Microfluidic Chemiluminescence Analyzer Miniaturization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers are large, complex, and costly, making them unsuitable for hospitals or testing institutions with small sample capacities, necessitating a miniaturized solution.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer with a detection platform in a dark room, featuring a positioning module for fixing microfluidic chips, a magnet module for precise magnetic bead control, and a pressing module using motors to adjust the pressing sequence, enabling precise and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large-scale chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers are used, then test throughput is high, but the instrument is complicated in structure, large in volume and high in cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional large-scale analyzer into modular components: a microfluidic chip for sample processing, a magnet module for magnetic bead manipulation, a pressing module for reagent mixing, and a detection platform. This segmentation allows each module to perform specific functions independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a compact nested structure where the microfluidic chip is placed on the detection platform, the magnet module is positioned above the chip, and the pressing module is arranged on the box body. This nesting approach achieves miniaturization by placing smaller components within or around larger ones, reducing the overall instrument volume.
2Productivity
If large-scale chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers are used, then test throughput is high, but the instrument is large in volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space arrangement by positioning the magnet module above the microfluidic chip and the pressing module on the box body, rather than arranging all components horizontally. This three-dimensional layout optimizes space utilization and reduces the instrument's footprint while maintaining all necessary functional components for testing.
3Productivity
If large-scale chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers are used, then test throughput is high, but the instrument is high in cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microfluidic chips that are pre-loaded with magnetic beads and reagents. These chips are inexpensive to manufacture and can be mass-produced using standard microfabrication techniques. After a single use, the chips are discarded, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and sterilization systems, thereby reducing overall instrument cost while maintaining testing functionality.
4Volume of stationary object
If miniaturized chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer is developed, then instrument volume is reduced, but positioning precision of microfluidic chip is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-designed positioning structures on the microfluidic chip, including positioning grooves and positioning holes that align with corresponding features on the detection platform. The magnetic beads are pre-loaded into specific channels on the chip, and the pressing portions are pre-positioned. These preliminary positioning features ensure accurate alignment when the chip is placed on the platform, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
5Volume of stationary object
If miniaturized chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer is developed, then instrument volume is reduced, but operational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable components including the magnet module that can move vertically to adjust the height of magnetic beads in channels, and the pressing module with multiple pressing portions that can be actuated in different sequences. The detection platform can accommodate different microfluidic chip configurations. These dynamic adjustments provide operational flexibility despite the compact instrument size.
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 analyzer is simplified in structure, reduced in volume, and lower in manufacturing cost, offering high testing speed and accuracy, suitable for on-site real-time detection in various settings such as ICUs, emergency departments, and clinics.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet module, which is arranged above the detection platform and is capable of adjusting the height of the magnet, wherein the magnet module is configured to collect and drag the magnetic bead within the magnetic bead channel
Implementation Method 2
an elastic positioning portion, which is arranged on the inner wall of the first accommodating groove and configured to abut against a corner of the microfluidic chip, wherein the elastic positioning portion pushes the microfluidic chip
Implementation Method 3
an elastic positioning pin, which is arranged on the bottom surface of the second accommodating groove and configured to fix the microfluidic chip
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a microfluidic chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer which includes a detection box body provided with a dark room; a detection platform arranged within the dark room and configured to place a microfluidic chip, wherein a magnetic bead and a magnetic bead channel for placing the magnetic bead are arranged on the microfluidic chip; a magnet module arranged above the detection platform and capable of automatically adjusting the height of the magnet, wherein the magnet module is configured to collect and drag the magnetic bead within the magnetic bead channel; a pressing module arranged on the detection box body and configured to press a plurality of to-be-pressed portions of the microfluidic chip in a one-to-one correspondence manner by means of a plurality of motors; and a positioning module, arranged on the detection platform and configured to fix the microfluidic chip.