Integrated Gene Sequencing Chip Platform for Shorter Fluid Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chip platforms for gene sequencing have discrete components such as reagent kits, reagent needles, and selector valves that are not integrated, leading to complex fluid passages, large reagent kit strokes, and difficulty in reducing fluid path lengths, which complicates the layout and requires precise positioning and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A chip processing device with integrated reagent kit and fluid transport structures, featuring a movable accommodating chamber, fluid guiding needles, and a selector valve for seamless fluid communication, reducing the need for long strokes and enhancing integration and positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discrete components (reagent kit, reagent needle, selector valve) are arranged separately outside the chip platform, then each component can be independently designed and assembled, but the device complexity increases and the fluid passage length becomes difficult to reduce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the reagent kit, reagent needle, and selector valve into a unified modular assembly that combines with the chip platform. The reagent kit is positioned directly above the chip platform with the reagent needle extending through the platform, and the selector valve is integrated into the side wall of the reagent kit, creating a compact integrated structure that reduces fluid passage length and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Volume of stationary object
If the reagent kit is positioned far from the chip platform, then the reagent kit has sufficient space for reagent storage, but the fluid path length increases and requires larger stroke for reagent transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the reagent kit vertically above the chip platform rather than horizontally adjacent to it. The reagent needle extends vertically through the chip platform from the reagent kit, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve compact integration. This vertical arrangement allows sufficient reagent storage volume while minimizing the horizontal fluid path length and reducing the stroke required for reagent transport.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipe joints and manifold fluid paths are used to connect functional modules, then fluid transport flexibility is improved, but the layout complexity increases and mutual routing interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a selector valve with multiple ports that can selectively connect different reagent channels to the chip platform. This single multi-functional valve component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate valve components and complex piping arrangements. The selector valve provides fluid path switching capability while maintaining a simple compact layout without mutual routing interference.
4Ease of operation
If the reagent kit and chip platform are on separate installation platforms, then the reagent kit can be independently accessed, but the positioning accuracy and leveling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the reagent kit as a separate removable module that can be independently accessed and replaced, but integrates it with the chip platform through a unified positioning structure. The reagent kit can be removed and reinstalled without affecting the chip platform, providing operational flexibility while the integrated positioning structure ensures accurate alignment and reduces leveling requirements during installation.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)
Figure 1(c)~1(d)
AI summary
Provided are a chip processing device integrated with a reagent kit, a gene sequencer, a gene sequencing apparatus, and a method of performing biochemical detection. The chip processing device includes a substrate extending in a first direction, and a reagent kit platform and a chip platform assembled side-by-side and adjacently on the substrate in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The chip platform has a chip receiving area for accommodating a chip, the reagent kit platform has an accommodating chamber, and the reagent kit is received in the accommodating chamber. The reagent kit has a first fluid transport structure, the chip platform has a second fluid transport structure located on the chip platform and at least partially overlap and communicate with the first fluid transport structure. The first fluid transport structure is in fluid communication with the chip via the second fluid transport structure.