Buckle Clamp Microphysiological System for Rapid Fluidic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular microfluidic bioreactor devices require substantial time and skill to disassemble, leading to exposure to contaminants and reduced reproducibility in biological testing due to the use of numerous nuts and bolts for fluidic sealing.
Innovation Solution
A microphysiological system with a specially configured lid and base using buckle clamps for rapid assembly and disassembly, replacing traditional fasteners to maintain fluidic integrity and minimize contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nuts and bolts are used to assemble the microfluidic bioreactor device, then fluidic sealing is achieved, but assembly and disassembly time becomes substantial (10 or 15 minutes or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components (base, lid, chambers) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The segmentation allows the use of simplified fastening mechanisms at each interface rather than requiring comprehensive fastening of the entire device, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining fluidic sealing at each module interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-step nut and bolt fastening process is extracted and replaced with a simplified clamp-based system. The essential function of fluidic sealing is maintained while removing the time-consuming aspects of conventional fastening, allowing rapid assembly and disassembly without compromising seal integrity.
2Reliability
If numerous nuts and bolts are used to secure the device, then fluidic integrity is maintained, but exposure to contaminants increases during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp-based system allows for preliminary positioning and alignment of components before final securing. This preliminary action enables the device to be quickly opened and closed, minimizing the time that biological components are exposed to environmental contaminants during assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified clamp mechanism enables rapid assembly and disassembly operations that rush through the vulnerable period when components are open and biological materials could be exposed to contaminants. The process skips the prolonged exposure period inherent in conventional fastening systems.
3Strength
If conventional fastening systems are used, then device assembly is secure, but user skill and time requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp-based assembly system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing, reducing the need for user skill in proper assembly technique. The clamps naturally guide components into correct positions and maintain secure assembly without requiring specialized training or experience, while still providing robust mechanical fastening.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a microphysiological system that may be used in various cell culture applications and biological system studies, that facilitates co-culture, monitoring, and study of functional interactions among different types of cellular and biological materials under various environmental conditions. The system is configured for fast assembly and disassembly, thereby minimizing damage or contamination of the biological materials and environmental conditions inside the system. The system comprises a base, a lid, and a plurality of clamps that are connected to the base and the lid. The base has a recess surface for receiving cell culture support layers. The lid has a stepped surface configured to exert a contact force to a top layer of one or more cell culture support layers during use. The clamp involves an engagement mechanism that generates a contact force allowing for sealing of the cell culture support layers in a manner that minimizes leakage of fluids.