Alignment device

Abstract

The invention relates to an alignment device (1) for two fluidic channels, namely microfluidic or millifluidic, of two fluidic elements (2, 3), and the alignment device (1) comprising a conical junction between the two fluidic elements (2, 3), with a first fluidic element (2) comprising an inner wall (4α) for a first fluidic channel and a male cone portion (5), and a second fluidic element (3) comprising an inner wall (4β) for a second fluidic channel and a female cone portion (8) adapted to be positioned on the male cone portion (5). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Alignment device

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of devices for aligning two fluidic channels.

[0002] In the above field, it is known to assemble fluidic elements comprising microfluidic or millifluidic channels by fitting them together or using an intermediate piece.

[0003] During the joining of two fluidic channels, several defects can occur, namely a change in diameter, the inclination of one element relative to the other, or the creation of dead volumes at the connection between the two fluidic channels. These assembly defects can have a dramatic impact on the functionality of the channels by disrupting the flows, increasing the risks of leakage, material accumulation, as well as contamination or blockage of the channels during any subsequent bonding steps.

[0004] It is therefore necessary to minimize the risks associated with poor assembly.

[0005] The invention then relates to a device for aligning two fluidic channels, namely microfluidic or millifluidic, of two fluidic elements and the alignment device comprising a conical junction between the two fluidic elements.

[0006] Thus the alignment device according to the invention makes it possible to join two fluidic channels without creating dead volume and without risk of disturbing the flow and without risk of clogging the elements by glue.

[0007] Such a conical junction according to the invention makes it possible to ensure good coaxiality of the two fluidic channels.

[0008] The alignment device according to the invention is particularly useful for certain types and natures of fluids flowing in fluidic channels. For a structured fluid comprising different layers of miscible fluids, especially coaxial ones, it is therefore essential to avoid, at the conical junction, any disturbance of the laminar layers that could lead to their mixing or create inhomogeneities in layer distribution. This is all the more crucial for free jets, which are sensitive to any upstream disturbance. Furthermore, by minimizing dead volumes, this prevents the accumulation of elements from the outer axial layer of the fluid, thus avoiding cleanability and residue problems, particularly with solutions that are difficult to clean, such as viscous solutions like alginate solutions.When these fluids are of high value or carry high-value elements, such as therapeutic cells, minimizing dead volumes also minimizes the loss of these high-value elements.

[0009] According to the invention, a first fluidic element comprising an inner wall forming a fluidic channel and a male cone portion, and a second fluidic element comprising an inner wall forming a fluidic channel and a female cone portion adapted to be positioned on the male cone portion. The alignment device according to the invention allows the creation of an ellipse or a circle of contact, or even a contact surface, between the two fluidic elements, depending on their rigidity and the angles. The cooperation between the male and female cones enables an efficient connection between the two fluidic elements by minimizing dead volumes and limiting obstacles in the fluidic path and coaxiality defects.

[0010] According to one feature of the invention, the male cone portion comprises a defined angle α between the inner wall and an oblique edge of the first fluidic element, and the female cone portion comprises a defined angle [3] between the axis of the inner wall and an oblique edge of the second fluidic element. Angles α and [3] are between 5° and 85°, preferably between 20° and 60°, and preferably between 34° and 46°. After numerous experiments, angle values ​​within the range [20-60] show very promising results for sealing and minimizing dead volumes, and extremely convincing results in the range [34, 46].

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, angle α is substantially equal to angle [3]. The use of substantially identical angles α and [3] makes it possible to design an efficient alignment device, i.e., one without creating dead volume at the junction, regardless of the difference in diameter between the two fluidic channels. In the case of microfluidic or millifluidic channels, the difference in diameter between the first and second fluidic channels remains below a ratio of one-half.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the first fluidic channel Da is substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the second fluidic channel D[3 and the angle a is less than or substantially equal to the angle [3. Thus, implementing an angle a of the male cone slightly less than the angle [3 of the female cone makes it possible to guarantee a dead-volume-free junction between the two fluidic channels when their diameters are substantially equal.

[0013] These two particular embodiments ensure that there will be no dead volume at the cone-cone junction of the alignment device according to the invention. Indeed, with an angle α greater than the angle [3], the contact area at the junction creates a dead volume and therefore a disturbance in the flow.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the angle a is less than the angle [3 and the first fluidic element comprises a material with a rigidity less than Second fluidic element. Designing the first fluidic element with a deformable material allows for an increased contact area between the two fluidic elements at the cone-cone junction, thus compressing the dead volume zone induced by a larger angle [3]. It should also be noted that in the case of significant differences in stiffness between the two fluidic elements, the second fluidic element can include a female cone portion with an angle [3] larger than the angle α of the male cone portion of the first fluidic element. This difference in stiffness effectively eliminates the dead volume by compressing the material after the two fluidic elements are assembled.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the diameters of the two inner walls are less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably less than 0.8 mm, and even more preferably less than 0.65 mm. Numerous tests carried out with different diameter values ​​have shown increasingly significant results for these diameter values.

