Multi-Actuator Dispenser Platform for Microfluidic Substrate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic dispenser systems are large, expensive, and inflexible, limiting their ability to handle various substrate types and sizes efficiently, which can compromise experiments if precise liquid dispensing is not achieved.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser platform with a first and second actuator system that moves a substrate nest along multiple planes, allowing precise positioning under a dispenser nozzle, providing flexibility in substrate types and sizes, and reducing the system's footprint and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional microfluidic dispenser systems are used, then precise liquid dispensing is achieved, but the system becomes large, expensive, and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a dispenser unit with a syringe pump for precise liquid delivery, and a separate platform with actuators for substrate positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining dispensing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed with a universal substrate nest holder that can accommodate various substrate types and sizes through adjustable positioning mechanisms. The same platform structure serves multiple functions: positioning, securing, and adapting to different experimental configurations, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional microfluidic dispenser systems are used, then precise liquid dispensing is achieved, but the system becomes inflexible regarding substrate types and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through actuators that can adjust the substrate nest holder's position in real-time. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different substrate types and sizes while maintaining precise alignment with the dispenser nozzle, ensuring consistent dispensing accuracy across various configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing key parameters such as substrate position coordinates, nest holder orientation, and dispensing coordinates through programmable control. These parameter adjustments enable the same hardware to handle diverse substrate formats without requiring physical reconfiguration, thereby enhancing versatility while preserving dispensing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single channel reformatter with syringe is used, then precise dispensing is achieved, but the system occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes multi-dimensional positioning through separate actuators that move the substrate nest holder in multiple directions (x, y, z axes) independently. This dimensional separation allows compact arrangement of components while maintaining full positioning capability, reducing the overall footprint compared to traditional single-plane reformatters.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example, a dispenser platform can include an enclosure that includes a first actuator to move a support in a first plane, wherein a portion of the support extends outside the enclosure, and a second actuator coupled to the portion of the support that extends outside the enclosure to move a stage coupled to the support in a second plane.