Modular Microfluidic Manifold with Configurable Flow Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 flow management, particularly in microfluidic chip applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular manifold assembly with movable valves and configurable flow manipulation gaskets that selectively route fluid flow between multiple inlets and outlets, reducing the need for mirrored parts and allowing for non-symmetrical components without additional tooling, and enabling the omission of receiving valves without blanking stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex arrays of valves and tubing are used for fluid control, then fluid flow management capability is improved, but footprint and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve functions and flow routing capabilities into a single manifold body with internal passages. The manifold combines several 2-way and 3-way valves into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate valve components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full fluid control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a valve housing, provides flow routing through internal passages, supports valve seats, and enables both 2-way and 3-way flow control. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the fluid control system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are used to control fluid flow from multiple inlets, then flow control precision is improved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single compact manifold assembly. The manifold body contains integrated passages that route fluid from multiple inlets through shared valve mechanisms, achieving precise flow control for each inlet while maintaining a small overall footprint comparable to a single valve component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mirrored parts are used to accommodate non-symmetrical configurations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and tooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold body is designed with inherent asymmetry in its internal passage configuration to accommodate non-symmetrical flow routing requirements. By designing the single manifold body to be asymmetric rather than using mirrored symmetric parts, the patent simplifies manufacturing tooling requirements while maintaining the ability to handle various flow configurations.
4Device complexity
If receiving valves are omitted to reduce component count, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow control capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold body is designed with universal flow routing capabilities that can control fluid flow from multiple inlets to multiple outlets without requiring additional receiving valves. The internal passage configuration enables the manifold to perform flow distribution and routing functions that would otherwise require separate valve components.
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.