Flexible Connection for Microfluidic Flow Cell Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In microfluidic instruments, the rigid connection between reagent management systems (RMS) and flow cells makes precise positioning of detection modules challenging due to size and weight differences, leading to vibration issues and increased costs and time for scanning across the flow cell.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flexible connection between the RMS and flow cell allows the flow cell to be moved independently relative to a fixed reference point, reducing vibrations and enabling more precise positioning with smaller, less costly handling equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the detection module is moved relative to the flow cell to scan across the flow cell, then scanning coverage is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to the large size and weight of the detection module
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the heavy detection module to scan across the flow cell, the patent inverts the approach by moving the lightweight flow cell under a stationary detection module. This is achieved through a flexible connection between the RMS and flow cell that allows the flow cell to be independently positioned and scanned using smaller, more precise handling equipment.
2Measurement precision
If the detection module is moved with high precision, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to heavy handling equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts which component is moved by making the flow cell movable and the detection module stationary. This allows the use of simpler, less costly handling equipment since the flow cell is much lighter and smaller than the detection module, while still achieving high positioning precision for accurate detection.
3Productivity
If the detection module is moved across the flow cell, then scanning capability is improved, but vibration increases due to the size of handling equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates vibration by inverting the scanning approach: instead of moving a large detection module that causes vibration, a lightweight flow cell is moved under a stationary detection module. The flexible connection enables this while isolating the flow cell from vibrations generated by the RMS, thereby maintaining scanning capability without the harmful vibration effects.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the RMS and flow cell are rigidly connected, then structural stability is improved, but positioning flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system by introducing a flexible connection that separates the RMS from the flow cell. This allows the RMS to remain structurally stable while the flow cell can be independently positioned and moved with flexibility. The flexible connection acts as an intermediary that maintains fluid communication while enabling independent positioning of each component.
5Measurement precision
If the flow cell is made movable with flexible connection, then positioning precision is improved, but fluid connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible connection comprising flexible channels that maintain fluid communication between the RMS and flow cell while allowing the flow cell to move independently. The flexible material accommodates movement and positioning adjustments without compromising the integrity or reliability of the fluid connection, thereby enabling high positioning precision while maintaining connection reliability.
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 enhances the accuracy of detection by minimizing vibrations and reducing the complexity of positioning, allowing for quicker scanning and more precise alignment of the flow cell relative to the detection module.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible connection may advantageously reduce vibrations transmitted to the flow cell by the RMS. This is because the flexible connection may dampen the vibrations produced by the RMS as they are transmitted through the flexible connection.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible connection includes a first flexible channel in fluid communication with the RMS. The first flexible channel is operable to route the flow of reagent therethrough.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument includes a reagent management system. The reagent management system includes a plurality of reagent wells, each reagent well operable to contain a reagent of a plurality of reagents positioned therein. The reagent management system is operable to select a flow of reagent from one of the plurality of reagents. A flexible connection includes a laminate stack and includes a first flexible channel in fluid communication with the reagent management system. The first flexible channel is operable to route the flow of reagent therethrough. A flow cell includes a flow channel in fluid communication with the first flexible channel. The flow channel is operable to route the flow of reagent over analytes positioned in the flow channel. The flexible connection enables the flow cell to be moved by the instrument relative to a fixed reference point in the instrument.