[0016] According to one feature of the invention, the alignment device includes a space e between the base of the second fluidic element and the base of the first fluidic element, a base being defined as the extension of the oblique rim of a fluidic element substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction of the fluidic channels.

[0017] The space e is created in particular by the difference in the values ​​of the angles a and [3 as well as by the dimensions of the oblique edges of the two fluidic elements.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bases of the two fluidic elements are five times larger in dimension than the space e, preferably ten times larger, preferably one hundred times larger, preferably five hundred times larger.

[0019] The implementation of large diameter bases on each side of the cone-cone joint advantageously allows limiting the inclination of one fluidic element relative to the other when the difference in angle a and [3 creates a gap at the cone-cone junction.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first fluidic element comprises a vertical wall forming a structure suitable for housing the second fluidic element with a distance g defined between the vertical wall of the first fluidic element and the outer wall of the second fluidic element, a distance d defined by the distance between the inner wall and the outer wall of the second fluidic element and a distance h defined by the height of the outer wall of the second fluidic element.

[0021] In certain embodiments where the diameter of a base cannot be enlarged, the design of a fluidic element comprising vertical walls also makes it possible to limit the inclination of one fluidic element relative to the other while ensuring sufficient play between the two fluidic elements for the self-centering function to occur.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the distance d is ten times greater than the distance g, preferably one hundred times greater, preferably one thousand times greater. The larger the outer diameter of the second fluidic element is relative to the diameter of the walls of the first fluidic element that contains it, the lower the risk of the first fluidic element tilting relative to the second fluidic element.

[0023] According to another feature of the invention, the distance d is five times greater than the distance h, preferably ten times greater, preferably one hundred times greater, preferably one thousand times greater. The larger the outer diameter of the second fluidic element relative to its height, the lower the risk of the first fluidic element tilting relative to the second fluidic element.

[0024] According to yet another feature of the invention, the distance d is ten times greater than the distances g and h, preferably one hundred times greater, preferably one thousand times greater. The larger the outer diameter of the second fluidic element is relative to its height and to the diameter of the walls of the first fluidic element that contains it, the less risk there will be of tilting of the first fluidic element relative to the second fluidic element.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the alignment device further comprises a mechanical or chemical means for holding the position. The use of a mechanical means for holding the position, such as a clip or a screw thread or another means external to the alignment device, or a chemical means, such as an adhesive or a resin, ensures a secure connection and guarantees a seal between the two fluidic elements.

[0026] For example, the adhesive spreads more readily when the spacing g between the two fluidic elements is a few tens of micrometers, a dimension at which surface tension plays a critical role. Furthermore, the cone-cone structure ensures the absence of adhesive in the conduit of interest, namely the fluidic channels, which is a key advantage for an industrial process, especially one involved in the manufacture of demanding products such as therapeutic products. In particular, a surface with good compatibility with the adhesive will facilitate its distribution.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the two fluidic elements are composed of materials, each having a different rigidity capable of deforming. This deformability allows for a certain degree of compression of one fluidic element within the other. Depending on the difference in rigidity between the two Fluidic elements, the compressive force exerted ensures effective sealing.

[0028] According to one feature of the invention, the materials of the first and second fluidic elements are biocompatible. This biocompatibility thus allows the use of various products for flow in the fluidic channels.

[0029] According to a feature of the invention, the fluidic channels comprise a circular section.

[0030] According to another feature of the invention, the first fluidic channel and / or the second fluidic channel have a different diameter at a distance from the junction. The channels have substantially the same diameter only at the junction. In certain embodiments, the fluidic channels of the first and / or the second fluidic element enlarge or narrow at a certain distance from the junction so that the change in diameter does not affect the integrity of the junction between the two fluidic elements.

[0031] According to one feature of the invention, the bases are substantially circular. This embodiment makes it possible to form fluidic elements

[0032] The invention also relates to a fluidic assembly comprising at least two alignment devices according to the invention capable of connecting different fluidic channels.

[0033] And, the invention relates to the use of an alignment device according to the invention for the flow of a coaxial fluid, in particular a biocompatible fluid containing cells. Indeed, the invention is particularly interesting for preserving a structured laminar flow comprising different coaxial layers in a free jet at the outlet of the fluidic device.

[0034] According to a feature of the invention, the use of an alignment device according to the invention is for the production of therapy, in particular cell therapy.

