Flow Cell Gasket Assembly for Low-Force Channel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sequencing platforms face challenges in establishing a reliable fluidic connection between flow cells and systems, particularly with multiple channels, due to alignment issues and high sealing forces, which can lead to fluid leakage and warpage of the flow cell.
Innovation Solution
The use of adhesive-backed gasket assemblies with a separating layer and dual adhesives, where the first adhesive bonds to the flow cell and the second adhesive bonds to the gasket, reduces the sealing force required and minimizes alignment errors, enabling efficient fluidic communication through aligned through holes in the gasket and separating layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used to establish fluidic connection, then sealing reliability is improved, but sealing force increases causing flow cell warpage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a gasket layer for sealing, an adhesive stack with multiple adhesives for bonding, and a separating layer for alignment. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, reducing the overall force needed while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive stack acts as an intermediary between the gasket and the flow cell, providing a compliant bonding interface that reduces peak sealing forces. The separating layer serves as a mediator for alignment, ensuring proper positioning without requiring high forces
2Reliability
If high sealing force is applied to prevent fluid leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but flow cell warpage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive stack changes the mechanical parameters of the sealing interface by providing a compliant, distributed bonding layer. This transforms the sealing mechanism from rigid high-force contact to flexible distributed adhesion, preventing flow cell warpage while maintaining sealing reliability
3Productivity
If multiple channels are sealed simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separating layer with its positioned features enables the gasket assembly to self-align with the flow cell channels during placement. This self-alignment mechanism ensures precise positioning of multiple channels simultaneously without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The separating layer is pre-configured with alignment features and adhesive positioning before the gasket assembly is applied to the flow cell. This preliminary preparation ensures that when multiple channels are sealed simultaneously, proper alignment is automatically achieved, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling high productivity
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 solution reduces the sealing force needed by approximately 30% compared to traditional methods, decreases the likelihood of fluid leakage, and minimizes flow cell warpage, improving optical and thermal interfaces while allowing for more flexible design configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive stack includes a first adhesive, a separating layer, and a second adhesive. The first adhesive bonds to the flow cell and the second adhesive bonds to the gasket.
Data Source
AI summary
Gasket assemblies and related system and methods. An apparatus includes a system, a flow cell, and a plurality of gasket assemblies. The system includes a flow cell interface and the flow cell has one or more channels. Each channel has a first channel opening and a second channel opening. The first channel openings are positioned at a first end of the flow cell and the second channel openings are positioned at a second end of the flow cell. A gasket assembly coupled at each second channel opening. Each gasket assembly includes an adhesive stack and a gasket. The adhesive stack includes a first side bonded to the gasket and a second side bonded to the flow cell. The flow cell interface is engagable with the corresponding gaskets to establish a fluidic coupling between system and the flow cell.