Microfluidic Manifold Assembly With Direct Injection and Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic injection and manifold assemblies face challenges in efficiently directing and managing fluids within microfluidic chips, particularly in high-pressure applications and in modeling subterranean formations, where existing systems often require complex tubing and lack efficient pressure measurement and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic injection and manifold assembly that includes a manifold with integrated fluid channels, injectors with plungers and drive assemblies, and pressure measurement ports, allowing direct fluid injection and withdrawal without external tubing, along with optional pressure sensors and valves for precise control and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external tubing is used for fluid injection and withdrawal, then fluid management is possible, but device complexity increases and analytical access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold integrates multiple fluid channels, injection ports, and pressure measurement ports into a single consolidated structure that directly interfaces with the microfluidic chip. This merging eliminates the need for external tubing connections while maintaining full fluid management capability, as the manifold serves as both the fluid distribution system and the interface for injection/withdrawal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary component between the microfluidic chip and the injectors/pressure sensors. It provides integrated fluid channels that mediate the transfer of fluids and pressure signals, eliminating the need for external tubing while enabling precise control and measurement through its mounted components.
2Measurement precision
If pressure measurement ports are integrated into the manifold, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the fluid distribution system, the mounting platform for injectors, and the integration point for pressure measurement ports. This universal design allows pressure measurement capability to be added without requiring separate external pressure sensing systems, as the same manifold structure provides all necessary functions.
3Productivity
If injectors are mounted directly to the manifold, then fluid injection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the manifold structure with integrated channels and ports, the injectors as separate mountable components, and the microfluidic chip as an independent element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together, improving overall manufacturing efficiency despite the integrated 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
Enables efficient and compact fluid management within microfluidic chips, supporting high-pressure operations and facilitating research in subterranean modeling by simplifying fluid handling and pressure control, reducing the need for complex tubing and enhancing analytical access.
Implementation Method 1
The drive assembly is activatable to force the plunger into the external fluid port of the manifold to force fluid from the first fluid channel of the manifold into the fluid pathway of the microfluidic chip
Implementation Method 2
a flow-through pressure sensor in fluid communication with the first pressure measurement port for measuring pressure in the first fluid channel
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic injection and manifold assembly includes a microfluidic chip having at least a first fluid port and a second fluid port, and a fluid pathway between the first fluid port and the second fluid port. A manifold has a seat on which the microfluidic chip is received, and at least a first fluid channel. The fluid channel has an external fluid port spaced from the seat and an internal fluid port in the seat and connected in fluid communication with the first fluid port of the microfluidic chip. At least a first injector is secured to the manifold and has a plunger and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is activatable to force the plunger into the external fluid port of the manifold to force fluid from the first fluid channel of the manifold into the fluid pathway of the microfluidic chip.