechanism are both located within the inner cavity of the light shield. When the stage moves the microfluidic chip to the designated position, the liquid inlet mechanism adds the sample to the microfluidic chip, the magnetic mechanism extracts the magnetic beads, and the detection mechanism detects the microfluidic chip. Since both the sample liquid and the detection mechanism need to be protected from light during operation, a light shield is installed inside the housing to cover the liquid inlet mechanism and the detection mechanism, preventing light entering the inner cavity of the housing from the sample inlet from illuminating the detection mechanism and the liquid inlet mechanism when the support extends outside the housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the bracket is also equipped with a baffle, which is fixedly connected to the bracket and can block the sample inlet. The baffle can block the sample inlet, preventing light from shining into the inner cavity of the shell after the bracket is inserted into the shell cavity, while also making the outer surface of the shell smooth and intact, and making the shell more aesthetically pleasing.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a limit switch, which is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket. A baffle is provided at the bottom of the bracket, and the telescopic head of the limit switch can abut against the baffle to prevent the bracket from moving outwards from the housing. The limit switch further prevents the bracket from sliding outwards.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This invention provides a side-mounted automatic sample introduction microfluidic chip analyzer that simplifies chip placement and enables precise chip positioning, eliminating human error caused by manual placement and improving the analyzer's detection accuracy and repeatability. The sample introduction mechanism includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail. The second guide rail can slide and extend on the first guide rail, further extending the guide rail length while making the analyzer's structure more compact. Furthermore, the sliding of both the first and second guide rails can be simultaneously driven by a single third drive unit, reducing the number of drive motors and lowering the power requirements during operation.

[0021] This utility model discloses a microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction. The first mounting plate enables the first drive unit to slide the sleeve up and down on the mounting frame, thereby driving the stage to lift the microfluidic chip on the support. The second mounting plate allows the second drive unit to move synchronously with the sleeve, preventing the second drive unit from failing to drive the inner ring of the sleeve to rotate after the sleeve rises. Guide posts are also provided to constrain the movement direction of the first and second mounting plates.

[0022] This utility model discloses a microfluidic chip analyzer with side automatic sample introduction. A light shield is set in the inner cavity of the housing, and a baffle is set on the bracket. This can further prevent external light from entering the inner cavity of the housing through the sample inlet and irradiating the detection mechanism and the sample introduction mechanism, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection results. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of a microfluidic chip analyzer with the tray extending from the housing, which features automatic side-feeding. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of a microfluidic chip analyzer with automatic side sample introduction when the tray extends into the housing. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a microfluidic chip analyzer with automatic side sample introduction; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sample introduction mechanism of a microfluidic chip analyzer with automatic side sample introduction; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sample introduction mechanism of a microfluidic chip analyzer with side-assisted automatic sample introduction from another angle. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting bracket and sleeve of a microfluidic chip analyzer with side-assisted automatic sample introduction; Figure 7 This is a microfluidic chip analyzer with automatic side sample introduction. Figure 6 Enlarged view of part A in the image; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the sleeve of a microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction.

[0024] In the attached diagram: 1. Housing; 2. Sleeve; 3. Mounting bracket; 201. Outer ring; 202. Inner ring; 203. Support column; 4. First drive unit; 5. Second drive unit; 6. Third drive unit; 7. Bracket; 8. Platform; 9. Carriage; 10. First guide rail; 11. Second guide rail; 12. First drive wheel; 13. First driven wheel; 14. First transmission belt; 15. First slider; 16. Second slider; 141. First part Part; 142. Second part; 301. First connecting block; 701. Second connecting block; 17. First mounting plate; 18. Second mounting plate; 19. Fourth drive unit; 20. First guide post; 21. First guide sleeve; 22. Second guide post; 23. Second guide sleeve; 24. Magnetic mechanism; 25. Light shield; 26. Baffle; 27. Limit switch; 702. Baffle plate; 28. Microfluidic chip; 29. ​​Second driven wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, representing schematic diagrams rather than actual physical objects, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0026] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] Example 1 This embodiment is a first embodiment of a microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction, such as... Figure 1-8As shown, the device includes a housing 1, a sleeve 2, a mounting bracket 3, a sample injection mechanism, and an analytical assembly. The housing 1 has a sample inlet on its side wall. The mounting bracket 3 and the analytical assembly are installed inside the housing 1. The sleeve 2 includes an outer ring 201 and an inner ring 202. The outer ring 201 can slide on the mounting bracket 3, and the inner ring 202 is rotatably connected to the outer ring 201. The mounting bracket 3 also has a first driving part 4, which drives the outer ring 201 to slide on the mounting bracket 3. The inner ring 202 is connected to a second driving part 5, which drives the inner ring 202. The microfluidic chip 28 rotates within the outer ring 201. The sample injection mechanism includes a guide rail, a third drive unit 6, and a bracket 7. The bracket 7 can support the microfluidic chip 28. The guide rail is mounted on the mounting bracket 3. The bracket 7 is slidably connected to the guide rail. The third drive unit 6 can drive the bracket 7 to extend along the guide rail through the sample injection port to the outside of the housing 1. A stage 8 is mounted on the top of the inner ring 202 of the sleeve 2. The stage 8 is provided with a positioning part for positioning the microfluidic chip 28. The stage 8 can pass through the bracket 7 and connect to the microfluidic chip 28 on the bracket 7.

