Biochip Titration Module With Dynamic Fluid Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biochip titration systems lack compatibility and efficiency in handling different test fluids, recycling waste fluids, and electrode electrolysis, limiting their versatility and speed.
Innovation Solution
A titration module comprising multiple units and pipelines with a transfer unit and control system that allows for selective movement and switching of test fluids, integrated with a biochip and electrode unit for efficient fluid handling and bioassays, including vacuum and air supply for fluid removal and drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fluid well is arranged directly in a probe card to form a tightly-closed channel for transporting test fluids, then test fluid transport is improved, but component compatibility is worsened and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid handling function into separate components: a probe card for electrical connection and a dedicated titration module with reservoirs and needles for fluid delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving both fluid transport efficiency and compatibility with different probe card designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The titration module is designed as a universal platform that can work with various probe card designs. The standardized interface and modular architecture enable the same titration module to be used across different test configurations, eliminating the need for custom fluid wells in each probe card design.
2Productivity
If multiple titration units and pipelines with switching actions are used to drop various test fluids, then test speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the titration module to rapidly reconfigure which reservoir connects to which needle element. This dynamic capability enables multiple test fluids to be delivered through a standardized interface without requiring permanent complex piping for each fluid type, thus improving test speed while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The titration module includes automated fluid management where the system automatically switches between reservoirs and controls fluid delivery to appropriate test areas. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and simplifies the operational complexity despite having multiple fluid handling paths.
3Productivity
If test fluids are continuously supplied through dedicated pipelines, then test efficiency is improved, but fluid waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The titration module is designed with the ability to switch off fluid supply to inactive pipelines and redirect fluids as needed. Unused test fluids can be contained in their respective reservoirs rather than being continuously pumped through the system, reducing waste. The system recovers unused fluids by maintaining them in sealed reservoirs until needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances test speed and efficiency by enabling rapid fluid exchange, reducing leftover fluids, and preventing short circuits, while ensuring accurate alignment and real-time result transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The transfer unit includes at least one driving device for driving, selectively, the plural titration units and the plural pipelines in a lateral direction (leftward and rightward), a longitudinal direction (frontward and rearward) and a vertical direction (upward and downward), respectively
Implementation Method 2
an electrolysis is then carried out to the test fluids through electrodes, so that ions-to-be-tested will adsorb the insulative sensing diaphragm
Implementation Method 3
one of the plural pipelines may reside in a vacuum unit for connecting with a vacuum device. Thereby, when completion of a test, the vacuum device can remove the test fluids speedily
Implementation Method 4
one of the plural pipelines may relate to an intake unit which is connected with an air supply device. Thereby, a biochip, following removal of the test fluids when the inspection is finished, will be proceeded with an air-blow work
Data Source
AI summary
A titration module of biochip includes a base, a plurality of titration units, a plurality of pipelines, a transfer unit, and a control unit. The plural titration units and the plural pipelines are arranged above the base, and that the titration units each is provided, at its lower end, a needle element and a reservoir which are communicated with each other. The transfer unit is arranged on the base, and includes at least one driving device for driving, selectively, the plural titration units and the plural pipelines in a lateral direction (leftward and rightward), a longitudinal direction (frontward and rearward) and a vertical direction (upward and downward), respectively. The control unit is electrically connected with the transfer unit, and controls the same for switching, selectively, the plural titration units and the plural pipelines.