Collapsible Fluid Chamber Compression via Horizontal Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low profile fluid processing instruments, existing methods for compressing collapsible fluid chambers are impractical due to the need for vertical actuators that require additional space and complexity, making it challenging to effectively compress fluid chambers within a compact setup.
Innovation Solution
A module with a collapsible fluid chamber supported on a substrate, featuring a compression element that moves parallel to the substrate, actuated by an actuator strip, allowing for compression of fluid chambers without the need for vertical actuators, utilizing a low friction material and gear mechanisms for efficient fluid extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertical actuators are used to compress fluid chambers, then compression function is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex vertical actuators with a simplified parallel actuation system where two actuators move horizontally along the substrate to compress fluid chambers from opposite directions. This substitution eliminates the need for vertical movement mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective compression capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the compression approach from vertical actuation to horizontal actuation parallel to the substrate plane. By moving actuators in the horizontal dimension rather than vertically, the system achieves compression without requiring space above or below the substrate, thereby reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation in low-profile instruments.
2Ease of operation
If vertical actuators are used to compress fluid chambers, then compression function is achieved, but additional space above or below substrate is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical compression to horizontal compression parallel to the substrate. The actuators move along the substrate plane rather than vertically above or below it, enabling compression functionality within the horizontal footprint of the instrument without increasing vertical space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression function is divided between two separate actuators that independently move horizontally from opposite sides of the substrate. Each actuator compresses fluid chambers from its respective side, eliminating the need for a single large vertical actuator and reducing the space required above or below the substrate.
3Area of stationary object
If low profile configuration is used, then space efficiency is improved, but fluid chamber compression becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables compression in low-profile instruments by changing the actuation direction from vertical to horizontal. The actuators move parallel to the substrate along the horizontal dimension, allowing compression functionality to be integrated within the limited vertical space of low-profile configurations while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional vertical actuation system with a horizontal actuation system that is compatible with low-profile instrument designs. This substitution maintains compression capability while adapting to space-constrained environments by utilizing horizontal movement within the substrate plane.
Data Source
AI summary
A module for processing fluids includes one or more collapsible fluid chambers supported on a substrate, a compression element supported on the substrate and configured to be movable with respect to the one or more chambers, and an actuating element coupled to the compression element and configured to effect movement of the compression element relative to the one or more fluid chambers to collapse each fluid chamber by compressing the fluid chamber between the compression element and the substrate as the compression element moves over the fluid chamber. A method for motivating a fluid out of a fluid chamber comprises the steps of providing a module that includes one or more collapsible fluid chambers supported on a substrate, a compression element supported on the substrate and configured to be movable with respect to the one or more chambers, and an actuating element coupled to the compression element and configured to effect movement of the compression element relative to the one or more fluid chambers and moving the actuator element to move the compression element across at least a portion of t substrate and compress the fluid chamber, thereby motivating the fluid out of the fluid chamber.