Microfluidic Rotor With Infrared-Absorbing Layer for Balanced Centrifugation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotor designs for fluid analysis are cumbersome for inspection and generate undesirable noise during centrifugation due to unbalanced fluid flow, making them less suitable for point-of-care applications.
Innovation Solution
A rotor design featuring a transparent base layer and an absorbent second layer that collectively define wells, with a third transparent layer for fluid communication, and a unique inlet configuration for bidirectional fluid flow, reducing noise and improving inspection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional rotor designs are used for fluid analysis, then the rotor can perform centrifugation and fluid distribution, but the rotor generates undesirable high-decibel noise due to unbalanced asymmetric fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the rotor with a counterweight that compensates for the asymmetric fluid flow patterns during centrifugation. The counterweight is positioned to balance the rotor assembly, transforming the harmful asymmetric fluid dynamics into a balanced system that reduces noise while maintaining effective fluid distribution
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional rotor designs are used, then the rotor can hold reagents and samples, but inspection of rotor welds, sample, and reagents is difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes by incorporating a transparent or translucent rotor body that allows visual inspection of internal components. The rotor walls are designed with optical properties that enable operators to observe weld quality, sample positioning, and reagent levels without disassembly, significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining structural integrity
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rotor designs are used, then the rotor can process fluid samples, but the overall device complexity increases making it less suitable for point-of-care applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated rotor design. The rotor combines sample processing, reagent mixing, fluid distribution, and self-inspection capabilities in one unified structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and operations needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility for point-of-care use
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 design enhances the ease of inspection and reduces noise during centrifugation, making the rotor more suitable for point-of-care fluid analysis by ensuring balanced fluid flow and efficient sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
The second layer may be substantially absorbent to infrared radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are various embodiments directed to rotor devices, systems, and kits. Embodiments of rotors disclosed herein may be used to characterize one or more analytes of a fluid. An apparatus may include a first layer being substantially transparent. A second layer may be coupled to the first layer. The second layer may be substantially absorbent to infrared radiation. The second layer and the first layer may collectively define a set of wells. The first layer may define a base for each well of the set of wells. The second layer may define an opening for each well of the set of wells. At least one of the first layer and the second layer may define a sidewall for each well of the set of wells.