Contact-less Microfluidic Priming via Pressure Chamber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic device priming methods require complex assemblies, precise location knowledge of inlet ports, and physical connections, leading to contamination risks and inefficiencies, especially when handling multiple fluids or two-phase flows.
Innovation Solution
A contact-less priming system using a pressure chamber with a pressurization unit and closing members to load solutions into microfluidic devices without physical contact, allowing for parallel loading of multiple devices and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure-driven pumping methods with connectors and actuators are used, then solution loading is achieved, but device complexity and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the connectors and actuators from the priming system, replacing them with a simple pressure chamber that applies pressure directly to the microfluidic device ports. This eliminates the complex fluidic connections while maintaining reliable solution loading through pressure-driven flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure chamber serves multiple functions: it applies pressure to drive solution flow, seals the microfluidic device ports, and provides a contamination-free interface. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate actuators and connectors, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If physical connectors and actuators are used for priming, then solution loading is achieved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure chamber acts as an intermediary between the operator and the microfluidic device, transmitting pressure without requiring direct physical contact or fluidic connections. This intermediary mechanism eliminates contamination pathways while maintaining ease of operation through simple pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical connector-actuator system with a pressure-based mechanism. By using pressure differentials instead of mechanical connections, the system achieves contamination-free operation while maintaining ease of use through simple pressure control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If capillary action or centrifugation is used for contact-less loading, then physical contact is avoided, but universality across different fluid properties is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the driving parameter from fluid-specific properties (surface tension for capillary action, density for centrifugation) to pressure, which is a universal parameter applicable to all fluids regardless of their physical properties. This enables contamination-free loading that works universally across different fluid types and two-phase flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure applied through the pressure chamber to drive solution loading, replacing fluid-specific mechanisms like capillary action or centrifugation. This pneumatic approach provides universal applicability across different fluid properties while maintaining contact-less operation and preventing contamination.
4Productivity
If traditional priming methods are used, then solution loading is achieved, but parallel loading of multiple devices is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple priming operations into a single pressure chamber system, allowing simultaneous loading of multiple microfluidic devices through pressure application to multiple ports. This consolidated approach increases productivity while maintaining simple system structure through the use of a single pressure source.
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 reliable, accurate, and contamination-free loading of solutions into microfluidic devices, independent of fluid properties, with precise control over solution volume and flow rate, suitable for both single and multiple fluid handling.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization unit fluidly connected to the pressure chamber for applying pressure in the pressure chamber and upon the at least one first port and at least one second port
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a contact-less priming system for loading a solution in a microfluidic device comprising: at least one microfluidic device, a pressure chamber configured to enclose said at least one microfluidic device, a pressurization unit fluidly connected to the pressure chamber and at least one closing member. The present invention also relates to a contact-less priming method for loading a solution in a microfluidic device.