Gravity-Enhanced Microfluidic Fluid Collection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for collecting bodily fluids are cumbersome and require multiple steps, making them inefficient for use by untrained individuals.
Innovation Solution
The development of microfluidic collection systems that utilize gravity and capillary forces to simplify the collection, handling, and transfer of fluids, incorporating features like microfluidic channels, outflow channels, and detachable reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple steps are used to transfer bodily fluid to a container, then the collection process can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collection site, microfluidic network, and reservoir into a single integrated device. The collector housing contains both the collection site and the reservoir, with microfluidic channels connecting them, eliminating the need for separate transfer steps and reducing overall collection time while maintaining complete fluid collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic network acts as an intermediary system that automatically transfers fluid from the collection site to the reservoir. This intermediary network with its specific channel geometry and surface properties enables passive, controlled fluid movement without requiring manual intervention or additional time.
2Reliability
If multiple steps are used for fluid transfer, then complete collection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated collector device. The housing contains the collection site, microfluidic network, and reservoir all in one structure, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device while ensuring complete fluid collection through the integrated microfluidic pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic network is nested within the collector housing, with channels and structures embedded in the housing material. The reservoir is positioned within the housing structure, creating a nested arrangement that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining complete fluid collection functionality.
3Ease of operation
If passive fluid handling is used, then ease of operation improves, but control over fluid flow may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic channels have locally optimized properties including specific geometry (width, depth, length) and surface energy characteristics at different locations. This local quality variation enables passive control of fluid flow rate and direction through the network without requiring active user intervention or complex automation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters such as channel geometry, surface energy, and orientation relative to gravity to control fluid flow. By modifying these parameters throughout the microfluidic network, the system achieves automated fluid handling with precise control while maintaining ease of operation for the user.
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
These systems enable efficient and simplified collection and transfer of bodily fluids, reducing the complexity and time required for the process, and allowing for use by untrained individuals.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one microfluidic network is configured to promote the flow of fluids from the collection site to the at least one outflow channel
Implementation Method 2
Devices, systems and methods for gravity-enhanced microfluidic collection, handling and transferring of fluids
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to the collection of bodily fluids through the use of gravity and microfluidic properties by way of a collector. The collector can make use of microfluidic networks connected to collection sites on the skin of a subject to gather and shuttle blood into a reservoir by a combination of capillary action and gravitational forces. The collected fluid is moved through the microfluidic networks and into the reservoir by a variety of approaches.