Microfluidic Cartridge Assembly with Resilient Layer and Via Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for interconnecting fluidic devices using tubing and valves are inefficient, leading to significant dead volume, complex and time-consuming priming and flushing operations, and high costs due to the need for multiple valves and tubing, which do not scale well for connecting multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge assembly with layered structures, including a resilient layer and a support layer, forming channels and via holes to facilitate fluid transport, using gasketing embossments for seals and modular interconnects, allowing for easy assembly and reduced material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tubing and valves are used to interconnect fluidic devices, then devices can be connected and fluid can be transported, but dead volume increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular cartridge assemblies, each with integrated fluidic channels and chambers. This segmentation eliminates the need for external tubing connections between devices, as each cartridge is a self-contained unit with internal fluidic pathways that directly interface with the microfluidic device.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: fluid distribution, waste collection, and device interfacing are combined in one cartridge unit. This merging eliminates the separate tubing and valves that would otherwise be needed to perform these functions.
2Reliability
If tubing and valves are used to interconnect fluidic devices, then devices can be connected, but priming and flushing operations become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is pre-configured with integrated fluidic channels and chambers during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex priming operations. The waste chamber is pre-positioned to receive waste directly from the microfluidic device, and fluidic pathways are pre-established, allowing immediate operation without time-consuming setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and tubing are used to connect multiple devices, then device interconnection is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly is designed as a universal interface that can connect to multiple different microfluidic devices through standardized ports. The same cartridge structure serves multiple functions: fluid distribution, waste collection, and device interfacing, eliminating the need for device-specific tubing and valve configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly uses replicated standardized interfaces and modular designs that can be manufactured using cost-effective techniques such as molding. This allows for economical production of multiple identical cartridges rather than custom-built connections for each device.
4Reliability
If tubing is used to connect devices, then fluid transport is enabled, but the system does not scale well for multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly transitions from one-dimensional tubing connections to a two-dimensional integrated channel network within the cartridge plane. This allows multiple fluidic pathways to coexist in the same physical space, enabling connection to multiple devices without increasing external complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to aspects of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for transporting fluid into or out of one or more fluidic devices includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first surface. The first surface includes at least one partial channel disposed thereon. The second layer abuts the first surface, thereby forming a channel from the at least one partial channel. At least one of the first layer and the second layer is a resilient layer formed from a pliable material. At least one of the first layer and the second layer includes a via hole. The via hole is aligned with the channel to pass fluid thereto. The via hole is configured to pass fluid through the first layer or the second layer substantially perpendicularly to the channel. Embossments are also used to define aspects of a fluidic channel.