[0028] Specifically, the sample feeding mechanism also includes a slide 9, and the guide rails include a first guide rail 10 and a second guide rail 11. The two ends of the slide 9 are respectively rotatably connected to a first driving wheel 12 and a first driven wheel 13. The first driving wheel 12 and the first driven wheel 13 are connected by a first transmission belt 14. The third drive unit 6 is a rotary motor. The third drive unit 6 is mounted on the slide 9 and the drive end of the third drive unit 6 is fixedly connected to the first driving wheel 12. The slide 9 is also equipped with a first slider 15 and a second slider 16. The first slider 15 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 10, and the second slider 16 is slidably connected to the second guide rail 11. The first transmission belt 14 includes a first part 141 and a second part 142. The first part 141 and the second part 142 move in opposite directions. The mounting bracket 3 is provided with a first connecting block 301, which is fixedly connected to the first part 141. The bracket 7 is provided with a second connecting block 701, which is fixedly connected to the second part 142. The bracket 7 has guide rails on both sides, and each guide rail has a third drive unit 6 and a slide 9 corresponding to it. The guide rails on both sides of the bracket 7 move synchronously.

[0029] Specifically, it also includes a first mounting plate 17 and a second mounting plate 18. The first mounting plate 17 is sleeved on the outer side wall of the outer ring 201 and fixedly connected to the outer ring 201. The first drive unit 4 is a telescopic motor, which is mounted on the first mounting plate 17. The drive end of the first drive unit 4 is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 3. The sleeve 2 also includes a support column 203. The inner ring 202 is sleeved on the support column 203 and rotatably connected to the support column 203. The support column 203 and the second drive unit 5 are both mounted on the second mounting plate 18. Bearings are provided between the support column 203 and the inner ring 202, and between the inner ring 202 and the outer ring 201.

[0030] The working principle or process of this embodiment is as follows: The direction of movement of the bracket 7 toward the outside of the housing 1 is defined as the positive direction. When the microfluidic chip analyzer is working, firstly, when the third drive unit 6 drives the first drive wheel 12 to rotate clockwise, the first drive wheel 12 drives the first driven wheel 13 to rotate via the first transmission belt 14. When the first transmission belt 14 rotates, the first part 141 moves toward the first drive wheel 12, and the second part 142 moves toward the first driven wheel 13. When the first part 141 moves toward the first drive wheel 12, the first connecting block 301, which is fixedly connected to the first part 141, moves toward the first drive wheel 12, causing the first slider 15 on the slide 9 to move in the positive direction on the first guide rail 10. At the same time, when the second part 142 moves toward the first driven wheel 13, the second connecting block 701, which is fixedly connected to the second part 142, moves toward the first driven wheel 13, causing the second slider 16 on the slide 9 to move in the positive direction on the second guide rail 11. When both the first slider 15 and the second slider 16 slide to their maximum limit in the positive direction, the bracket 7 on the second guide rail 11 extends out of the inner cavity of the housing 1 through the sample inlet on the side wall of the housing 1. At this time, the microfluidic chip 28 is placed on the bracket 7. Then, the third drive unit 6 rotates in the opposite direction, causing the bracket 7 to slide in the opposite direction into the inner cavity of the housing 1 and reset. After the bracket 7 resets, the first drive unit 4 drives the first mounting plate 17 to slide upward on the mounting bracket 3. When the first mounting plate 17 slides upward, it can drive the sleeve 2 to slide upward through the outer ring 201. The upward sliding of the sleeve 2 can drive the stage 8 on the inner ring 202 and the second mounting plate 18 at the bottom of the support column 203 to slide upward. When the second mounting plate 18 slides upward, it drives the second drive unit 5 to slide upward, thereby completing the upward movement of the entire sleeve 2. After the sleeve 2 moves upwards until the stage 8 on the inner ring 202 abuts against the bottom of the microfluidic chip 28 on the bracket 7, the second drive unit 5 drives the inner ring 202 to rotate. The rotation of the inner ring 202 causes the stage 8 to rotate. During the rotation, the positioning part on the stage 8 mates with the positioning part on the microfluidic chip 28, fixing the microfluidic chip 28 onto the stage 8. After the microfluidic chip 28 is fixed onto the stage 8, the first drive unit 4 continues to drive the sleeve 2 to move upwards. The upward movement of the sleeve 2 causes the stage 8 and the microfluidic chip 28 to move upwards within the cavity of the housing 1 until the microfluidic chip 28 rises to the designated position, at which point the movement stops. At this point, the analytical components can act on the microfluidic chip 28 to perform sample addition, heating, and detection. The specific applicable chip structure, as well as the sample addition, heating, and detection structure and method of the analyzer, are the same as those applicable to the chip structure and sample addition and detection method in application number CN216864170U, entitled "A Microdroplet Detection Bioanalytical System". After the detection of the microfluidic chip 28 is completed, the first driving unit 4 drives the outer ring 201 to move downward on the mounting frame 3 until the stage 8 separates from the microfluidic chip 28, and the outer ring 201 resets.Then the third drive unit 6 drives the bracket 7 to move in the opposite direction on the guide rail until the bracket 7 passes through the sample inlet and extends to the outside of the housing 1. At this time, the microfluidic chip 28 is removed. After the microfluidic chip 28 is removed, the third drive unit 6 drives the bracket 7 to return to the inner cavity of the housing 1 and reset, completing one test.

