Back-and-Forth Microfluidic Mixing for Homogeneous Cell Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional analytical techniques face issues with non-homogeneous mixing solutions, limited analysis methods, and inefficiencies in sample recovery and effluent volume, particularly in sequential injection systems.

Innovation Solution

A liquid mixing device with a cavity and connecting conduits positioned for low-point extraction and recirculation, enabling automated mixing and rinsing without mechanical stirrers, and allowing for independent, non-temporal analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If sequential injection technique is used to reduce sample volume and effluent volume, then sample volume and effluent volume are reduced, but the mixing produces a non-homogeneous solution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample volumeVSAvoidmixing homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic back-and-forth pumping action to move the liquid sample between the pump chamber and container, creating repeated flow cycles that enhance mixing homogeneity while maintaining low sample volumes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The rapid back-and-forth movement of liquid through narrow conduits creates turbulent flow patterns and mechanical mixing effects that achieve homogeneous solutions without requiring large sample volumes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Loss of time

If sequential injection technique is used to reduce analysis time, then analysis time is reduced, but only time-domain measurements can be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis timeVSAvoidmeasurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs complete mixing of the sample in the container before analysis, allowing the system to pause and achieve homogeneous mixing prior to measurement, thereby enabling both temporal efficiency and spectral analysis capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis process is segmented into distinct phases: sample introduction, mixing phase, and analysis phase. This separation allows the system to perform spectral analysis at any point during the process, not limited to time-domain measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of substance

If sequential injection technique is used to reduce effluent volume, then effluent volume is reduced, but the unused sample cannot be recovered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffluent volumeVSAvoidsample recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables sample recovery by maintaining the mixed sample in the container after analysis. The system can retrieve the unused sample from the container for further analysis or disposal, preventing complete loss of the sample while still minimizing effluent generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Manufacturing precision

If automated mixing device is introduced to improve mixing homogeneity, then mixing homogeneity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing homogeneityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves automated mixing through the pump's own back-and-forth movement, which automatically draws liquid between the chamber and container without requiring external mixing devices. The system mixes itself using the existing pump mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pump serves multiple functions: it introduces the sample, performs the mixing through back-and-forth movement, and can retrieve the sample for further analysis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mixing devices, maintaining device simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Achieves homogeneous liquid mixtures with low standard deviation and bias, reduces sample and effluent volumes, and automates analysis processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing human intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a piston (5) able to respectively move said liquids from the chamber (10) to the cavity (18) and from the cavity (18) to the chamber (10) under the action of a movement of the piston (5)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4058797B1Devices and methods for mixing liquids by back-and-forth flow between pump and measuring cell, and physicochemical analysis of liquids thus mixed

Publication Date: 2026.04.22 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a microfluidic device and a method for mixing liquids by moving said liquids back and forth between a chamber (10) of a piston (5) pump (1) and a recess (18) of a spectrophotometric measuring tank (3). The invention also relates to physicochemical analysis, directly inside said tank (3), of a mixture produced in this manner. The invention also relates to a device and a method for sampling liquid(s) remotely.