Carrier Element for Dry Reagent Introduction in Microfluidic Flow Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microfluidic flow cells face challenges in introducing dry substances due to space inefficiency and potential component degradation during the drying process, which can impair both the flow cell components and the dry reagents, especially when using heat or adhesives for assembly.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic flow cell design with a passage for a carrier element that holds the dry substance, allowing for separate drying of the reagent on the carrier element before assembly, reducing the risk of component impairment and enabling a more compact and protected introduction of the dry substance into the flow cell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the entire flow cell component is subjected to drying process to obtain dry reagent, then the dry reagent can be obtained, but the flow cell components and sensitive components mounted on them are impaired by the drying treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedry reagentVSAvoidcomponent impairment

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow cell is divided into separate components: the main flow cell body and a separate carrier element for the dry reagent. The carrier element can be dried separately and then inserted into the flow cell, preventing the drying process from damaging the flow cell components and sensitive mounted components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dry reagent is extracted from the flow cell drying process by placing it on a separate carrier element. This allows the reagent to be dried independently and then introduced into the flow cell without exposing the flow cell components to harmful drying conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If the flow cell component is subjected to heat treatment to accelerate drying, then the drying process is accelerated, but the sensitive components mounted on the flow cell are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying speedVSAvoidcomponent damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drying process is segmented from the assembly process. The carrier element with reagent is dried separately (可以快速干燥), then inserted into the pre-assembled flow cell. This separates the high-temperature drying step from the sensitive components, allowing fast drying without damaging mounted components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If adhesives are used to seal the flow cell during assembly, then the flow cell can be hermetically sealed, but the dry substance is degraded by contact with adhesives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing integrityVSAvoiddry substance degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dry substance is extracted from the assembly process by placing it on a separate carrier element that is inserted into the flow cell after sealing. This eliminates contact between the dry substance and adhesives, preventing degradation while maintaining hermetic sealing of the flow cell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow cell is pre-assembled and sealed with adhesives before the dry substance is introduced. This preliminary sealing action protects the dry substance from adhesive contact while ensuring proper sealing integrity is achieved first.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Volume of moving object

If the carrier element is much smaller than the flow cell to minimize space usage, then space efficiency is improved, but the passage for inserting the carrier element becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier element sizeVSAvoidpassage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier element is designed with a dimensionally reduced structure that can be inserted through an existing passage in the flow cell. The passage is formed during flow cell manufacturing, and the compact carrier element fits through it, allowing small size without requiring complex passage structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This approach allows for easier production of microfluidic flow cells with integrated dry substances, minimizing the risk of degradation and space usage, while ensuring the integrity of both the flow cell components and the dry reagents, and facilitating a more controlled assembly process.

Implementation Method 1

a carrier element, which can be inserted into the passage is provided, this carrier element having a carrier surface which faces the cavity and holds the dry substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10946376B2Carrier element for introducing a dry substance into a flow cell

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 THINXXS MICROTECHNOLOGY AG

AI summary

A carrier element for introducing a dry substance into a cavity of a microfluidic flow cell or a chamber or cavities for interacting with a fluid, including: a plug-like body figure to be insertable into a passage of the flow cell leading to the cavity; and, a carder surface for receiving the drive substance, the carder surface being at an end of the body facing the cavity when the body is inserted in the passage.