Fluidic Processor Dynamic Sealing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluidic systems operate sequentially, limiting complexity and causing issues like sample carry-over and cross-talk due to their design, which restricts random access and dynamic interchangeable fluidic seals.

Innovation Solution

A fluidic processor with a sealing mechanism that allows random access operation, utilizing a first and second sealing member with compressive faces and fluid conduits, actuated by linear actuators to establish fluid-tight connections without traversing adjacent conduits, enabling dynamic sealing and minimizing carry-over.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional sequential fluidic systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but random access capability and operational flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom access capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluidic system is segmented into multiple independently controllable channels with discrete sealing members, allowing random access to any channel without traversing adjacent ones. Each channel can be independently activated or sealed, enabling flexible operational sequences while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic sealing members that can be actuated to create or break fluidic connections on-demand. The sealing members are positioned to enable random access operation sequences, allowing the system to adaptively reconfigure fluidic paths without following a fixed sequential pattern, thereby enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If rotary valve designs are used for fluid path switching, then fluid path selection is achieved, but sample carry-over occurs during actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid path switchingVSAvoidsample carry-over

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful intermediate position traversal is extracted from the fluidic switching mechanism. Instead of using a rotary valve that must pass through intermediate positions, the system employs direct-acting sealing members that can be actuated independently to connect or seal channels without traversing other fluid paths, eliminating the carry-over problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Sealing members act as intermediaries between fluid sources and destinations, creating or breaking connections without direct fluid contact between channels. The sealing members physically isolate fluid paths during switching operations, preventing cross-contamination while enabling smooth fluid path transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fluidic switching mechanisms are used, then fluid path changes are achieved, but cross-talk and leakage occur between positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid path configurationVSAvoidfluid path isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Sealing members serve as reliable intermediaries that physically isolate fluid paths during switching operations. Each sealing member is positioned to seal against a sealing surface, creating a fluid-tight barrier that prevents cross-talk and leakage between channels while enabling flexible fluid path reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional rotary mechanical valve mechanisms with a sealing member and sealing surface system. This substitution eliminates the inherent leakage and cross-talk problems of rotary valves by using direct sealing contact that can be actuated without traversing intermediate positions, thereby improving fluid path isolation reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables complex fluidic operations with reduced carry-over and cross-talk, allowing for dynamic sealing and efficient fluid handling through random access sequencing, enhancing the functionality of fluidic systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first compressive face and at least one first sealing member fluid conduit; a second sealing member having a second sealing face, a second compressive face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9027929B2Fluidic processor and method of use

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 ADAPTAS SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A fluidic processor includes a first sealing member having a first sealing face, a first compressive face and at least one first sealing member fluid conduit; a second sealing member having a second sealing face, a second compressive face and at least one second sealing member fluid conduit; the second sealing face of the second sealing member being sealingly and slidingly engaged in a substantially fluid tight manner with the first sealing face of the first sealing member; and at least one actuator mechanically engaging at least one of the first sealing member and the second sealing member, or an XY stage, or mechanism that provides motion in two axes on one sealing member only.