Floating Flowcell Cartridge Sealing for Precise Port Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic flowcells are difficult to decontaminate after sample analysis, leading to frequent replacement and increased costs, as access to the flow channels is challenging, necessitating a cartridge-based approach for easy replacement.
Innovation Solution
A flowcell cartridge design featuring a floating microfluidic plate and support brackets with indexing features and gaskets that allow for precise alignment and sealing with the analysis device, preventing rolling of seals and ensuring a liquid-tight connection, while allowing the plate to float within the frame for easy movement and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cartridge-based approach is used to facilitate easy replacement of flowcells, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flowcell system is divided into separate modular components: a removable cartridge containing the flowcell, a frame, support brackets, and gaskets. This segmentation allows the flowcell to be easily replaced as a complete unit while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge-based design treats the flowcell as a disposable or easily replaceable component. The entire cartridge can be quickly exchanged without complex decontamination procedures, reducing operational complexity despite increasing device structure complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the microfluidic plate is allowed to float within the frame for easy movement and alignment, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of the object's composition worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic plate is designed to float dynamically within the frame rather than being rigidly fixed. This allows the plate to move freely during insertion and alignment, then stabilize when properly positioned, combining ease of movement with operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Support brackets act as intermediary elements between the floating microfluidic plate and the frame. These brackets provide controlled contact points that enable easy movement while maintaining stable alignment when the plate is in its intended position.
3Manufacturing precision
If indexing features are added to prevent rolling of seals, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Indexing features such as protrusions or asymmetric shapes are incorporated into the support brackets and frame. These asymmetric elements prevent rotational misalignment of the microfluidic plate, ensuring precise seal alignment without requiring complex mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing features are designed to automatically guide and constrain the microfluidic plate into the correct position during insertion. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for external alignment tools or complex adjustment procedures, improving precision while minimizing added complexity.
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.