Microfluidic Chip Frame With Spring Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized microfluidic chips with complex fluidic channel systems are challenging to handle and position due to their sensitivity and flexibility, which can lead to damage during coupling with laboratory apparatuses like mass spectrometers, increasing handling and coupling efforts.
Innovation Solution
A frame system for microfluidic chips that protects sensitive parts, allows precise positioning, and facilitates easy coupling with laboratory apparatuses, featuring a spring mechanism for automatic return to a non-operating position and integrated identification tags for tracking sample analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If microfluidic chips are miniaturized to improve performance and reduce costs, then analysis costs and production costs are reduced, but handling and coupling efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip is nested within a protective frame structure that provides handling features. The frame acts as an outer container that protects the inner chip while providing external interfaces for coupling, effectively nesting the fragile component within a robust handling structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves as an intermediary between the operator/lab apparatus and the microfluidic chip. It provides coupling interfaces and positioning features that mediate the interaction, allowing handling of the frame rather than the delicate chip directly.
2Volume of moving object
If microfluidic chips are made flexible to enable miniaturization, then device size is reduced, but positioning precision and handling become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible chip is nested within a rigid frame that provides stable positioning features. The frame's rigid structure compensates for the chip's flexibility, maintaining positioning precision while allowing the chip to remain flexible for miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different mechanical properties - the chip remains flexible while the frame provides rigid positioning. This local differentiation of mechanical qualities allows the flexible chip to be handled with positioning precision through the rigid frame's features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If microfluidic chips have sensitive parts to achieve complex fluidic functions, then functionality is improved, but susceptibility to damage during handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensitive microfluidic chip with complex channels is nested within a protective frame. The frame acts as a protective container that shields the fragile internal structures from mechanical damage during handling, transport, and coupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame provides pre-established protection for the sensitive chip parts before any handling or coupling operations occur. The protective structure is in place beforehand, cushioning the fragile components from potential damage during subsequent operations.
4Strength
If glass chips are fixedly glued on plastic carriers to improve handling, then mechanical strength is improved, but coupling precision and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixed gluing, the chip is held in the frame with movable positioning features that allow adjustment. This dynamic positioning system enables both mechanical strength for handling and precision adjustment for coupling, replacing the static fixed connection.
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 frame system enables safe handling, storage, and precise positioning of microfluidic chips, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying the coupling process with laboratory equipment, while allowing for accurate tracking of sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the spring is built of a plurality of patterned recesses in the material of the microfluidic chip. The recesses can be punched or cut directly into the chip in an easy and a cost-saving way. Additional parts are not needed. The material of the chip is elastic and builds the spring itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for a microfluidic chip may be used together with a laboratory apparatus. The frame is adapted at least for one of the following features: receiving the microfluidic chip; protecting the microfluidic chip; and, positioning the microfluidic chip relative to the frame. The microfluidic chip is movable relative to the frame.