Microfluidic Dispensing Assembly With Integrated Diaphragm Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid handling devices face challenges in achieving high throughput and compactness while efficiently dispensing fluid, particularly when dealing with microplates used in chemical and biological analyses, as they often require competing design criteria to be met.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic dispensing system that includes multiple supply lines for simultaneous filling of diaphragm pumps with different ingredients, allowing for simultaneous dispensing of multiple ingredients through a network of diaphragm pumps, valves, and nozzles, utilizing pressure control signals to manage fluid flow and actuation of diaphragm pumps for precise volume control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate pumps are used for each ingredient to achieve precise volume control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single diaphragm pump structure that can handle multiple ingredients simultaneously. The pump integrates multiple valves and fluid pathways within one unit, allowing precise dispensing of multiple ingredients without requiring separate pump assemblies for each ingredient, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm pump is designed as a multi-functional device that can dispense multiple different ingredients through integrated valve control. The single pump structure performs the work of multiple specialized pumps by selectively directing different ingredients through controlled pathways, achieving universal functionality with reduced complexity
2Device complexity
If sequential dispensing of ingredients is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous parallel dispensing of multiple ingredients simultaneously through the integrated diaphragm pump and valve assembly. Multiple fluid pathways operate concurrently, allowing all ingredients to be dispensed at the same time rather than sequentially, maintaining high productivity while using a unified pump structure
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system within the diaphragm pump dynamically routes different ingredients through controlled pathways based on dispensing requirements. The valves can switch between different fluid pathways rapidly and independently, enabling flexible simultaneous dispensing of multiple ingredients with precise control over which ingredients are dispensed and in what combinations
3Length of stationary object
If a compact microfluidic chip is used to reduce device size, then the length of the device is improved, but manufacturing precision may worsen due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The design nests multiple functional components within the compact microfluidic chip structure. The diaphragm pump, valves, and fluid pathways are integrated in a nested arrangement where components are housed within each other or arranged in layered configurations, achieving high functionality in a minimized footprint while maintaining precise dispensing control
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from planar two-dimensional layouts to three-dimensional integrated structures. The microfluidic chip utilizes vertical stacking and multi-layer configurations to accommodate pump chambers, valve mechanisms, and fluid pathways in three-dimensional space, achieving compactness without compromising the precision of fluid dispensing pathways
4Device complexity
If multiple valves are integrated into a single pump structure to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve system is segmented into independently controllable units within the diaphragm pump structure. Each valve can be actuated separately through independent control mechanisms, allowing precise control over individual fluid pathways even though the valves are physically integrated within a single pump housing, thus maintaining control precision while reducing overall structural complexity
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 system enables faster and more efficient dispensing of discrete volumes of fluid, improving throughput and reducing the need for sequential washing steps, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of fluid handling in microplate applications.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing pressure control signals to manage fluid flow and actuation of diaphragm pumps for precise volume control
Data Source
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AI summary
A microfluidic dispensing system may include diaphragm pumps that may be used for aspirating in corresponding ingredients via a nozzle or a tip (1500a,1500b,1500c,1500d) from supply sources. Tips may be placed in contact with ingredient supply sources, and through repeated actuation of the diaphragm pumps, desired volumes of ingredients (1700a,1700b,1700c,1700d) are aspirated into the tips. In some cases, an air plug is aspirated into the tips before an ingredient. Once the desired volume of each ingredient is reached within each tip, the ingredients are dispensed from the tips through repeated actuation of corresponding diaphragm pumps.