Microfluidic Manifold Assembly for Direct Injection and Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic systems face challenges in efficiently directing and measuring fluid flow within microfluidic chips, particularly in high-pressure applications and in modeling subterranean formations, due to complexity and the need for precise pressure control and fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic injection and manifold assembly that includes a microfluidic chip with fluid ports and a manifold with integrated fluid channels, injectors, and pressure measurement ports, allowing for direct fluid injection and pressure control without the need for external tubing, and featuring a compact design suitable for high-pressure operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external tubing is used for fluid injection and pressure measurement, then fluid management is possible, but device complexity increases
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, reducing system complexity while maintaining complete fluid management capability. The manifold body itself becomes the fluid distribution network, combining what were previously separate components into one integrated unit.
2Stress or pressure
If traditional fluid injection methods are used, then fluid can be introduced, but pressure control precision is insufficient for high-pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold incorporates pressure measurement ports that provide real-time pressure feedback from the fluid channels. This feedback mechanism enables precise monitoring and control of fluid pressure, allowing the system to maintain accurate pressure levels even in high-pressure applications. The integrated pressure sensors allow for closed-loop control where pressure readings can be used to adjust injection parameters dynamically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for fluid channels and measurement, then functionality is complete, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid channels, injection ports, and pressure measurement ports are integrated into a single manifold component rather than being manufactured as separate parts. This consolidation reduces the number of assembly steps and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining complete fluid channel functionality. The manifold can be machined or molded as one piece, eliminating the need for complex assembly of multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the fluid distribution network, provides injection access points, incorporates pressure measurement capabilities, and interfaces with the microfluidic chip. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces overall system complexity and simplifies manufacturing compared to using specialized separate components for each function.
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 fluid management and pressure control within microfluidic chips, facilitating high-pressure applications and simplifying the process of modeling subterranean formations by allowing direct fluid injection and measurement, reducing the complexity of fluid flow and pressure management.
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
The assembly further comprises a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the first pressure measurement port for measuring pressure in the first fluid channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
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.