Membrane Valve Manifold for Low-Dead-Volume Flow Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic systems face challenges with dead volume and cross-contamination between reagents due to inefficient fluidic flow control in fluidic cartridges and flow cells, leading to increased consumable usage and costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of membrane valves within a manifold assembly that control fluidic flow between reagent and common fluidic lines, reducing dead volume and minimizing cross-contamination through actuator-driven membrane movement, allowing selective control of fluid flow using a valve drive assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If membrane valves with actuators are implemented to control fluidic flow, then dead volume and cross-contamination are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is disposed within the manifold assembly, nesting the actuation mechanism inside the fluidic control structure. This allows the membrane valve system to achieve precise flow control with reduced dead volume while containing the complexity within an integrated architecture rather than adding external components
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane valve uses a flexible membrane that can be actuated to open or close fluidic passages. This thin film mechanism provides effective flow control with minimal structural complexity, achieving reliable valve function through the membrane's elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical linkages
2Object-affected harmful factors
If membrane valves with actuators are implemented to control fluidic flow, then cross-contamination between reagents is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic system is divided into separate reagent fluidic lines and a common fluidic line, with individual membrane valves controlling each connection point. This segmentation isolates different reagents and prevents cross-contamination by ensuring that only one reagent can be flowing through the common line at a time, while the complexity is managed through modular valve units
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane acts as an intermediary element between the reagent fluidic line and the common fluidic line. When the membrane is in the closed position, it completely blocks the passage, providing reliable isolation. When opened, it allows controlled flow. This intermediary mechanism provides effective contamination prevention without requiring complex multi-component valve assemblies
3Manufacturing precision
If membrane valves are used to enable selective fluid flow control, then fluidic flow control precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane valve system is designed to be automatically actuated by the flow cell assembly's existing actuation mechanisms. The membrane responds to pressure differentials and actuator forces without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems. This self-actuating design maintains precise flow control while simplifying operation to the point of automatic function
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane valve utilizes pressure differentials and fluid dynamics to automatically control the opening and closing of the valve. When reagent flow pressure exceeds the closing force, the membrane opens to allow flow. When pressure equalizes or reverses, the membrane closes automatically. This pneumatic/hydraulic actuation provides precise control without mechanical complexity or manual operation
Data Source
AI summary
Actuation systems and methods for use with flow cells. In accordance with an implementation, a method includes moving, using an actuator disposed within a manifold assembly, a membrane portion of a membrane of the manifold assembly away from a valve seat to enable fluidic flow from a reagent fluidic line to a common fluidic line. The membrane portion and the valve seat forming a membrane valve. The reagent fluidic line being fluidically coupled to a reagent reservoir. The common fluidic line being fluidically coupled to a flow cell. The common fluidic line has a common central axis and the reagent fluidic line has a reagent central axis that is non-collinear with the common central axis. The method includes urging the membrane portion against the valve seat to prevent fluidic flow from the reagent fluidic line to the common fluidic line.