Microfluidic Rotor Infrared Weld Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotor designs for fluid analysis are challenging due to difficulties in inspecting rotor welds and reagents, and they often generate undesirable noise during centrifugation due to unbalanced fluid flow, which complicates efficient and accurate analysis of biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A rotor apparatus with layers that are substantially transparent and absorbent to infrared radiation, allowing for optical imaging and classification of weld quality, combined with a design that balances fluid flow to reduce noise during centrifugation, using multi-shot injection molding and laser welding techniques to enhance manufacturing precision and reduce contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional rotor designs are used for fluid analysis, then the analysis function is provided, but inspection of rotor welds and reagents becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor body is designed with a first portion that is substantially transparent to infrared radiation and a second portion that is substantially absorbent to infrared radiation. This optical contrast allows imaging devices to easily detect weld quality and reagent presence by capturing infrared radiation transmission differences, thereby reducing inspection difficulty and time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical imaging to create visual representations of the rotor's internal structure and weld quality. By capturing images through the transparent portion and comparing them against the absorbent portion, the system creates a copy or representation of the weld integrity that can be easily inspected without physical disassembly
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional rotor designs are used, then fluid analysis is performed, but high-decibel noise is generated due to unbalanced fluid flow during centrifugation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor design incorporates specific asymmetric features in the fluid flow paths and chamber configurations that are engineered to balance the overall fluid distribution during centrifugation. This controlled asymmetry allows the rotor to maintain balanced fluid flow dynamics, reducing vibration and noise while preserving the centrifugal separation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor design integrates multiple functions including fluid separation, noise reduction through balanced flow paths, and optical inspection capabilities. The same structural features that enable fluid analysis also contribute to balanced fluid flow and reduced noise, achieving multiple benefits simultaneously without sacrificing productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If multi-shot injection molding and laser welding are used, then manufacturing precision is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor manufacturing process is divided into distinct segments: multi-shot injection molding for creating the layered structure with different infrared transmission properties, and laser welding for joining components. This segmentation allows each process to be optimized independently for precision while maintaining overall manageability of the manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the manufacturing process, specifically controlling the infrared radiation transmission properties of different portions during injection molding and adjusting laser welding parameters to achieve consistent weld quality. These parameter controls enable high precision manufacturing while the automated nature of the processes helps manage complexity
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 enables efficient and accurate analysis of biological samples by improving weld inspection and reducing noise during centrifugation, while minimizing reagent contamination and enhancing manufacturing consistency.
Implementation Method 1
The first layer may be substantially transparent to infrared radiation. The second layer may be substantially absorbent to the infrared radiation.
Implementation Method 2
A set of images of the apparatus may be generated using the imaging device. Bonding information may be generated based on the set of images.
Implementation Method 3
using multi-shot injection molding and laser welding techniques to enhance manufacturing precision
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. A method may include aligning an apparatus to an imaging device. The apparatus may include a set of wells defined by a first layer coupled to a second layer. The first layer may be substantially transparent to infrared radiation. The second layer may define a channel. The second layer may be substantially absorbent to the infrared radiation. The apparatus may further include a third layer coupled to the second layer and define an opening configured to receive a fluid. The third layer may be substantially transparent to the infrared radiation. A set of images of the apparatus may be generated using the imaging device. Bonding information may be generated based on the set of images.