Microfluidic Chip Holder With Upward Flow to Reduce Particle Settling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic chip designs suffer from particle settling due to horizontal fluid flow configurations, leading to image quality degradation and inefficient particle analysis, as particles tend to settle at the bottom of channels, necessitating large horizontal channels and multiple turns that increase settling and reduce imaging clarity.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip design where sample vials are located below the chip, with fluid injection occurring vertically upwards through a long channel, minimizing horizontal movement and incorporating a short horizontal turn, followed by an analysis channel near the chip's top, reducing glass interference and enabling clearer imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If horizontal fluid flow configuration is used with vials located to the side, then connection to chip is simplified, but particle settling increases significantly due to gravity and dead volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal flow configuration by implementing vertical upward flow from bottom-mounted vials through the chip. This inversion eliminates the harmful gravitational settling effect that plagues horizontal configurations, as particles naturally resist settling when flow moves upward against gravity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal (2D plane) fluid flow to vertical (3D space) flow by positioning vials below the chip and directing flow upward through the channel. This dimensional change fundamentally alters the gravitational interaction, preventing particle settling at channel bottoms.
2Volume of stationary object
If large diameter horizontal input channel is used to connect vials to chip, then connection volume is reduced, but channel area increases causing lower velocity and increased settling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional large horizontal input channel approach by using a narrow vertical channel that directs flow upward. This inversion maintains high velocity despite small cross-sectional area because the vertical orientation prevents settling, and the narrow channel reduces dead volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple horizontal turns are incorporated in chip channels, then fluid distribution is improved, but particle settling increases at each turn and wall region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional multiple horizontal turns design by implementing a single vertical upward channel. This inversion eliminates the settling problems associated with horizontal turns and wall regions, as the continuous upward flow keeps particles suspended throughout the channel.
4Strength
If analysis channel is located far from chip top, then more chip material provides structural support, but imaging clarity decreases due to increased glass interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the vertical position parameter of the analysis channel, locating it near the top of the chip rather than at intermediate depths. This parameter change minimizes the thickness of glass material between the channel and the imaging objective, thereby maximizing imaging clarity while maintaining sufficient structural support through overall chip design.
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
This design minimizes particle settling, improves imaging clarity by reducing glass interference, and allows for higher magnification, while eliminating the need for serpentine channels, enhancing image quality and analysis efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The laser also suspends cells in this channel during analysis which prevents them from settling
Implementation Method 2
the contents of the vial are located below the chip and pumped upwards and vertically directly into the first channel of the chip... to minimize particle settling before and at the analysis portion of the chip's channels
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic chip configuration wherein injection occurs in an upwards vertical direction, and fluid vessels are located below the chip in order to minimize particle settling before and at the analysis portion of the chip's channels. The input and fluid flow up through the bottom of the chip, in one aspect using a manifold, which avoids orthogonal re-orientation of fluid dynamics. The contents of the vial are located below the chip and pumped upwards and vertically directly into the first channel of the chip. A long channel extends from the bottom of the chip to near the top of the chip. Then the channel takes a short horizontal turn that nearly negates any influence of cell settling due to gravity and zero flow velocity at the walls. The fluid is pumped up to a horizontal analysis portion that is the highest channel/fluidic point in the chip and thus close to the top of the chip, which results in clearer imaging. A laser may also suspend cells or particles in this channel during analysis which prevents them from settling.