Microfluidic Centrifuge Cup With Force-Dependent Valve Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidic devices lack a reliable and efficient centrifugation method, with filters easily clogging and requiring external centrifugation steps, disrupting the automation of sample processing.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a centrifuge unit with a centripetal force-dependent valve function into the microfluidic device, allowing for automated centrifugation and separation of cellular components within the device, using mechanical, magnetic, or pneumatic drives, and various valve configurations to control liquid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filters are used for separation in microfluidic devices, then separation function is provided, but filters become clogged easily and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the centrifugation function from external laboratory equipment and integrates it directly into the microfluidic device through a miniaturized centrifuge unit, eliminating the need for external centrifugation steps and filter replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical filter system with a centrifugal separation system that uses rotational force to separate particles from liquid, avoiding the clogging problem inherent in filter-based systems
2Reliability
If external centrifugation steps are performed separately, then centrifugation function is achieved, but automation of sample processing is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions (centrifugation, separation, and microfluidic processing) into a single integrated device, allowing automated sequential operation without manual intervention between steps
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device is designed to perform multiple functions including centrifugation, separation, and analysis within a single platform, eliminating the need for separate external equipment and steps
3Productivity
If a mini-centrifuge is integrated into the microfluidic device, then full centrifugation capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests the mini-centrifuge unit within the microfluidic device structure, with the centrifuge cup integrated into the device body and sharing common walls and interfaces, thereby minimizing overall device volume and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifuge cup is constructed with thin-walled structure that provides sufficient mechanical strength for centrifugation while minimizing material usage and device complexity
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 fully automated and efficient processing of liquid samples, such as whole blood, by integrating centrifugation steps within the device, reducing the need for external centrifugation and improving the separation of cellular materials.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifuge unit for a microfluidic device for the processing of liquid samples... at least one centripetal force-dependent valve function... separation of cells... separation of cellular materials
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifuge unit for a microfluidic device for processing liquid samples includes a centrifuge cup and at least one centripetal force-dependent valve function.