Centrifugal Fluid Introduction for Microfluidic Chips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex microfluidic devices require precise control of driving pressure for fluid introduction, which is time-consuming and often necessitates complex auxiliary equipment, making it challenging to efficiently introduce fluids into these devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using centrifugal force generated by a rotating device, such as a centrifuge, to introduce fluids into microfluidic chips, featuring a chip receiver, a fluid introduction reservoir, and a support member that supports the microfluidic chip, allowing fluid introduction through a controlled centrifugal force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external pumping means (syringe pump or vacuum pump) are used to provide driving pressure, then fluid introduction into microfluidic device is achieved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pumping systems (syringe pumps, vacuum pumps) with a centrifugal force generation system. A rotor assembly rotates to generate centrifugal force that drives fluid from the reservoir through the microfluidic device channels, eliminating the need for complex external pumping equipment while maintaining effective fluid introduction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the fluid's own weight combined with centrifugal force to drive flow through the microfluidic device. The reservoir is positioned such that fluid naturally flows under the influence of centrifugal acceleration during rotation, without requiring external pumping assistance, making the system self-sufficient for fluid introduction
2Manufacturing precision
If external pumping means are used to control driving pressure, then fluid introduction is achieved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls driving pressure by changing rotational speed parameters of the rotor assembly. By adjusting the rotation speed, the centrifugal force generated can be precisely controlled, thereby regulating the driving pressure for fluid introduction without requiring time-consuming manual pressure adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic rotation of the rotor assembly to generate consistent centrifugal force for fluid introduction. The rotational motion provides periodic acceleration that drives fluid through the microfluidic device efficiently, reducing introduction time while maintaining pressure control
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 method allows for efficient and controlled fluid introduction into microfluidic devices with reduced effort and time, achieving similar results to conventional methods while preventing contamination and maintaining proper driving pressure, as demonstrated by its application in DNA binding and PCR processes.
Implementation Method 1
the apparatus is rotatable in a state where the introduction member is closer to a center of rotation than the microfluidic chip, and the fluid is introducible from the fluid introduction reservoir through the inlet into the microfluidic chip due to a centrifugal force generated by rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus introducing a fluid using a centrifugal force includes an introduction member including a chip receiver and a fluid introduction reservoir, the chip receiver receiving a first part of a microfluidic chip, the first part including an inlet, the fluid introduction reservoir storing a fluid to be introduced to the microfluidic chip, the fluid introduction reservoir having an exit formed to correspond to the inlet of the microfluidic chip received in the chip receiver, and a support member supporting a second part of the microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic chip is disposed between the introduction member and the support member, the apparatus is rotatable in a state where the introduction member is closer to a center of rotation than the microfluidic chip, and the fluid is introducible from the fluid introduction reservoir through the inlet into the microfluidic chip due to a centrifugal force generated by rotation.