Rotating Microfluidic Disc for Sample Volume Discretization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for discretizing samples into small fluidic volumes lack sufficient control and are often complex and costly, particularly in microfluidic technologies.
Innovation Solution
The development of microfluidic devices with a disc-shaped body configured for rotation, featuring fluid inlet and outlet ports, flow channels, and fluidic harbors offset from the flow axis, allowing for precise control and efficient discretization of sample volumes using centrifugal force and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If microfluidic technology is used to achieve precise control of sample volumes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple flow channels, each with sample compartments positioned at different radial distances from the center. This segmentation allows independent control of sample volumes in different channels while using a single rotating disc structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a rotating disc mechanism where the rotation speed dynamically controls the centrifugal force applied to samples. By varying rotation speed, precise control over sample volume discretization is achieved without complex valve or pump systems, simplifying the device structure
2Ease of operation
If centrifugal force is used for discretization, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different flow channels have sample compartments at different radial positions from the disc center, creating locally optimized centrifugal forces for different sample volumes. This allows each channel to be tuned for specific applications while the overall device remains simple to operate through single parameter control
Solution Approach 2:
The device exploits changes in rotation speed as a control parameter to achieve precise sample volume discretization. By changing this single operational parameter, different sample volumes are obtained without complex mechanical adjustments, maintaining both ease of operation and manufacturing precision
3Productivity
If multiple flow channels are arranged in parallel, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow channels are merged into a single rotating disc structure with a common rotation mechanism. This allows simultaneous processing of multiple samples in parallel channels while using a single actuator, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating disc structure serves multiple functions: it provides the centrifugal force for sample discretization, positions sample compartments at precise radial locations, and enables parallel processing across multiple channels. This multi-functionality increases throughput while avoiding the need for separate control mechanisms for each channel
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 robust and versatile discretization and manipulation of sample volumes, facilitating analysis of chemicals, biochemicals, and biological materials with improved precision and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a disc-shaped body having a center region, a radius, an outer edge and a central axis, the disc-shaped body being configured for rotating about the central axis
Implementation Method 2
applying pressure to the second fluid, wherein the pressure is sufficient to urge the second fluid through the flow channel of the microfluidic device
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
Devices, systems and apparatuses for the discretization and manipulation of sample volumes are provided. Related methods are also provided.