Microfluidic Rotor Protrusion for Balanced Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid analysis systems face challenges such as difficulty in inspecting rotor welds, sample, and reagents, as well as generating undesirable noise due to unbalanced fluid flow during centrifugation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first layer defining a channel, wells, and a cavity, with a second layer coupled to the first layer, featuring a protrusion that penetrates the container wall, allowing for fluid communication and reducing noise through balanced fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rotor design is used, then fluid analysis can be performed, but inspection of rotor welds, sample, and reagents becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) that can be independently inspected. The protrusion structure creates distinct separation between layers, allowing inspectors to examine welds and fluid distribution in segmented sections rather than as a single complex unit, significantly improving inspection accessibility and reducing time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion structure acts as an intermediary element between layers, providing a defined interface that facilitates inspection. This intermediate structure allows visual and physical access to weld points and fluid pathways without requiring complete disassembly of the rotor assembly.
2Ease of operation
If asymmetric fluid flow is used in rotor, then fluid analysis function is achieved, but high-decibel noise is generated during centrifugation
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates symmetric fluid distribution pathways and balanced protrusion structures that counterbalance centrifugal forces during rotation. This symmetric configuration eliminates the asymmetric fluid flow that causes noise, while still achieving effective fluid analysis through the balanced distribution mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion structures are positioned and dimensioned to create counterbalancing effects that offset the centrifugal forces generated during rotation. This counterweight approach neutralizes the unbalanced forces that would otherwise produce high-decibel noise, allowing the rotor to operate quietly while maintaining fluid analysis 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
This design enhances the ease of inspecting rotor components, reduces noise during centrifugation by ensuring balanced fluid flow, and improves the overall efficiency of fluid analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The channel may establish a fluid communication path between the opening and the set of wells
Implementation Method 2
a rotor undergoing centrifugation may generate undesirable, high-decibel noise due to the unbalanced nature of asymmetric fluid flow within the rotor
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 defining a channel, a set of wells, and a cavity. A second layer may be coupled to the first layer. The second layer may include a protrusion extending towards the first layer. The second layer may define an opening configured to receive a fluid. The channel may establish a fluid communication path between the opening and the set of wells. A container may be slidable within the cavity during use. The protrusion may be configured to penetrate a wall of the container.