Fluid Flow Regulator for Microfluidic Sterile Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional delivery of fluids to microfluidic devices is limited by the volume of the fluid source, leads to variations in fluid flow characteristics, and is costly due to the need for sterile packaging and large, expensive pressurized containers, which also introduce bubbles and increase cleaning times.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow characteristic regulator that separates the function of providing fluid from regulating fluid flow characteristics, using an unpressurized fluid source coupled with a reciprocating piston pump and a control fluid system to reduce variation in fluid flow and implement a sterile filter with reduced dead volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the volume of the fluid source is increased to extend continuous operation time, then the duration of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to larger pressurized containers and load-lifting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid delivery function into separate components: an unpressurized fluid source and a reciprocating piston pump. This segmentation allows the fluid source to be simple and inexpensive while the pump provides the necessary pressurization and flow control, extending operation time without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical pressurization system (large pressurized tanks requiring load-lifting equipment) with a reciprocating piston pump that generates pressure through controlled mechanical cycles. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive large-scale pressurization infrastructure while achieving the same operational duration
2Duration of action of moving object
If the volume of the fluid source is increased to extend continuous operation time, then the duration of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases due to longer cleaning and fluid changing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fluid source from the pressurization system, the invention creates a compact fluid delivery unit with minimal dead volume. The reciprocating piston pump and associated plumbing are designed for quick disassembly and cleaning, reducing maintenance time while maintaining extended operational capacity through efficient fluid utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using an unpressurized fluid source combined with active pump control rather than passive large-volume pressurized storage. This parameter change enables a compact design with reduced surface area and volume, directly decreasing the time required for cleaning and fluid changes while maintaining continuous operation capability
3Speed
If pressurization of the headspace is used to deliver fluid, then the fluid flow rate is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to bubble formation and entrapment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces passive headspace pressurization with an active reciprocating piston pump system that delivers fluid through controlled mechanical displacement. This substitution allows for smooth, bubble-free fluid transfer by maintaining continuous contact between the pump and fluid, eliminating the vacuum and pressure cycling that causes bubble formation in headspace pressurization systems
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating piston pump acts as an intermediary between the unpressurized fluid source and the microfluidic device. It mediates the fluid transfer by providing controlled, gradual pressurization through its pumping action, preventing the sudden pressure changes that cause bubble formation and entrapment in conventional headspace pressurization methods
4Device complexity
If the fluid source serves multiple functions (reservoir and regulator), then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to independently optimize each function
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fluid delivery system into distinct functional modules: an unpressurized fluid source for simple fluid storage and a reciprocating piston pump for precise flow regulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating piston pump serves as an intermediary component that bridges the simple unpressurized fluid source and the microfluidic device requiring precise flow control. It mediates between the two by providing accurate flow regulation through its pumping mechanism, enabling the fluid source to remain simple while achieving precise flow control at the device level
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 solution allows for continuous adjustment of fluid flow characteristics, reduces variation in fluid flow, and decreases costs by using a smaller, more efficient system that maintains fluid sterility and reduces cleaning times, enabling efficient operation of microfluidic devices like FACS.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid flow can be continuously adjusted by a control fluid to regulate at least one fluid flow characteristic of the fluid flow within the variable volume flow path
Implementation Method 2
implement a sterile filter with reduced dead volume
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid flow characteristic regulator (58) which provides a variable volume flow path in which a fluid flow can be continuously adjusted by a control fluid (57) to regulate at least one fluid flow characteristic of the fluid flow (11) within the variable volume flow path.