[0031] The beneficial effects of this embodiment are as follows: In this embodiment, the holder 7 of the microfluidic chip analyzer extends from the inner cavity of the housing 1. After the microfluidic chip 28 is placed on the holder 7, the holder 7 moves the microfluidic chip 28 into the inner cavity of the analyzer. At this time, the position of the microfluidic chip 28 can be further corrected by the movement of the sleeve 2, achieving precise positioning of the microfluidic chip 28. The microfluidic chip analyzer of this invention simplifies the chip placement operation and achieves precise positioning of the microfluidic chip 28, eliminating human error caused by manual placement and improving the detection accuracy and repeatability of the analysis results.

[0032] The guide rails in this embodiment include a first guide rail 10 and a second guide rail 11. The second guide rail 11 can slide and extend on the first guide rail 10, further extending the length of the guide rail and thus increasing the extension length of the bracket 7. The arrangement of the first guide rail 10 and the second guide rail 11 not only achieves the goal of increasing the extension length of the bracket 7, but also makes the structure of the analyzer more compact. Furthermore, the sample injection mechanism can simultaneously drive the second guide rail 11 to slide on the first guide rail 10 and the bracket 7 to slide on the second guide rail 11 using only the third drive unit 6, reducing the number of drive motors and reducing the power requirements during operation.

[0033] The first mounting plate 17 in this embodiment enables the first driving unit 4 to drive the sleeve 2 to slide up and down on the mounting frame 3, thereby driving the stage 8 to lift the microfluidic chip 28 on the bracket 7; the second mounting plate 18 enables the second driving unit 5 to move synchronously with the sleeve 2, preventing the second driving unit 5 from being unable to drive the inner ring 202 of the sleeve 2 to rotate after the sleeve 2 rises.

[0034] Example 2 This embodiment is a second embodiment of a microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction, such as... Figure 1-8 As shown, this embodiment further defines the movement structure of the sleeve 2 within the housing 1 based on embodiment one.

[0035] Specifically, it also includes a fourth drive unit 19, which is a telescopic motor. The fourth drive unit 19 is mounted on the second mounting plate 18, and the drive end of the fourth drive unit 19 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the housing 1. The fourth drive unit 19 moves synchronously with the first drive unit 4.

[0036] Specifically, the bottom surface of the housing 1 is provided with a first guide post 20, and a first guide sleeve 21 is fixedly installed on the second mounting plate 18. The first guide post 20 can pass through the second mounting plate 18 and extend into the inner cavity of the first guide sleeve 21. The first guide post 20 and the first guide sleeve 21 are slidably connected. The mounting bracket 3 is provided with a second guide post 22, and a second guide sleeve 23 is provided on the first mounting plate 17. The second guide post 22 can penetrate into the inner ring 202 of the second guide sleeve 23 and be slidably connected to the second guide sleeve 23.

