Microfluidic Biochip Side-Port Sealing for Leak-Free Sample Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic detection systems face challenges with poor sealing performance and imprecise control due to the limited area of the microfluidic biochip's end surface, leading to liquid and air leakage, which complicates the detection of food residues and nutritional elements in household settings.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic control detection system with a suction port located on the side surface of the biochip, utilizing a pressing mechanism to form a fluidic seal with a sealing connector, enhancing the sealing interface and precision of sample introduction, and integrating with a refrigerator for convenient detection operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the suction port is positioned on the end surface of the microfluidic biochip to facilitate sealing, then the sealing process is simplified, but the limited end surface area restricts the sealing interface size, resulting in poor sealing performance and liquid/air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The suction port is repositioned from the end surface to the side surface of the microfluidic biochip. This dimensional relocation transforms the sealing interface from a limited end surface area to an extended side surface area, thereby achieving both ease of operation and improved sealing performance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing interface is segmented into multiple sealing regions along the side surface of the biochip. This segmentation allows for a distributed sealing approach where multiple sealing points work together, enhancing overall sealing reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If air pressure propulsion is used to bidirectionally propel fluid movement with high precision, then fluid control precision is improved, but the challenge of sealing the air pressure pipeline with the chip's suction port leads to liquid leakage and air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The suction port relocation to the side surface enables the air pressure pipeline to connect with a larger area, creating a more robust sealing interface that maintains high fluid control precision while preventing leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the air pressure pipeline and the suction port. This connector ensures reliable sealing while maintaining the precision of fluid control through its designed interface geometry.
3Volume of moving object
If the microfluidic biochip has thin thickness and small volume to maintain compactness, then the device portability is improved, but the end surface area becomes very limited, restricting the sealing interface size
Solution Approach 1:
The suction port is relocated from the constrained end surface to the side surface of the biochip. This dimensional change utilizes the lateral extent of the side surface, which provides sufficient area for sealing even when the biochip maintains thin thickness and small volume for portability.
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 achieves improved sealing performance and precise sample introduction control, preventing leakage and enhancing user experience by automatically forming a secure connection during chip installation, simplifying detection operations and aligning with the trend of smart home technology.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing mechanism, configured to apply pressure perpendicular to the side surface to the sealing connector after the microfluidic biochip is installed in its position, to form a fluidic seal connection between the sealing connector and the suction port
Implementation Method 2
Air pressure propulsion utilizes positive air pressure and negative air pressure to bidirectionally propel fluid movement within the chip
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic control detection system and refrigerator, where the system comprises: a microfluidic biochip with an inlet, a suction port, and a detection pool formed inside, interconnected sequentially through microchannels, with the suction port located on a side surface parallel to width and length directions of the microfluidic biochip; a sample liquid driving device, configured to communicate with the suction port of the microfluidic biochip via a sealing connector once the biochip is in its installed position; a pressing mechanism, configured to apply pressure perpendicular to the side surface to the sealing connector after the microfluidic biochip is placed in its position, to form a fluidic seal connection between the sealing connector and the suction port; and a detection mechanism for detecting the detection pool to obtain preset detection parameters of the sample liquid.