Integrated Microfluidic Chip Driver for Low-Volume Reagent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic chip driving devices face issues such as dead volume residue, reagent loss, high reagent consumption, cumbersome manual sample transfer, and complex mechanical structures that hinder portability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact, integrated device with a carrying member, releasing member, valve control member, fluid driving member, and controller, which includes a carrying tray and fluid driving members driven by stepping motors, enabling efficient fluid handling and reagent control within a miniaturized housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical arms and structures are used for fluid handling, then operational versatility is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical arm systems with integrated fluid driving members that directly interface with the microfluidic chip. The fluid driving member includes a driving block with driving blocks that insert into corresponding slots on the chip, eliminating the need for complex mechanical arms while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: the carrying member holds the chip, the fluid driving member controls fluid flow, the releasing member manages reagent dispensing, and the valve control member regulates flow channels. This multi-functional integration achieves operational versatility without requiring separate mechanical systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual sample transfer operations are performed, then operational flexibility is improved, but productivity and efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip is designed with integrated fluid channels and reagent reservoirs that automatically guide fluid flow and reagent dispensing. The chip structure itself facilitates the transfer operations without requiring external manual intervention, achieving both automation and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines sample preparation, reagent storage, fluid flow control, and detection functions into a single integrated microfluidic chip. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate manual transfer operations between different devices or stations, improving productivity while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fluid handling systems are used, then operational capability is improved, but reagent consumption and loss are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reagent storage and dispensing functions into a dedicated releasing member that interfaces with the microfluidic chip. This separation allows for precise control of reagent release, minimizing unnecessary reagent consumption and loss while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical fluid handling with integrated microfluidic channels and electrically controlled releasing members. This substitution enables precise control of fluid and reagent flow, reducing dead volume and reagent loss while maintaining operational versatility.
4Volume of moving object
If miniaturized housing is implemented, then portability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the microfluidic chip is placed within the housing, the carrying member is positioned to hold the chip, and the fluid driving member, releasing member, and valve control member are integrated around the chip. This nesting arrangement minimizes device volume while organizing complex components efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
Each component performs multiple functions: the carrying member provides structural support and chip positioning, the fluid driving member controls both fluid flow and reagent dispensing, and the valve control member manages multiple flow channels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure within the miniaturized housing.
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 device achieves efficient fluid response, mixing, reaction, and detection with reagent savings, improved portability, and reduced costs by eliminating complex mechanical arms and ensuring versatile, sealed operations.
Implementation Method 1
enables efficient fluid handling and reagent control within a miniaturized housing
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a
AI summary
A device and a driving method for driving a microfluidic chip are disclosed. The device for driving a microfluidic chip includes: a carrying member configured to carry the microfluidic chip; a releasing member configured to electrically connected to the microfluidic chip, and control the release of the reagent of the microfluidic chip; a valve control member configured to control the opening and closing of the flow channel in the threshold control area of the microfluidic chip when the threshold control area is within the threshold control range of the valve control member; a fluid driving member configured to drive the flow of fluid in the microfluidic chip; and a controller configured to control the driving process of the microfluidic chip.