Elastomeric Fluidic Layer for Point-of-Care Liquid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid handling devices for point-of-care diagnostic tests face challenges in precise liquid handling, mixing of multiple solutions, and automated operation, which are essential for efficient and accurate diagnostic testing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid handling device featuring a fluidic layer made of an elastomer with a network of channels and deformable valve regions, allowing for improved sealing and controlled liquid flow through compression of the channels, and incorporating pneumatic ports for interfacing with pneumatic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If channels are provided in a rigid layer, then structural strength is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional layers: a rigid support layer for structural strength and a flexible fluidic layer for sealing and fluid transport. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a composite structure combining rigid materials (for support and strength) with flexible elastomeric materials (for sealing and deformation). This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of structural integrity and reliable sealing.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are used for channels and valves, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channels and valves are merged into a single integrated fluidic layer, eliminating the need for separate valve components. This integration simplifies the device structure while maintaining manufacturing precision through single-step fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fluid transport channels, incorporates valves for flow control, and ensures sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining precision through unified design.
3Device complexity
If a single rigid layer is used for the fluidic network, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic layer is made of flexible elastomeric material that can dynamically deform to seal against the rigid support layer and against each other. This dynamic sealing capability is achieved through material flexibility rather than complex mechanical sealing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic layer uses a flexible elastomeric membrane that can elastically deform to create reliable seals. This flexible film approach provides effective sealing with minimal structural complexity, allowing the layer to conform to surface irregularities and maintain seal integrity.
4Ease of operation
If deformable valve regions are added to the fluidic layer, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve regions utilize the inherent elastic properties of the elastomeric material to automatically seal and open channels in response to applied forces. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external actuation systems while maintaining precise control through material-level deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operation is controlled by changing the physical state of the elastomeric material through applied mechanical forces, which alter its deformation characteristics. This parameter-based control allows precise valve operation through force magnitude and duration rather than complex positioning mechanisms.
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
The device achieves improved sealing and controlled liquid handling, simplifying the construction and enabling automated operation, which is crucial for point-of-care diagnostic tests.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer layer acts as a compliant layer when it is being sealed against another layer. In addition, providing channels in a compliant elastomeric layer allows the channels to be compressed in order to provide valves in the liquid handling device
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of valves may comprise a deformable valve region provided in the fluidic layer. Each deformable valve region may be deformable to a deformed state in which the corresponding one of the plurality of conduits is blocked
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a liquid handling device, comprising: a rigid layer; and a plurality of liquid storage capsules disposed within the liquid handling device; wherein the rigid layer comprises an actuatable portion that is actuatable from a first position, in which the actuatable portion does not deform the plurality of liquid storage capsules, to a second position, in which the actuatable portion deforms two or more of the plurality of liquid storage capsules.