Biochip Coupling Device Pressurized Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biochip coupling systems face challenges in providing a reliable and air-tight seal between biochips with microfluidic channels and pneumatic systems, which is crucial for applications like cryopreservation and thawing of embryos.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device comprising a pressurization core, a blocking mechanism, and a guiding platform, which works in conjunction with a biochip having a microfluidic channel and a sealing gasket, to create a pressurized seal and ensure proper anchoring of the biochip to the pneumatic system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling system is designed to provide a hermetic seal between biochip and pneumatic system, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for pressurization core, blocking mechanism, and guiding platform
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional modules: a pressurization core that applies force to create the seal, a blocking mechanism that prevents disengagement, and a guiding platform that ensures proper alignment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve reliable coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding platform pre-positions the biochip and pneumatic system components before the pressurization core engages. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when pressure is applied, the sealing surfaces are already correctly positioned, making the hermetic seal achievement more reliable.
2Reliability
If a pressurization mechanism is used to create a hermetic seal, then seal reliability is improved, but the force required may damage the biochip structure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurization core concentrates the sealing force at specific localized contact points on the biochip rather than applying distributed pressure across the entire surface. This localized force application achieves the necessary hermetic seal while minimizing the risk of damaging the overall biochip structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism is designed to engage dynamically during the coupling process, progressively increasing the anchoring force as the biochip is inserted. This dynamic engagement allows the system to adapt the force applied to match the biochip's structural limits while ensuring a secure seal.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a blocking mechanism is added to anchor the biochip, then coupling stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to more complex anchoring and release procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism replaces complex multi-step mechanical anchoring procedures with a simpler spring-based or elastic element system. This substitution maintains coupling stability through continuous gentle pressure while allowing easier insertion and removal compared to traditional rigid mechanical locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the insertion and removal motions themselves. As the biochip is inserted, the blocking mechanism self-activates to provide anchoring; when removed, it self-releases. This eliminates the need for separate anchoring and release operations, improving ease of use while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Biochips coupling system and devices refers to biochip coupling devices, biochips, and coupling systems comprising biochip coupling devices and biochips. In some embodiments, a coupling device is integrated with a reusable station that comprises a pneumatic system for which a biochip having at least one microfluidic channel can be inserted therein. In some embodiments, a coupling device can be integrated with other apparatuses with pneumatic systems to which biochips can be coupled. In some embodiments, systems, devices, and biochips described herein are used for biological protocols, for example, vitrification (cryopreservation) and warming (thawing) of embryos. The systems, devices, and biochips described herein can be configured for automated or manual use.