L-Shaped Microfluidic Cartridge Base for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lab-on-chip cartridges are not optimized for cost-effective production and efficient handling across a wide range of applications, with rectangular shapes leading to inefficiencies in production, storage, and handling.
Innovation Solution
The design of an L-shaped cartridge base allows for resource-conserving production, compact storage, and efficient handling, enabling gravity-based microfluidic processing while maintaining compatibility with existing processing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If rectangular cartridges are used for production, then manufacturing process is simple, but material waste increases and storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge base is designed with an asymmetric L-shape instead of a traditional rectangular symmetric form. This asymmetric geometry allows two cartridges to interlock perfectly when placed corner-to-corner, eliminating wasted space in packaging and storage while reducing material consumption per cartridge unit.
2Area of stationary object
If rectangular cartridges are used for storage, then packing is simple, but storage density and space utilization are low
Solution Approach 1:
Two L-shaped cartridges are designed to interlock and merge into a compact rectangular configuration during storage and transport. The missing corner regions of adjacent cartridges fit together perfectly, creating a space-efficient packing arrangement that maximizes storage density without requiring complex packaging structures.
3Ease of operation
If rectangular cartridges are used, then handling is standard, but handling efficiency and user interaction are improved with L-shape
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped geometry provides an asymmetric form factor that naturally guides user handling and orientation. The distinct shape makes it easier for users to grasp, orient, and insert the cartridge into the processing device correctly, reducing handling errors while the interlocking capability enhances storage efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic cartridge has an L-shaped base. The base is based on a rectangle and a corner region of the rectangle is missing, so that the microfluidic cartridge is positionable relative to a second microfluidic cartridge having the same base, such that a respective projection of the base of the microfluidic cartridge engages in the missing corner region of the base of the second microfluidic cartridge.