Linear Peristaltic Pump Cartridge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic cartridges used in fluidic systems for reagent handling and flow cell operations face inefficiencies in fluid flow management, requiring multiple valves and complex setups, which increase costs and complexity compared to syringe pumps.
Innovation Solution
A linear peristaltic pump system is integrated into the fluidic cartridges, utilizing deformable material to form chambers and fluidic lines, driven by a pump drive assembly and controlled by a controller to create pulsatile flow, reducing the need for additional valves and simplifying the cartridge design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a syringe pump is used to draw reagent through fluidic lines, then fluid flow is achieved, but the system requires multiple valves and complex setups increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pump function directly into the cartridge by combining the deformable material, chambers, and fluidic lines into a single integrated unit. The pump drive assembly externally actuates the deformable material to create pulsatile flow through the integrated chambers and fluidic lines, eliminating the need for separate syringe pumps and multiple valves while maintaining reliable fluid flow management
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable material serves multiple functions: it forms the chamber walls, acts as the pumping mechanism when actuated, and integrates with the fluidic lines. This multi-functional design replaces multiple discrete components (syringe pump, valves, separate chambers) with a single integrated structure that performs all fluid handling operations
2Ease of operation
If multiple valves and complex setups are used for fluid flow management, then flow control is achieved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve functions into the pump drive assembly and deformable material structure. The external actuation of the deformable material creates integrated flow control and pumping in a single mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves and reducing the total component count while maintaining full flow management capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pump drive assembly performs multiple functions: it actuates the deformable material to create pulsatile flow, controls fluid direction through the chambers and fluidic lines, and replaces the functions of multiple valves. This universal component reduces system complexity while maintaining ease of operation for flow management
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
The system enhances flush efficiency, reduces reagent volume, and decreases the number of components, resulting in a more cost-effective and less complex fluidic cartridge with improved flow management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The pump drive assembly, the chambers, and the deformable material form a linear peristaltic pump. The controller is adapted to cause the pump drive assembly to interface with the deformable material to cause the linear peristaltic pump to pump fluid through one or more of the fluidics lines.
Data Source
AI summary
Linear peristaltic pumps for use with fluidic cartridges. An apparatus includes a reagent cartridge configured to be received within a cartridge receptacle of a system. The reagent cartridge includes a reagent reservoir and a body including a surface that forms depressions. Each depression has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and is fluidly coupled to at least one other depression. The reagent cartridge also includes a deformable material coupled to the surface of the body and includes portions. Each portion covers one of the depressions to define chambers. The portions of the deformable material are movable relative to the depressions between a first position outside of a dimensional envelope of the body and a second position within the dimensional envelope of the body.