Integrated Reagent Kit Layout for Compact Gene Sequencing Chips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chip platforms for gene sequencing have discrete reagent kits, reagent needles, and selector valves that lead to complex fluid path arrangements, low integration, and inefficient space utilization, requiring numerous pipe joints and long fluid paths, with conflicting requirements for fluid path switching and reagent kit positioning.
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 fluid passage length and enhancing integration and positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If discrete reagent kit, reagent needle, and selector valve are provided outside the chip platform, then ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but device complexity and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the reagent kit, reagent needle, and selector valve into a unified assembly that is combined with the chip platform. The reagent kit is positioned on the chip platform with direct fluid communication pathways, eliminating the need for separate external connections through pipe joints. This merging reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining operational ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If discrete components with manifold fluid paths are used, then adaptability for different reagents is improved, but fluid passage length and routing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the fluid transport architecture by integrating the reagent kit directly onto the chip platform in a two-dimensional arrangement rather than using three-dimensional external piping. The fluid passages are arranged in-plane on the chip platform, allowing multiple reagent pathways to coexist without excessive length. This dimensional reorganization enables adaptable reagent delivery while minimizing passage length and routing complexity.
3Ease of repair
If reagent kit and chip platform are separate assemblies, then ease of repair and replacement is improved, but integration and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains functional segmentation by keeping the reagent kit as a distinct module that can be independently replaced, while integrating it spatially with the chip platform. The reagent kit is designed as a separate assembly that docks onto the chip platform with standardized interfaces, allowing for easy replacement and maintenance. This segmentation approach preserves repairability while achieving compact integration that improves space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
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.