Disposable Fluidic Cartridge With Bubble Traps and Self-Sealing Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved methods and products capable of detecting and quantifying analytes from complex biological samples without requiring surface treatment, while ensuring safe handling and disposal, and enabling multiplexed and high-throughput operations, particularly for point-of-care assays.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic cartridge system with integrated bubble traps and self-sealing polymers that trap air bubbles, allowing fluid flow without surface treatment, and includes a closed system for safe handling, with components like bubble traps, fluidic channels, and self-sealing polymers that activate upon contact with liquid, connected by a continuous fluidic channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface treatment is applied to fluidic cartridge components, then functional sample detection is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable fluidic cartridge components that are designed to be used once and then discarded. These components are manufactured without requiring surface treatment, reducing manufacturing complexity. The disposable nature ensures that each new cartridge provides fresh, functional detection capability without carrying over contamination or degradation from previous uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the fluidic cartridge components by selecting materials with inherent properties suitable for sample detection and fluid handling. By choosing materials with appropriate surface characteristics, wettability, and chemical resistance at the material selection stage, the need for post-manufacturing surface treatment is eliminated.
2Reliability
If bubble traps are integrated into the fluidic cartridge, then air bubble removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble trap functionality is merged with the existing fluidic channel structure of the cartridge. Rather than adding a separate, complex bubble removal system, the design integrates air venting capabilities directly into the fluidic pathways, allowing bubbles to escape through dedicated vent channels while maintaining compact overall cartridge dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble trap acts as an intermediary element within the fluidic system, providing a designated space and pathway for air bubbles to accumulate and escape. This mediator structure separates the air phase from the liquid sample flow, enabling continuous reliable fluid flow without requiring complex external bubble removal equipment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed fluidic system is used, then safe handling and disposal are improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The closed fluidic system is pre-configured with self-sealing ports and pre-attached caps that automatically seal when samples are loaded. The sealing mechanism is designed to engage automatically upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual sealing operations while maintaining the closed system integrity for safe handling and disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic cartridge incorporates self-sealing ports that automatically close and seal after sample introduction. This self-service sealing mechanism maintains the closed system configuration without requiring additional user actions, combining safety with ease of operation by eliminating manual sealing steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are cartridge components, cartridges, systems, and methods for isolating analytes from biological samples. In various aspects, the cartridge components, cartridges, systems, and methods may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material from complex fluids.