Flow Cell Lid Design for Biosensor Area Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cells have limitations such as not fully utilizing the biosensor active area due to a lid obstructing the reagent solution and providing limited wiring configurations, making them costly and inefficient for detecting fluorescent emissions in biological or chemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell design with a support frame and light detection devices positioned within cavities, where the lid forms a flow channel over the active area, allowing for maximum utilization of the biosensor area and incorporating multiple light detection devices with varied configurations to enhance detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a lid is coupled to the biosensor active area in conventional flow cells, then the flow cell structure is complete, but the biosensor active area becomes inaccessible to reagent solution and cannot include reaction sites
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is divided into separate functional components: the lid forms a flow channel that is spatially separated from the reaction sites. The reaction sites are positioned on the support surface beneath the flow channel, allowing the lid to provide structural closure while the reaction sites remain accessible to reagents through the flow channel opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction sites are positioned in a different spatial dimension (beneath the flow channel on the support surface) relative to the lid. This vertical separation allows the lid to close over the flow channel while reaction sites remain accessible from below, resolving the conflict between structural closure and reagent accessibility.
2Area of stationary object
If a single sensor with large biosensor active area is used, then detection coverage is maximized, but the device becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large expensive sensor, the system employs multiple smaller, more cost-effective light detection devices positioned at different locations. Each sensor detects fluorescence from specific reaction sites, and the combined data provides comprehensive coverage of the entire biosensor active area.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light detection devices are used to perform the detection function across different regions of the flow cell. Each sensor serves its specific detection zone, and collectively they provide universal detection coverage across the entire biosensor active area at lower cost.
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical systems with lenses and filters are used, then fluorescent signal detection is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and large
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical optical system (lenses, filters, mirrors) is replaced with a solid-state imaging system using light detection devices that directly convert optical signals to electrical signals. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical optical components while maintaining fluorescent signal detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single expensive optical detection path, multiple light detection devices create parallel detection channels that collectively capture the fluorescent signal information. This distributed approach reduces the complexity and cost of individual detection components while maintaining overall detection precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If flow cells are designed as single use consumables, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved, but reusability and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is designed with dynamic reusability through removable components. The lid can be detached from the support frame, allowing the flow cell to be cleaned, maintained, and reused. This dynamic design transforms the static single-use consumable model into a reusable system while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire flow cell after use, the design allows recovery and reuse of the support frame and light detection devices. The lid can be removed for cleaning or replacement, enabling the main body to be recovered and reused, thereby reducing costs and improving 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
The design enables efficient detection of fluorescent emissions by maximizing the biosensor active area and providing flexible wiring configurations, reducing costs and improving the detection efficiency in biological or chemical reactions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting fluorescent emissions in biological or chemical reactions
Implementation Method 2
light detection devices positioned within cavities... to detect light emissions from the reactions
Data Source
AI summary
Flow cells and corresponding methods are provided. The flow cells may include a support frame with top and back sides, and at least one cavity extending from the top side. The flow cells may include at least one light detection device with an active area disposed within the at least one cavity. The flow cells may include a support material disposed within the at least one cavity between the support frame and the periphery of the at least one light detection device coupling them together. The flow cells may include a lid extending over the at least one light detection device and coupled to the support frame about the periphery of the at least one light detection device. The lid and at least a top surface of the at least one light detection device form a flow channel therebetween.