[0037] Specifically, it also includes a second driven wheel 29, which is sleeved on the support column 203 and fixedly connected to the bottom of the sleeve 2. The second drive unit 5 is a rotary motor, and the drive end of the second drive unit 5 is fixedly connected to a second driving wheel. The second driving wheel and the second driven wheel 29 are connected through a second transmission belt.

[0038] The beneficial effects of this embodiment are as follows: The fourth drive unit 19 provides support for the raising and lowering of the second mounting plate 18, reduces the working load of the first drive unit 4, extends its service life, and makes the movement of the sleeve 2 more stable during lifting and lowering. The first guide post 20 can further constrain the movement direction of the second mounting plate 18 during lifting and lowering; the second guide post 22 can constrain the movement direction of the first mounting plate 17 during lifting and lowering.

[0039] Example 3 This embodiment is a third embodiment of a microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction, such as... Figure 1-8 As shown, this embodiment further defines other structures of the analyzer based on Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

[0040] Specifically, the positioning unit includes a magnetic component and a positioning sensor. The positioning sensor can contact the positioning point on the microfluidic chip 28 to detect whether the microfluidic chip 28 is accurately positioned. The magnetic component can attract each other to the magnetic components on the microfluidic chip 28 to fix the microfluidic chip 28 onto the stage 8. The positioning sensor is mounted on the magnetic component and can pass through the magnetic component to contact the positioning point on the microfluidic chip 28. Several positioning units can be provided, and the several positioning units are arranged equidistantly in a circle with the axis of the stage 8 as the center.

[0041] Specifically, the analytical components include a liquid inlet mechanism, a detection mechanism, and a magnetic mechanism 24. The liquid inlet mechanism and the detection mechanism are both fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing 1. The magnetic mechanism 24 is mounted on the outer ring 201, and its actuating end can contact the microfluidic chip 28 on the stage 8 to separate the magnetic beads from the microfluidic chip 28. The system also includes a light shield 25, which is located within the cavity of the housing 1 and fixedly connected to it. Both the liquid inlet mechanism and the detection mechanism are located within the cavity of the light shield 25. The liquid inlet mechanism can add samples to the microfluidic chip 28, and after the magnetic mechanism 24 extracts the magnetic beads, the detection mechanism can detect the microfluidic chip 28.

[0042] Specifically, the bracket 7 is also equipped with a baffle 26, which is fixedly connected to the bracket 7 and can block the sample inlet.

[0043] Specifically, it also includes a limit switch 27, which is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 3. The bottom of the bracket 7 is provided with a baffle 702, and the telescopic head of the limit switch 27 can abut against the baffle 702 to prevent the bracket 7 from moving to the outside of the housing 1.

[0044] The beneficial effects of this embodiment are as follows: The positioning section enables the microfluidic chip 28 to be precisely positioned and adhered to the stage 8. The presence of multiple positioning sections not only facilitates the positioning of the microfluidic chip 28 but also increases the magnetic adhesion strength between the stage 8 and the microfluidic chip 28. A light-blocking shield 25 is installed inside the housing 1 to cover the liquid inlet mechanism and the detection mechanism, preventing light entering the inner cavity of the housing 1 from the sample inlet when the bracket 7 extends outside the housing 1 from illuminating the detection mechanism and the liquid inlet mechanism. A baffle 26 blocks the sample inlet, preventing light from illuminating the inner cavity of the housing 1 after the bracket 7 extends inside, while also ensuring a smooth and intact outer surface of the housing 1, making the housing 1 more aesthetically pleasing. A limit switch 27 further prevents the bracket 7 from sliding outwards.

[0045] In the specific implementation of the above embodiments, the technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the above technical features are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features is not contradictory, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0046] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction, characterized in that, The system includes a housing (1), a sleeve (2), a mounting bracket (3), a sample injection mechanism, and an analytical assembly. The housing (1) has a sample injection port on its side wall. The mounting bracket (3) and the analytical assembly are installed within the inner cavity of the housing (1). The sleeve (2) includes an outer ring (201) and an inner ring (202). The outer ring (201) can slide on the mounting bracket (3), and the inner ring (202) is rotatably connected to the outer ring (201). The mounting bracket (3) also has a first driving part (4), which drives the outer ring (201) to slide on the mounting bracket (3). The inner ring (202) is connected to a second driving part (5), which drives the inner ring (202) to rotate within the outer ring (201). The sample introduction mechanism includes a guide rail, a third drive unit (6), and a bracket (7). The bracket (7) can support the microfluidic chip (28). The guide rail is mounted on the mounting bracket (3). The bracket (7) is slidably connected to the guide rail. The third drive unit (6) can drive the bracket (7) to extend along the guide rail through the sample inlet to the outside of the housing (1). A stage (8) is installed on the top of the inner ring (202) of the sleeve (2). The stage (8) is provided with a positioning part for positioning the microfluidic chip (28). The stage (8) can pass through the bracket (7) and connect to the microfluidic chip (28) on the bracket (7).

