Modular Microfluidic Manifold with Configurable Flow Gaskets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid control systems in medical, industrial, and analytical applications require complex arrays of valves and tubing, leading to a large footprint and inefficiencies in fluid management, particularly in microfluidic chip applications where precise and compact fluid handling is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A modular manifold assembly with movable valves and configurable flow manipulation gaskets that allow for selective fluid routing between multiple inlets and outlets, reducing the need for mirrored parts and eliminating the requirement for certain valves by blocking both pneumatic pressures, thereby simplifying the system and reducing the footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex arrays of valves and tubing are used for fluid control, then fluid management capability is improved, but device footprint and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold body is divided into multiple functional zones with separate inlet regions and outlet regions, allowing independent fluid control paths. The gasket is segmented into configurable areas that can be selectively activated or deactivated, enabling flexible fluid routing without requiring additional valves or tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly provides multiple fluid control functions (selective routing, blocking, and distribution of pneumatic pressures) through a single integrated structure. The configurable gasket areas can be programmed to perform different routing functions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components and reducing overall system footprint.
2Ease of operation
If multiple valves are used for selective fluid routing, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the routing control function from traditional valve components and relocates it to the gasket structure. By removing the need for multiple valves and keeping only essential blocking elements, the system achieves precise flow control with fewer components. The configurable gasket areas act as integrated flow controllers without requiring separate valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold body, gasket with configurable areas, and flow control functions are merged into a single integrated assembly. Multiple routing decisions that would traditionally require separate valves are combined into one unified structure, reducing component count while maintaining precise flow control capability through the programmable gasket configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mirrored parts are used for symmetric fluid routing, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but part quantity and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold and gasket are designed with asymmetric features that allow a single part to fulfill multiple routing configurations. Instead of creating mirrored pairs for symmetric routing needs, the asymmetric design enables selective activation of different gasket areas to achieve various flow patterns, eliminating the need for duplicate parts and reducing inventory requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular manifold having two-way and three-way plate manifolds and a method of making the same. The modular manifold is intended to replace the large array of valves (interconnected with tubing) typically needed in medical, industrial, or analytical applications, thereby reducing the required footprint. The modular manifold includes one or more flow manipulation gaskets having configurable areas that can be configured to selectively manipulate fluid flowing therethrough in a desired manner.