[0035] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0036] In addition, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where:

[0037] [Fig. 1] is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an alignment device according to the invention,

[0038] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of a first fluidic element of a device alignment according to [Fig.1],

[0039] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of a second fluidic element of a device alignment according to [Fig.1],

[0040] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of another example of an embodiment of an alignment device according to the invention,

[0041] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of an example of an alignment device according to the invention,

[0042] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of the alignment device of [Fig.5],

[0043] [Fig.7] is a detail of [Fig.6], and

[0044] [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view of another example of an embodiment of an alignment device according to the invention.

[0045] It should be noted that in these figures the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0046] The invention aims to provide a secure alignment between two fluidic channels.

[0047] For these purposes, a device for aligning two fluidic channels designated by reference 1 as illustrated in [Fig.1], comprises a first fluidic element 2 and a second fluidic element 3, the first fluidic element 2 and the second fluidic element 3 comprising a conical junction.

[0048] A first fluidic element 2 compatible with the invention and visible in [Fig.2] comprises a body having an inner wall 4a intended for the passage of the fluidic channel includes a diameter Da opening onto a male cone part 5. According to this embodiment, the value of the diameter Da is 0.6 mm.

[0049] The male cone part 5 of the first fluidic element 2 is formed by a male oblique rim 6, with an angle a defined between the inner wall 4a and the male oblique rim 6 of the first fluidic element 2. According to this embodiment, the value of the angle a is approximately 34°.

[0050] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the body of the first fluidic element 2 also includes a base 7a extending from the male oblique rim 6. The base 7a is substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction of the fluidic channel.

[0051] A second fluidic element 3 compatible with the invention and visible in [Fig.3] comprises a body having an inner wall 4[3 intended for the passage of a fluidic channel having a diameter D[3 opening onto a female cone part 8. According to this embodiment, the value of the diameter D[3 is 0.6 mm.

[0052] The female cone part 8 of the second fluidic element 3 is formed by a female oblique rim 9, with an angle [3 defined between the axis of the inner wall 4[3 and the oblique rim of the second fluidic element 3. According to this embodiment, the value of the angle [3 is approximately 38°.

[0053] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the body of the second fluidic element 3 comprises a base 7[3 extending from the female oblique rim 9. The base 7(3 is substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction of the fluidic channel.

[0054] In [Fig. 1], the first fluidic element 2 is in contact with the second fluidic element 3 at the level of their respective inner wall 4a,4(3, each of the bases 7a,7(3 of the first 2 and of the second fluidic element 3 being opposite. A space e corresponds to the distance between said two bases 7a,7(3.

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which the first fluidic element 2 comprises a vertical wall 10 forming a structure suitable for housing the second fluidic element 3. According to this embodiment, the first fluidic element 2 comprises a vertical wall 10 extending from its base 7a and substantially perpendicular to its base 7a, the vertical wall 10 being opposite an external wall 11 of the second fluidic element 3. The first fluidic element 2 also comprises a peripheral wall 12 external to the internal wall 4a.

[0056] A distance g is defined between the vertical wall 10 of the first fluidic element 2 and the outer wall 11 of the second fluidic element 3.

[0057] A distance d is defined by the distance between the inner wall 4(3 of the second fluidic element 3 and the outer wall 11 of the second fluidic element 3.

[0058] A distance h is defined by the height of the outer wall 11 of the second fluidic element 3.

[0059] According to the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 and 4, the diameters Da,D(3 of the two fluidic channels are substantially equal and the angle a is less than or substantially equal to the angle (3.

[0060] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], the bases 7a,7(3 of the two fluidic elements 2,3 are five to ten times larger in dimension than the space e.

[0061] Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an example of an embodiment of an alignment device 1 according to the invention which comprises two fluidic elements 2,3 with diameters Da,D(3 of the two corresponding fluidic channels substantially equal and provided with large bases 7a,7 (3.

[0062] The first fluidic element 2 includes a male oblique rim 6, with an angle α defined between the inner wall 4a and the male oblique rim 6 of the first fluidic element 2. The second fluidic element 3 includes a female oblique rim 9, with an angle (3) defined between the axis of the inner wall 4(3) and the oblique rim of the second fluidic element 3. And, the value of the angle (3) is greater than the value of the angle α.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the diameters Da,D(3) are 0.65 mm and the bases 7a,7(3) are eighty times larger than the value of the space e between the two bases 7a,7(3). According to this embodiment, the large size of the bases 7a,7(3 allows to reduce the risk of tilting of one fluidic element 2,3 relative to the other 2,3.

