Microfluidic Chip Crimping and Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic chips face challenges with reliability and stability in sample transportation, leading to issues like short-circuit and open-circuit failures, which reduce product yield and limit further development due to static electricity and pressure-related issues during assembly and operation.
Innovation Solution
A crimping device with a probe assembly and a detection system that includes a circuit board and processor to detect short-circuit and open-circuit faults in microfluidic chips, ensuring accurate electrode contact and improving the reliability of the chip's electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional assembly methods are used for microfluidic chips, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but reliability and stability of sample transportation deteriorate due to static electricity and pressure-related issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a detection system that performs electrical connection detection before the microfluidic chip is put into use. The crimping device is designed to apply pre-set pressure during assembly to ensure reliable electrode contact. These preliminary actions prevent reliability issues from occurring during actual operation, resolving the contradiction between improving reliability and avoiding operational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual assembly and inspection methods are used, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision and detection accuracy of electrical connections deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly and inspection with an automated crimping device that applies controlled pressure and a detection system that automatically tests electrical connections. The crimping device uses mechanical pressure to ensure consistent electrode contact, while the detection system uses electrical testing to verify connections. This substitution of manual operations with automated systems improves manufacturing precision while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable.
3Productivity
If no detection system is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to inability to screen faulty chips efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a detection system that provides immediate feedback on the electrical connection status of microfluidic chips. The system tests each chip's electrodes and circuits, identifying short-circuits, open-circuits, and contact issues. This feedback mechanism enables efficient sorting of defective chips from good chips, improving productivity by preventing defective products from proceeding further in the manufacturing or application process. The integrated nature of the detection system with the crimping device minimizes the added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic chip and a detection system, a detection method and a manufacturing method therefor are provided. A crimping device for the microfluidic chip includes a cover plate, a bottom plate and at least one probe assembly. The bottom plate is assembled with the cover plate. The bottom plate is provided with a carrying recess. A mouth of the carrying recess faces the cover plate, and a bottom of the carrying recess is provided with an opening. The probe assembly includes a plurality of probes. The probe assembly is fixedly connected with the bottom of the carrying recess. Ends, proximate to the cover plate, of the plurality of probes are configured to be in contact with the microfluidic chip; and ends, away from the cover plate, of the plurality of probes pass through the opening.