Flexible Flow Cell Connection for Precise Low-Vibration Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cells in microfluidic devices are sensitive to vibrations during detection processes, making precise positioning challenging due to rigid connections with reagent management systems, which also leads to costly and time-consuming scanning processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flexible connection between the flow cell and the reagent management system allows the flow cell to be moved independently relative to a fixed reference point, reducing vibrations and enabling precise positioning with smaller, less costly handling equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the flow cell is rigidly connected to the reagent management system, then the structural stability is improved, but the positioning precision and vibration sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate modules: the reagent management system (RMS) and the flow cell assembly. The flow cell can be detached from the RMS and positioned independently using a positioning mechanism, allowing precise alignment with the detection module without being constrained by the RMS position. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both structural stability during detection and precise positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible tube serves as an intermediary connection between the RMS and the flow cell. This flexible tube transmits reagents from the RMS to the flow cell while allowing independent movement and positioning of the flow cell relative to the RMS. The flexible connection enables the flow cell to be precisely positioned near the detection module without requiring rigid attachment to the RMS, thus resolving the positioning precision issue while maintaining reagent supply.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detection module is moved relative to the flow cell for scanning, then the detection coverage is improved, but the vibration and positioning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the heavy detection module to scan the flow cell, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the detection module stationary and moving the lightweight flow cell assembly to different positions using the positioning mechanism. This allows the detection module to cover multiple positions across the flow cell without the vibration and positioning difficulties associated with moving heavy equipment. The flexible tube enables the flow cell to be repositioned while maintaining reagent supply.
3Device complexity
If the flow cell is rigidly connected to the RMS, then the system simplicity is improved, but the scanning speed and positioning efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the RMS and the flow cell assembly, with the flow cell capable of being detached and repositioned independently. This segmentation allows rapid repositioning of the flow cell to different scanning positions using the positioning mechanism, significantly improving scanning speed compared to moving a heavy detection module. The flexible tube maintains reagent supply throughout the repositioning process, ensuring operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic configuration where the flow cell can be moved to different positions while maintaining fluid connection through the flexible tube. The positioning mechanism enables dynamic repositioning of the flow cell between different scanning positions, improving scanning speed and efficiency while the flexible tube ensures continuous reagent supply throughout the dynamic positioning process.
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.