Interchangeable Flow Cell Assembly With Laminated Fluidic Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sequencing platforms face challenges in efficiently integrating and interchanging flow cell assemblies, leading to increased part counts and costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of interchangeable flow cell assemblies that can be coupled with a single cartridge assembly through snap-fit connections, allowing for flexibility and reduced part counts by using gaskets for fluid coupling and lamination to form fluidic channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional sequencing platforms use fixed flow cell assemblies, then system stability is maintained, but device complexity and part counts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell assembly is divided into separate modular components: flow cell, gaskets, and body. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall part counts while enabling interchangeability. The gaskets act as universal interface elements that can accommodate different flow cell configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The body and gasket combination serves as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of flow cells. The standardized fluidic ports and mechanical coupling features allow a single body assembly to work with various flow cell designs, eliminating the need for dedicated assemblies for each flow cell type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized flow cell assemblies are used for different sequencing processes, then process specificity is improved, but manufacturing costs and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single body assembly with standardized fluidic interfaces can support multiple flow cell types through interchangeable gaskets and flow cells. This universal platform approach reduces manufacturing complexity and material requirements compared to producing separate specialized assemblies for each sequencing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows different flow cell configurations (single-well, multi-well, different channel arrangements) to be achieved by changing the flow cell component while keeping the body and fluidic interfaces constant. This parameter variation approach enables process flexibility without requiring complete assembly redesign.
3Productivity
If flow cell assemblies are designed for easy interchangeability, then workflow efficiency is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gaskets are pre-installed on the body with precisely positioned fluidic ports and coupling features. This preliminary preparation ensures that when flow cells are attached, proper fluidic connections and mechanical coupling are achieved immediately, maintaining both interchangeability and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket acts as an intermediary component between the body and flow cell, providing a standardized interface that ensures reliable fluidic and mechanical connections. This mediator element absorbs tolerances and ensures consistent coupling across different flow cell types, maintaining connection stability during interchangeability operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Flow cell assemblies and related systems and methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a flow cell assembly having a body, a first laminate, a second laminate, and a flow cell. The body carries a flow cell inlet gasket, a flow cell outlet gasket, and an outlet gasket. The body includes a fluidic aperture. The first laminate is coupled to the body and forms a first fluidic channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the fluidic aperture. The second laminate is coupled to the body and forms a second fluidic channel between the fluidic aperture and the outlet gasket. The flow cell is supported by the body and includes a channel having a flow cell inlet and a flow cell outlet. The flow cell inlet is fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket and the flow cell outlet is fluidly coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket.