Microfluidic Input Module with Pierceable Film Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in microfluidic devices, especially in medical settings, is the efficient and contamination-free loading of samples or reagents into microfluidic devices, often referred to as the 'macro-to-micro' or 'world-to-chip' interface challenge, where there is a lack of standard input modules or methodologies with industry-wide acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A module comprising a container with a cap and a microfluidics inlet that uses a pierceable film and piercing elements to establish airtight connections, allowing for the transfer of fluids into microfluidic devices, utilizing a driving fluid to push contents through an inlet port, and can be oriented vertically to facilitate gravity-driven fluid movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ad hoc loading techniques are used to fit experimental needs, then flexibility for specific experiments is improved, but device complexity and lack of standardization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet module is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different fluid loading methods (manual injection, automated injection, gravity-driven loading) through a standardized structure with a receptacle, seal, and piercing element arrangement that works with various container types and loading techniques, eliminating the need for custom loading systems for each experiment
2Ease of operation
If standard input modules are implemented across the industry, then ease of operation and reproducibility are improved, but adaptability to specific experimental needs may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized inlet module maintains experimental adaptability through its multi-functional design that supports various loading techniques (manual syringe injection, automated liquid handlers, gravity-driven transfer) and different container configurations within a single unified interface, allowing researchers to use standard modules across diverse experimental protocols without sacrificing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet module incorporates dynamic sealing through the pierceable film and piercing element mechanism that adapts to different loading scenarios - the film can be pierced by manual injection needles, automated injection needles, or can be ruptured by pressure differential, allowing the same static module to perform dynamically different functions based on the loading method used
3Extent of automation
If on-board valves and pumps are included in microfluidic devices, then fluid control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet module extracts the fluid control function from the main microfluidic device body by providing a standardized external interface that can accept various fluid delivery mechanisms (syringes, pumps, gravity sources) outside the cartridge, allowing the microfluidic chip itself to remain simple while still achieving automated fluid control through integration with external equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet module acts as an intermediary between external fluid control systems and the microfluidic circuit, with the receptacle, seal, and piercing elements serving as a mediation interface that connects macro-scale fluid delivery systems to the micro-scale chip without requiring complex integrated pumps or valves within the chip itself
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 solution enables convenient, cost-effective, and efficient loading of fluids into microfluidic devices, reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing the need for on-board valves and pumps, and is suitable for point-of-care bioassays in disposable cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
a pierceable film sealingly covers a second end of the axial passage
Implementation Method 2
the piercing elements of the planar region are forced into contact with and pierce the pierceable film
Implementation Method 3
an inlet fitting capable of connecting to and forming an air tight seal with the cap fitting
Implementation Method 4
driving fluid to enter the interior of the container and to force fluid from the container to enter the inlet port of the inlet
Implementation Method 5
in operation, a cartridge is oriented vertically with its top uppermost, so that gravity drives fluids in a particular direction with respect to a microfluidic circuit in the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to an input module for microfluidic cartidges comprising: (a) a container for holding a fluid, the container comprising an interior and an inlet thereto; (b) a cap comprising a tubular body with an axial passage such that a first end of the axial passage is capable of being sealingly connected to the inlet of the container and a second end of the axial passage is sealingly covered with a pierceable film and comprises a cap fitting; and (c) an inlet operationally associated with a microfluidic device.