Integrated Microfluidic Centrifuge Cup With Force-Actuated Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidic devices lack a reliable and efficient method for centrifugation, often requiring external steps due to the limitations of filters, which can clog and fail to fully replicate centrifuge functionality.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a centrifuge unit with a centripetal force-dependent valve function into the microfluidic device, allowing for fully automated centrifugation of liquid samples, such as whole blood, enabling separation of cellular components and extraction of cell-free plasma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If filters are used as an alternative to centrifugation in microfluidic devices, then the device structure is simplified, but the filters clog easily and cannot fully replicate centrifuge functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the centrifuge cup, valve mechanism, and microfluidic channels into a single integrated unit. The centrifuge cup with integrated valve is embedded directly into the microfluidic device, allowing centrifugation and automated fluid control to occur in one component rather than separate filter-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical filters with an active centrifugal system. Instead of relying on filter membranes that clog, the system uses rotational centrifugal force to separate components, with a centripetal force-dependent valve that opens automatically at specific rotational speeds to control fluid flow.
2Reliability
If centrifugation steps are performed externally and separately upstream of the microfluidic device, then reliable centrifugation is achieved, but the workflow requires multiple separate steps and increases processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centrifugation function directly into the microfluidic device by embedding a centrifuge cup with integrated valve mechanism. This allows centrifugation to be performed within the same device that performs subsequent fluid processing, eliminating the need for separate external centrifugation steps and enabling continuous automated workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated centrifuge unit serves multiple functions: it performs centrifugation separation, controls fluid release through centripetal force-dependent valves, and interfaces directly with the microfluidic channel system. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate devices and steps with a single universal unit.
3Extent of automation
If a mini-centrifuge is integrated into the microfluidic device, then fully automated centrifugation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to open automatically when a specific rotational speed is reached, using the centripetal force generated during centrifugation itself to trigger the release. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for external motors, sensors, or control systems to manage the fluid release timing, achieving automation without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Device complexity
If conventional filters are used for separation, then the device structure is simpler, but the filters cannot fully replicate centrifuge functionality and clog easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive filter membranes with an active centrifugal separation system. The centrifuge cup rotates to generate centrifugal force that separates components by density, and the centripetal force-dependent valve provides dynamic control over fluid release, enabling separation capabilities that passive filters cannot achieve.
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
Enables complete and efficient centrifugation of samples within the device, eliminating the need for external centrifugation steps and improving the processing of liquid samples by integrating centrifugation directly into the automated workflow.
Implementation Method 1
The centrifuge unit is characterized by a centrifuge cup and at least one centripetal force-dependent valve function... During rotation of the rotor, the distance of one of the two bodies from a rotational axis of the rotor is less than the distance of the other body from the rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
The closure means is provided for sealing at least one opening of the cavity. The valve device is actuated by centrifugal forces or equivalent forces... at least one centripetal force-dependent valve function
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a centrifuge unit for a microfluidic device for processing liquid samples, comprising a centrifuge cup (30) and at least one centripetal force-dependent valve function (35).