[0064] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of an alignment device 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the diameter Da of the first fluidic element 2 is approximately 0.65 mm and the diameter D[3 of the second fluidic element 3 is approximately 0.6 mm. The value of the diameter Da of the first fluidic element 2 is therefore greater than the value of the diameter D[3 of the second fluidic element 3.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the first fluidic element 2 comprises a male oblique rim 6, with an angle a defined between the inner wall 4a and the male oblique rim 6 of the first fluidic element 2. The second fluidic element 3 comprises a female oblique rim 9, with an angle [3 defined between the axis of the inner wall 4[3 and the oblique rim of the second fluidic element 3.

[0066] According to this embodiment, angle [3] is approximately 38° and angle a is approximately 34°. The value of angle [3] is greater than the value of angle a, therefore no dead volume is created at the cone-cone junction.

[0067] An alignment device 1 according to the invention is particularly useful for joining two fluidic elements 2, 3 that are sensitive to flow disturbances. For example, the alignment device 1 is advantageously used for joining a microfluidic chip and a nozzle for the production of cell capsules.

[0068] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the annexed claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Alignment device (1) of two fluidic channels, namely microfluidic or millifluidic, of two fluidic elements (2,3), namely a nozzle (2,3) and a microfluidic chip (2,3) for the production of cell capsules, and the alignment device (1) comprising a conical junction between the nozzle (2,3) and the microfluidic chip (2,3), with a first fluidic element (2), the nozzle (2) or the microfluidic chip (2), comprising an inner wall (4a) for a first fluidic channel and a male cone portion (5) and a second fluidic element (3), the microfluidic chip (3) or the nozzle (3), comprising an inner wall (4[3] for a second fluidic channel and a female cone portion (8) adapted to be positioned on the male cone portion (5).

2. Alignment device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the male cone part (5) comprises a defined angle (a) between the inner wall (4a) and a male oblique rim (6) of the first fluidic element (2) and the female cone part (8) comprises a defined angle (|3) between the axis of the inner wall (4[3) and a female oblique rim (9) of the second fluidic element (3), angle (a) and angle (|3) are between 5° and 85°, preferably between 20° and 60°, preferably between 34° and 46°.

3. Alignment device (1) according to the preceding claim in which angle (a) is substantially equal to angle (|3).

4. Alignment device (1) according to claim 2 wherein the diameter of the first fluidic channel (Da) is substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the second fluidic channel (D[3]) and the angle (a) is less than or substantially equal to the angle (|3).

5. Alignment device (1) according to claim 2 wherein the angle (a) is less than the angle (|3) and the first fluidic element (2) comprises a material of less rigidity than the second fluidic element (3).

6. Alignment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the diameters of the fluidic channels (Da,D[3]) are less than 10mm, preferably less than 5mm, preferably less than 0.8mm and preferably less than 0.65mm.

7. Alignment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the two fluidic elements (2,3) each include a base (7a,7[3) and a space (e) between the base (7[3) of the second fluidic element (3) and the base (7a) of the first fluidic element (2), a base (7a,7[3) being defined as the extension of the oblique male (6) or female (9) rim of a fluidic element (2,3) substantially perpendicular to the principal flow direction of the fluidic channels.

8. Alignment device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the bases (7a,7[3] of the two fluidic elements (2,3) are five times larger in dimension than the space (e), preferably ten times larger, preferably one hundred times larger, preferably five hundred times larger.

9. Alignment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first fluidic element (2) comprises a vertical wall (10) forming a structure suitable for housing the second fluidic element (3) with a distance (g) defined between the vertical wall (10) of the first fluidic element (2) and an outer wall (11) of the second fluidic element (3), a distance (d) defined by the distance between the inner wall (4[3] and the outer wall (11) of the second fluidic element (3) and a distance (h) defined by the height of the outer wall (11) of the second fluidic element (3).

10. Alignment device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the distance (d) is ten times greater than the distance (g), preferably one hundred times greater, preferably one thousand times greater.

11. Alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 9 or 10 wherein the distance (d) is five times greater than the distance (h), preferably ten times greater, preferably one hundred times greater, preferably one thousand times greater.

12. Alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 10 wherein the distance (d) is ten times larger than the distances (g) and (h), preferably one hundred times larger, preferably one thousand times larger.

13. Alignment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a mechanical or chemical positioning means.

14. Alignment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the two fluidic elements (2,3) are composed of materials each comprising a different stiffness capable of deforming.

15. Alignment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the materials of the first (2) and the second fluidic element (3) are biocompatible.

16. Alignment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fluidic channels comprise a circular section.

17. Alignment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first fluidic channel and / or the second fluidic channel comprises a different diameter at a distance from the junction.

18. Alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 17 wherein the bases (7a,7[3]) are substantially circular.

19. Fluidic assembly comprising at least two alignment devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the alignment devices (1) being capable of connecting different fluidic channels.

20. Use of an alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for the flow of a coaxial fluid, in particular biocompatible and comprising cells.

21. Use of an alignment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for the production of therapy, in particular cell therapy.

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