Fluid Dispenser With Microfluidic Mixing for Specimen Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems struggle with handling highly variable volume sizes, particularly in the removal of small volumes, which is time-consuming and costly, and handling glass slides is challenging due to their wide tolerance range, leading to inefficiencies in throughput and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser with a microfluidic mixing chamber and integrated components for precise fluid control, including a sample carrier, pressurized fluid supply, temperature control, bubble and gas removal, and automated fluid container handling, enabling efficient mixing and application of reagents directly to specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional injection systems are used to handle small volumes, then the complete removal of small volumes is achieved, but it is time consuming and costly requiring repeated rinsing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically removing small volumes through the microfluidic system before the main staining process. The microfluidic channels are designed to efficiently transport and remove small fluid volumes, eliminating the need for repeated manual rinsing operations that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical injection systems with a microfluidic-based system. The microfluidic channels and integrated pumping mechanisms enable precise control and removal of small volumes through controlled fluid flow, replacing the need for repeated manual rinsing operations.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of specimens is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but throughput is considerably reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing automated handling of multiple specimens simultaneously through the microfluidic platform. The integrated design enables the system to perform staining and washing operations automatically without requiring manual intervention for each specimen, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic system is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple specimens simultaneously through parallel processing. The system can perform various operations (staining, washing, incubation) across multiple samples at the same time, thereby dramatically increasing throughput compared to manual handling of individual specimens.
3Manufacturing precision
If glass slides are handled individually, then precision is maintained, but it is very challenging for robotic systems and glass dust is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple glass slides into a single batch processing unit. By combining multiple individual slide handling operations into a single automated batch process using the microfluidic system, the patent eliminates the need for robotic manipulation of individual slides, thereby preventing glass dust generation while maintaining processing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical robotic handling systems with a microfluidic-based automated system. The microfluidic channels and integrated pumping mechanisms enable precise fluid delivery and specimen handling without requiring mechanical manipulation of glass slides, thereby eliminating glass dust contamination while maintaining handling precision.
4Productivity
If batch processing is used, then throughput is increased, but it does not scale as easily and requires large metal frame holders
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the batch processing into multiple parallel microfluidic channels, each handling a single specimen. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple samples simultaneously through parallel processing while maintaining a compact form factor, as each channel is independently controlled and requires minimal space compared to traditional batch processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional batch processing using large metal frame holders to a planar microfluidic integration approach. By embedding multiple processing channels within a single planar substrate, the system achieves high throughput while occupying minimal space, effectively moving the processing dimension from vertical stacking to horizontal integration.
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
Facilitates automated, precise, and efficient specimen preparation by ensuring accurate fluid mixing and application, reducing contamination risks, and increasing throughput by handling multiple samples with minimal manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The microfluidic mixing chamber is configured to mix fluids provided via the first input and the second input
Implementation Method 2
The microfluidic mixing chamber is configured to mix fluids provided via the first input and the second input
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser includes a sample carrier position configured to receive a sample carrier configured to receive a microscopic specimen and including a microfluidic system and an injection port configured to receive fluids. The fluid dispenser further includes a microfluidic mixing chamber having a first input, a second input, and an output, and configured to mix fluids. The fluid dispenser further includes a first port configured to receive a fluid line for providing a first fluid to the first input of the microfluidic mixing chamber, a second port configured to receive a fluid container containing a second fluid to be mixed with the first fluid, and to provide the second fluid to the second input of the microfluidic mixing chamber. The fluid dispenser further includes an adapter configured to connect the output of the microfluidic mixing chamber to the injection port of the sample carrier.