Microfluidic Network Gravity-Enhanced Fluid Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for collecting bodily fluids are cumbersome and require multiple steps for fluid transfer, making them inefficient for use by untrained users and limiting their application in personalized medicine.
Innovation Solution
The development of microfluidic devices that utilize a combination of capillary and gravitational forces to facilitate the collection and transfer of bodily fluids, incorporating open and closed microfluidic channels, surface tension valves, and ramps to enhance fluid flow and overcome manufacturing defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple steps are used for fluid transfer from collection to container, then fluid transfer can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collection device and transfer mechanism into a single integrated unit. The microfluidic network is built directly within the collection device housing, merging functions that were previously separate (collection via lancing device, transfer via separate container) into one unified system that performs both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microfluidic network as an intermediary system between the collection site and the container. This network uses capillary channels and gravitational flow paths to mediate the transfer process, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining controlled fluid movement from the collection site directly to the storage container.
2Ease of operation
If simple collection methods are used, then ease of use is improved, but integrated fluidic transfer capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service through passive capillary-driven flow and gravitational assistance. The microfluidic channels are designed with specific geometries and surface properties that automatically draw fluid from the collection site to the container without requiring external power sources, pumps, or complex control mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while enabling integrated transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical transfer systems (pumps, valves, powered conveyors) with passive capillary forces and gravitational flow. The microfluidic network uses surface tension and wettability properties of materials to drive fluid movement, substituting complex mechanical actuation with fundamental physical phenomena that require no external control.
3Reliability
If capillary forces alone are used for fluid flow, then device simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing defects can block flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies gravitational force as a counterbalancing mechanism to compensate for capillary flow blockages. When capillary forces are insufficient or blocked by manufacturing defects, the gravitational component provides additional driving force to ensure continuous fluid flow through the microfluidic network, thereby improving reliability without requiring higher manufacturing precision.
4Reliability
If gravity is added to enhance fluid flow, then flow reliability is improved, but device orientation requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the microfluidic network with gravitational equipotential pathways that allow fluid flow regardless of device orientation. The channel geometries and positioning are engineered so that gravitational force always acts favorably along the flow path, creating equivalent potential conditions that maintain reliable flow whether the device is held horizontally, vertically, or at angles, thereby eliminating orientation constraints.
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
These devices simplify the collection and transfer process, allowing seamless integration with existing medical devices and enabling efficient, cost-effective, and robust fluid handling, suitable for both medical and laboratory applications.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one microfluidic channel is configured to promote the flow of fluids by at least one of capillary action and gravitational force
Implementation Method 2
the at least one microfluidic channel is configured to promote the flow of fluids by at least one of capillary action and gravitational force
Implementation Method 3
the surface tension valve is configured to regulate the flow of fluids through the microfluidic network based on the orientation of the microfluidic network
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to the collection of bodily fluids through the use of gravity and microfluidic properties by way of a collector. The collector can make use of microfluidic networks connected to collection sites on the skin of a subject to gather and shuttle blood into a reservoir by a combination of capillary action and gravitational forces. The collected fluid is moved through the microfluidic networks and into the reservoir by a variety of approaches.