Modular Microfluidic Board Actuator Pump Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic diagnostic devices for point-of-care infectious disease detection have complex structures and control systems, making them difficult to design and manufacture, and require multiple components which can increase costs and resource requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular microfluidic board design featuring a stacked arrangement of matrix units with a driving portion, pump portion, channel portion, and chamber portion, where each unit includes an actuator to drive the pump and direct fluid flow, allowing for simpler structure, fewer components, and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional microfluidic diagnostic devices are designed with multiple separate components (blisters, chambers, channels, valves, filters), then the device can perform comprehensive diagnostic functions, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (blisters, chambers, channels, valves, filters) into an integrated microfluidic board where these elements are formed as unified structures within a single device platform, reducing structural complexity while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic board is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple diagnostic functions through integrated components that serve various purposes - blisters for reagent storage, chambers for reactions, channels for fluid transport, and valves for flow control, all within a single device
2Ease of operation
If traditional microfluidic devices use multiple separate components with pneumatic control methods, then fluid handling can be achieved, but the control system becomes complicated and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pumping function directly into the microfluidic board structure, eliminating the need for external pneumatic control systems by incorporating micro-pumps that are part of the board itself, thereby simplifying the control system while maintaining fluid handling capability
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 modular design simplifies the structure and operation of microfluidic boards, reducing component complexity and costs while enabling efficient fluid handling and flexible programming for various applications, such as rapid diagnostic tests.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may be configured to generate a force to drive the pump upon receiving of an input energy
Data Source
AI summary
The microfluidic board comprises a plurality of matrix units, wherein each matrix unit is a stacked arrangement comprising a driving portion comprising an actuator, a pump portion in contact with the driving portion and comprising a pump, a channel portion in contact with the pump portion and comprising one or more channels, and a chamber portion in contact with the channel portion and comprising a chamber, wherein the one or more channels are configured to direct fluid between the pump and the chamber, and wherein the actuator is configured to generate a force to drive the pump upon receiving of an input energy.