Floating Flowcell Cartridge Sealing for Fast Contamination-Safe Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic flowcells used in genome sequencers and other biological analysis systems face challenges in decontamination, leading to the common practice of replacing them after each sample, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A flowcell cartridge design featuring a floating microfluidic plate and support brackets with indexing features and seals that allow for precise alignment and sealing with the analysis device, preventing rolling of gaskets and ensuring a liquid-tight seal, while allowing for easy replacement and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flowcells are replaced after each sample to prevent contamination, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable components: a reusable receiver and a disposable cartridge containing the flowcell. This segmentation allows the flowcell to be easily replaced by simply swapping cartridges, reducing contamination risk while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The flowcell is implemented as a disposable cartridge that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates contamination risks between samples while avoiding the complexity of designing and implementing reusable, sterilizable flowcells. The cartridge is inexpensive enough to be discarded after one use.
2Reliability
If flowcells are replaced frequently, then contamination is minimized, but loss of time for replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cartridges are pre-prepared and ready for use. The indexing features on the cartridges and receiver ensure that replacement is a simple, quick process with minimal alignment time, reducing the time penalty associated with frequent replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flowcell is segmented into a modular cartridge that can be quickly swapped out. The cartridge design with integrated flowcell and simple mechanical interfaces enables rapid replacement without requiring complex disassembly or alignment procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If indexing features are added to align components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing features use asymmetric geometry (protrusions on one side, corresponding recesses or slots on the other) to provide precise alignment in specific directions. This asymmetric design achieves accurate positioning without requiring complex symmetric mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Indexing features are added only at specific critical locations where alignment is needed, rather than throughout the entire component. The protrusions are strategically positioned to provide necessary alignment while minimizing overall structural 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.