Microfluidic Cartridge with Integrated Elastic Pump Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic chips face challenges with repeatability and controllability in handling trace volumes of solutions, often resulting in waste due to the consumption of large volumes of reagents during fluid handling processes.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic cartridge with an integrated solution reservoir-pump chamber, driven by an external linear actuator, which combines a channel-chamber layer, a sealing layer, and a printed circuit board with a magnetoresistive biochip, utilizing elastic elements to precisely control the flow of fluids through micro-channels for bio-detection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrophoresis chips are used to handle trace solutions, then trace solution handling capability is improved, but repeatability and controllability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solution reservoir and pump chamber into a single integrated unit. The elastic element serves dual functions as both seal and pump mechanism, merging storage and delivery functions into one component that enables precise control of trace solution volumes while improving repeatability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrophoresis mechanical systems with a simpler elastic element-based pumping mechanism driven by linear actuators, achieving better controllability and repeatability for trace solution handling through mechanical displacement control
2Ease of operation
If syringe-based fluid handling is used, then simplicity of operation is improved, but solution volume consumption increases causing waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid handling system into discrete micro-channels and controlled reservoirs, allowing precise delivery of minimal solution volumes through defined pathways, thereby reducing waste while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically seals and pumps solutions through its deformation under actuator control, eliminating the need for complex manual syringe operations while precisely controlling solution delivery to minimize waste
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for reservoir and pump, then functional flexibility is improved, but device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reservoir and pump chamber into a single integrated component where the elastic element provides both sealing and pumping functions, reducing the number of separate parts, simplifying manufacturing, and decreasing overall device size while maintaining functional flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element serves multiple functions simultaneously: sealing the reservoir, acting as the pump mechanism, and controlling fluid flow, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability for different solution handling requirements
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 integrated solution reservoir-pump chamber allows for precise control and minimization of reagent use, reducing waste and cost, while enabling efficient handling and manipulation of minute solution volumes, enhancing the bio-detection process's precision and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element used for sealing and pumping the liquid in said cylindrical chamber
Implementation Method 2
a printed circuit board bound with magnetoresistive biochip
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic cartridge with solution reservoir-pump chamber is disclosed. The microfluidic cartridge comprises a channel-chamber layer, a sealing layer, a printed circuit board bound with magnetoresistive biochip. The channel-chamber layer includes at least a waste reservoir, a reaction-detection chamber, a solution reservoir-pump chamber and a plurality of micro-channels. Said solution reservoir-pump chamber realizes both functions of solution reservoir and pump chamber in a single structure. Said sealing layer is sealed with said channel-chamber layer to form an integrated microfluidic system with at least a waste reservoir, a reaction-detection chamber, a solution inlet, a solution reservoir-pump chamber and a micro-channel. Said solution reservoir-pump chamber in the present invention consists of elastic objects inside for sealing and pumping. Under pressure, said elastic object propels solution in the reservoir into said reaction-detection chamber via channels of said plurality of micro-channels.