Microfluidic Biochip Sample Loading Using Automated Stage Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic biochip testing systems require manual sample loading, which is cumbersome and prone to errors in sample liquid concentration and quantity, reducing the automation level and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A control method that automatically moves the sample stage to align the sample liquid with the microfluidic biochip inlet and mixes it with a buffer liquid, eliminating the need for manual preparation and ensuring accurate concentration and quantity, while detecting the presence of the biochip and prompting users for correct setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sample loading is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and the accuracy of sample preparation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automatic detection of the microfluidic biochip presence and automated sample stage movement to align with the biochip inlet. The controller automatically controls the sample stage to move to the testing position and mix sample liquid with buffer liquid, eliminating the need for manual sample loading operations while maintaining simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting whether the microfluidic biochip is present before sample loading, and automatically positioning the sample stage to the correct position. The buffer liquid is automatically mixed with the sample liquid in advance, ensuring proper sample preparation before testing begins
2Manufacturing precision
If manual sample loading is used, then the device structure is simple, but the manufacturing precision of sample preparation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback through the detector to automatically detect whether the microfluidic biochip is present and to monitor the sample stage position. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the sample stage movement and controls the mixing of sample liquid with buffer liquid, ensuring accurate sample preparation without requiring complex manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically positioning the sample stage to align with the biochip inlet and automatically mixing the sample liquid with the buffer liquid. This automated self-service ensures consistent and accurate sample preparation while keeping the device structure relatively simple
3Ease of operation
If automated sample loading is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs self-service through automatic detection of biochip presence and automated control of the sample stage movement. The controller automatically positions the sample stage and controls the mixing process, providing ease of operation by eliminating manual sample loading while maintaining relatively simple device structure through integrated automation
4Productivity
If automated sample loading is implemented, then the productivity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting biochip presence and pre-positioning the sample stage to the correct location before sample loading. This automated preliminary action sequence improves productivity by eliminating manual setup time while keeping the device structure relatively simple through integrated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detector to automatically monitor and adjust the sample loading process. This feedback mechanism improves productivity by ensuring accurate and consistent sample preparation without requiring complex manual intervention, as the controller automatically responds to detection signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A microfluidic testing system and control method, and a refrigerator. The microfluidic testing system comprises a microfluidic biochip (10), a sample stage (70) for placing a sample cup (2), and a lifting mechanism (60) for driving the sample stage (70) to move. The microfluidic biochip (10) is provided with a sample inlet (111) for receiving a sample liquid. The control method comprises: starting a lifting mechanism (60) when a sample cup (2) holding a sample liquid is placed on a sample stage (70), and controlling the lifting mechanism (60) to move the sample stage (70) from an initial position to a testing position where the sample liquid in the sample cup (2) comes into contact with the sample inlet (111). At the testing position, the sample liquid in the sample cup (2) is in contact with the sample inlet (111) of the microfluidic biochip (10), thereby realizing sample loading of the microfluidic biochip (10). A user only needs to place the sample cup (2) onto the sample stage (70), and no other operations are needed, thus, the sample loading operation is convenient, the degree of automation is high, the method is time-saving and labor-saving, and the usage experience of the user is improved.