2. The microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample feeding mechanism also includes a slide (9), and the guide rail includes a first guide rail (10) and a second guide rail (11). A first driving wheel (12) and a first driven wheel (13) are rotatably connected to both ends of the slide (9). The first driving wheel (12) and the first driven wheel (13) are connected by a first transmission belt (14). The third drive unit (6) is a rotary motor. The third drive unit (6) is mounted on the slide (9), and the drive end of the third drive unit (6) is fixedly connected to the first driving wheel (12). The slide (9) is also equipped with a first slider (15) and a second slider (16). The first slider (15) is slidably connected to the first guide rail (10), and the second slider (16) is slidably connected to the second guide rail (11). The first transmission belt (14) includes a first part (141) and a second part (142). The first part (141) and the second part (142) move in opposite directions. The mounting bracket (3) is provided with a first connecting block (301). The first connecting block (301) is fixedly connected to the first part (141). The bracket (7) is provided with a second connecting block (701). The second connecting block (701) is fixedly connected to the second part (142).

3. A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first mounting plate (17) and a second mounting plate (18). The first mounting plate (17) is sleeved on the outer side wall of the outer ring (201) and fixedly connected to the outer ring (201). The first drive unit (4) is a telescopic motor. The first drive unit (4) is mounted on the first mounting plate (17). The drive end of the first drive unit (4) is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket (3). The sleeve (2) also includes a support column (203), the inner ring (202) is fitted onto the support column (203) and rotatably connected to the support column (203), and the support column (203) and the second drive unit (5) are both mounted on the second mounting plate (18).

4. A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a fourth drive unit (19), which is a telescopic motor. The fourth drive unit (19) is mounted on the second mounting plate (18), and the drive end of the fourth drive unit (19) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the housing (1).

5. A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the housing (1) is provided with a first guide post (20), and a first guide sleeve (21) is fixedly installed on the second mounting plate (18). The first guide post (20) can pass through the second mounting plate (18) and extend into the inner cavity of the first guide sleeve (21). The first guide post (20) and the first guide sleeve (21) are slidably connected. The mounting bracket (3) is provided with a second guide post (22), and the first mounting plate (17) is provided with a second guide sleeve (23). The second guide post (22) can penetrate into the inner ring (202) of the second guide sleeve (23) and slide with the second guide sleeve (23).

6. A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a second driven wheel (29), which is sleeved on the support column (203) and fixedly connected to the bottom of the sleeve (2). The second drive unit (5) is a rotary motor, and the drive end of the second drive unit (5) is fixedly connected to a second driving wheel. The second driving wheel and the second driven wheel (29) are connected by a second transmission belt.

7. A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning part includes a magnetic component and a positioning sensor. The positioning sensor can contact the positioning point on the microfluidic chip (28) to detect whether the microfluidic chip (28) is accurately positioned. The magnetic component can be attracted to the magnetic component on the microfluidic chip (28) to fix the microfluidic chip (28) on the stage (8).

8. A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The analysis component includes a liquid inlet mechanism, a detection mechanism, and a magnetic mechanism (24). The liquid inlet mechanism and the detection mechanism are both fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing (1). The magnetic mechanism (24) is mounted on the outer ring (201). The working end of the magnetic mechanism can contact the microfluidic chip (28) on the stage (8) to complete the separation of the magnetic beads of the microfluidic chip (28). It also includes a light shield (25). The light shield (25) is located in the inner cavity of the housing (1) and is fixedly connected to the housing (1). The liquid inlet mechanism and the detection mechanism are both located in the inner cavity of the light shield (25).

9. A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket (7) is also provided with a baffle (26), which is fixedly connected to the bracket (7) and can block the sample inlet.

10. A microfluidic chip analyzer with side-mounted automatic sample introduction according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a limit switch (27), which is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket (3). The bottom of the bracket (7) is provided with a baffle (702). The telescopic head of the limit switch (27) can abut against the baffle (702) to prevent the bracket (7) from moving to the outside of the housing (1).

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