Flexible Flow Cell Connection for Vibration-Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices face challenges in precise detection due to rigid connections between reagent management systems and flow cells, which lead to difficulties in positioning detection modules with micron precision and increased vibrations during the detection process.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flexible connection between the reagent management system and the flow cell, allowing the flow cell to be moved independently relative to a fixed reference point while the detection module remains stationary, thereby reducing vibrations and improving precision.
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 mass of the detection module
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the heavy detection module across the flow cell, the patent inverts the approach by moving the light flow cell relative to the stationary detection module. This is achieved through a flexible connection that allows the flow cell to be positioned and scanned by moving it rather than moving the detection module, thereby achieving both scanning coverage and positioning precision.
2Measurement precision
If the detection module is positioned with micron precision, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to heavy handling equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts which component requires precision positioning equipment. Instead of needing complex equipment to position the heavy detection module, the system positions the light flow cell using simpler equipment, achieving the same detection accuracy with reduced device complexity.
3Productivity
If the detection module is moved across the flow cell, then scanning capability is improved, but vibrations increase due to the mass of the detection module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates vibrations by inverting the scanning approach. Instead of moving the heavy detection module (which causes vibrations), the light flow cell is moved relative to the stationary detection module, achieving scanning capability without the harmful vibrations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the flow cell is rigidly connected to the reagent management system, then structural stability is improved, but positioning flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid connection between the flow cell and reagent management system with a flexible connection. This flexible connection maintains structural stability for fluid containment while providing the positioning flexibility needed to move the flow cell relative to the detection module for scanning.
Data Source
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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.