Hydrodynamic Traps for Flow-Reversal Biological Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological object capture devices fail to retain the object in a fluid circuit when there is a reversal of flow direction, leading to potential loss of the object during analysis.
Innovation Solution
A capture device with a first and second hydrodynamic trap arranged in a mirror configuration, allowing the biological object to be retained in the central branch of the main channel, ensuring capture regardless of flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single hydrodynamic trap is used in the fluid circuit, then the biological object can be captured during forward flow, but the object escapes when flow direction reverses
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid circuit is segmented into multiple traps (first hydrodynamic trap and second hydrodynamic trap) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to handle flow reversals by distributing the capture function across multiple sites, ensuring the biological object is retained regardless of flow direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The traps are configured with housings and restrictions arranged in a mirror image configuration. When flow reverses, the biological object transitions from one trap to the other in reverse, maintaining capture effectiveness. The symmetric arrangement ensures both traps function equally well regardless of flow direction.
2Reliability
If hydrodynamic traps are placed in both branches of the main channel, then capture capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second branches of the main channel have asymmetric trap configurations. The first branch contains only the first hydrodynamic trap, while the second branch contains only the second hydrodynamic trap. This asymmetric distribution simplifies each individual trap's structure while maintaining overall system reliability through the mirror-configured pair.
3Reliability
If the biological object is trapped in a hydrodynamic trap, then it can be studied for secretions and reactions, but pressure differences may cause the object to escape
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror-configured trap system provides a cushioning effect against pressure-induced escape. When pressure differences cause the biological object to move, the symmetric trap arrangement ensures it can be recaptured in the opposite trap, preventing permanent loss of the object during analysis.
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
Ensures continuous retention of the biological object in the fluid circuit, enabling uninterrupted analysis even with flow reversals.
Implementation Method 1
it is known to use a hydrodynamic trap in which the biological object becomes trapped throughout the duration of the analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A device for capturing a biological object includes a first fluid circuit. The first fluid circuit includes: a first fluid port and a second fluid port; a main channel extending between the first fluid port and the second fluid port, including a first branch into which the first fluid port opens, a central branch forming an extension of the first branch via a first junction branch, and a second branch forming an extension of the central branch via a second junction branch and opening at the second fluid outlet; and a first hydrodynamic trap and a second hydrodynamic trap, each hydrodynamic trap taking the form of a branch from the main channel and including a housing sized to accept the biological object and a restriction forming an extension of the housing.