Flow Path Selection Valve for Flexible Sequencing Fluid Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complex structure and single fluid inlet mode of current fluidic systems in gene sequencing platforms result in slow sample and reagent entry into the flow cell, reducing fluid and sequencing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A flow path selection valve with a common port and multiple ports, communication grooves, and a stator-rotor mechanism that allows selective switching between fluid paths, reducing the need for three-way valves and simplifying the system structure, enabling flexible fluid loading and improved sequencing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex fluidic system structure with multiple three-way valves is used, then fluid path control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid path control capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple three-way valves into a single integrated flow path selection valve with a common port, multiple first ports, and multiple second ports. The valve body integrates multiple valve functions that were previously distributed across separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full fluid path control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow path selection valve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it can select between different fluid sources, control flow to multiple destinations, and provide various fluid inlet modes (single-channel, multi-channel, parallel). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized valves, simplifying the system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a single fluid inlet mode is used, then system structure is simplified, but fluid inlet efficiency and sequencing speed decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid inlet efficiencyVSAvoidfluid inlet mode flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The valve enables dynamic switching between different fluid inlet modes (single-channel, multi-channel, parallel) based on experimental requirements. The rotor can be positioned to create different flow path configurations, allowing the system to adapt its fluid inlet strategy to optimize efficiency for each specific sequencing task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid inlet system is segmented into multiple independent channels with dedicated first ports and second ports. Each channel can be controlled independently through the valve's communication grooves, enabling parallel fluid inlet operations that significantly improve overall inlet efficiency compared to sequential single-channel mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If multiple three-way valves are used to control fluid paths, then flow path switching capability is improved, but the number of components and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path switching capabilityVSAvoidnumber of valve components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple three-way valves are merged into a single flow path selection valve with a common port, multiple first ports, and multiple second ports. The rotor-stator configuration with communication grooves provides the same flow path switching capability as multiple valves but with only one physical valve component, reducing assembly complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260023400A1Flow path selection valve, fluidic system, and method for controlling fluid flow

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 GENEMIND BIOSCIENCES CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a flow path selection valve, a fluidic system, and a method for controlling fluid flow. The flow path selection valve is configured to switch between a first valve position and a second valve position, and the flow path selection valve is provided with a common port, a plurality of first ports, a plurality of second ports, a first communication groove, and second communication grooves. In a case that the flow path selection valve is in the first valve position, the plurality of first ports are in communication with the common port through the first communication groove; in a case that the flow path selection valve is in the second valve position, the first ports are in communication with the second ports through the second communication grooves in a one-to-one correspondence. In this way, the control over the switching of fluid flow paths can be achieved, the number of three-way valves in the fluidic system can be reduced, and the structure of the fluidic system can be simplified, such that the cost of the fluidic system is lowered, and the sequencing cost is further reduced. In addition, different fluid inlet modes can be selected, which enhances the flexibility of fluid loading, thereby improving the sequencing quality and sequencing efficiency.