Microfluidic Device With Integrated Positive Displacement Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic devices face contamination and safety risks due to the need for external pumps, which also increase size, cost, and complexity, and can lead to false-positive results and user exposure to harmful substances.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with an integrated positive displacement pump and sealed fluid reservoir, allowing for controlled fluid movement within the device without an external pump connection, using a bellows pump and fluid storage chamber to maintain fluid flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external pump is connected to the microfluidic channel, then fluid can be moved through the device, but the device requires an opening that leads to contamination and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pump function directly into the microfluidic device by incorporating a deformable chamber that can be compressed to move fluid. This merging of the pump and channel eliminates the need for external connections, thereby preventing contamination and leakage while maintaining fluid movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable chamber acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuation force and the fluid. By compressing the chamber, fluid is displaced through the microfluidic channel without requiring any opening to the external environment, thus eliminating contamination risks while achieving fluid transport.
2Ease of operation
If an external pump and control components are used, then fluid flow can be controlled, but the device becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential pumping function from complex external pump systems and control components, retaining only the core mechanism needed for fluid movement. The deformable chamber provides pump-like functionality without the bulk and cost of traditional external pumps, simplifying the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable chamber is designed to be compressed directly by the user or actuator, eliminating the need for separate control components. The chamber itself performs the pumping action through its deformation, making the system self-contained and reducing both size and cost.
3Productivity
If the microfluidic channel has an opening for external pump connection, then fluid can be introduced and moved, but the accuracy of tests is reduced due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the fluid introduction and movement functions into the sealed microfluidic channel system with the deformable chamber, the patent eliminates openings that could introduce contaminants. This ensures that fluid samples remain isolated from the external environment, maintaining test accuracy while enabling fluid processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed microfluidic channel creates an inert environment that isolates the fluid sample from external contamination sources. The deformable chamber operates within this sealed system, allowing fluid movement without compromising the sterile or controlled environment needed for accurate testing.
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
The solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and safe method for fluid sample processing, reducing contamination risks and enabling accurate fluid control within the device, suitable for various microfluidic applications including diagnostic assays.
Implementation Method 1
a positive displacement pump comprising a chamber fluidically connected to the microfluidic channel. The positive displacement pump is arranged such that when the positive displacement pump is actuated, fluid within the chamber is displaced into the microfluidic channel
Implementation Method 2
the fluid storage chamber is pre-pressurised to above atmospheric pressure prior to use
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic device for moving fluid through a microfluidic channel of the device includes a microfluidic channel and a positive displacement pump having a chamber connected to the microfluidic channel. When the positive displacement pump is actuated, fluid within the chamber is displaced into the microfluidic channel. The device further includes a fluid reservoir connected to the positive displacement pump to provide a source of fluid to re-fill the chamber of the positive displacement pump after the positive displacement pump has been actuated. The fluid within the fluid reservoir is sealed within the device.