Floating Flowcell Cartridge Sealing With Indexed Support Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowcells in microfluidic systems are difficult to decontaminate after sample analysis, necessitating frequent replacement, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A flowcell cartridge design featuring a microfluidic plate with floating support brackets and gaskets that allow for precise alignment and sealing with fluidic ports, utilizing indexing features and floating components to ensure proper alignment and sealing with minimal leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flowcells are replaced frequently to avoid contamination, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable flowcells that are discarded after a single use to eliminate cross-contamination between samples. Each flowcell is designed as a single-use component that is replaced after one analysis run, ensuring complete cleanliness for the next sample without requiring time-consuming decontamination procedures between runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The flowcells are pre-packaged in sterile containers before use. The sterile barrier is designed to be broken at the moment of installation, ensuring that the flowcell is already decontaminated and ready for use without requiring additional cleaning or preparation steps in the laboratory.
2Reliability
If flowcells are replaced frequently, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flowcell is integrated with its sterile barrier and support structure into a single cartridge assembly. This merging of components allows the entire flowcell unit to be installed and replaced as one piece, eliminating the need to handle multiple separate components and reducing operational complexity despite frequent replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridge design incorporates all necessary components (flowcell, seals, support brackets) into a single low-cost unit that can be quickly discarded and replaced without requiring complex removal procedures or specialized tools.
3Manufacturing precision
If indexing features are added to ensure precise alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing features are designed to automatically align the flowcell with the fluidic ports during the installation process. The physical geometry of the indexing protrusions and recesses guides the component into precise alignment without requiring external alignment tools or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing features utilize asymmetric geometric shapes that provide unique orientation and positioning. This asymmetric design ensures that the flowcell can only be installed in the correct orientation, achieving precise alignment through the inherent geometry rather than through complex symmetric adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge for use with chemical or biological analysis systems, as well as methods of using the same, is provided. The cartridge may include a floating microfluidic plate that is held in the cartridge using one or more floating support brackets that incorporate gaskets that may seal against fluidic ports on the microfluidic plate. The floating support brackets may include indexing features that may align the microfluidic plate with the seals.