Flow Cell Securement Arms and Manifolds for Sealed Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved techniques to securely position and connect microarray flow cells in processing and imaging equipment, requiring reliable and efficient designs that accommodate precise positioning and sealed fluid connections to enhance throughput and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A securement system for microarray flow cells that includes a support and actuatable securement arms to position the flow cell in specific reference directions, along with fluid connections using elastomeric elements and manifolds to establish sealed paths, facilitated by electric motors and spring-biased mechanisms for stable clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow cell designs are used, then the protection and robustness of flow cells are maintained, but the positioning accuracy and displacement control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The securement system is divided into separate functional components: securement arms for clamping, driving elements for X and Y positioning, and support structures. Each component performs a specific function, allowing independent optimization and reducing overall system complexity while achieving high positioning accuracy through coordinated operation of these segmented elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement system integrates multiple functions into a unified mechanism that simultaneously performs clamping, X-direction positioning, and Y-direction positioning. The driving elements and securement arms work together to achieve both mechanical securement and precise positioning in a single integrated system, reducing the need for separate positioning mechanisms.
2Productivity
If automated securement operations are implemented, then throughput is improved, but the reliability of sealed fluid connections may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric elements are designed to automatically form sealed fluid connections when the flow cell assembly is positioned by the driving elements. The spring-biased manifolds self-adjust to maintain reliable seals during automated operations, eliminating the need for manual seal adjustment while ensuring connection reliability through the compliant nature of the elastomeric materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses spring-biased manifolds that can dynamically adjust their position and contact force with the elastomeric elements. This parameter adjustment capability allows the sealed connections to maintain reliability under varying operational conditions while being driven by automated mechanisms, accommodating tolerances in positioning without compromising seal integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple driving elements are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy in multiple directions is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second driving elements are integrated into a coordinated system that operates within the same mechanical framework. The securement arms serve as common structural elements for both driving elements, and the support structures are shared between the two positioning functions. This merging reduces the total number of independent components while maintaining the ability to achieve precise positioning in both X and Y directions.
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 system enables precise and automated securement and positioning of microarray flow cells, ensuring reliable sealed fluid connections and stable operation, even when motors are de-energized, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of microarray processing and imaging.
Implementation Method 1
spring-biased mechanisms for stable clamping
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A flow cell and cartridge assembly may be loaded into a processing system, such as for genetic sequencing. The system locates the assembly and is then actuated to move the assembly to a desired reference position in both X- and Y-directions. Further actuation causes clamps to contact the flow cell, the cartridge, or both to exert a hold-down force during processing. Further hold-down forces may be provided by a vacuum chuck. Fluid connections are also made by manifolds that contact the flow cell. The hold-down forces counteract the forces needed for sealing the manifolds to the flow cell.