Microfluidic Routing Device with Embedded Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic routing devices are inefficient and costly, lacking a compact and cost-effective solution for routing objects of interest in microfluidic flows, and they often risk contamination and damage to the objects being sorted.
Innovation Solution
A compact microfluidic routing device with a waveguide for light transmission and optical elements for signal detection, integrated into a disposable cartridge, which includes an actuator for sorting and a capture mechanism to preserve the integrity of objects, reducing contamination risks and enabling efficient sorting and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If integrated fibre optics are used in microfluidic sorting devices, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fibre optic integration with optical elements directly embedded in the microfluidic channel structure. This substitution eliminates the need for separate fibre optic components and their complex integration, while maintaining optical detection capability through waveguides and optical elements formed as part of the channel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical detection components with the microfluidic channel structure itself, creating an integrated system where the channel walls and optical elements are formed together. This combining approach reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while preserving detection functionality.
2Measurement precision
If integrated fibre optics are used in microfluidic sorting devices, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical fibre optic integration with a streamlined structure using embedded optical elements in the channel walls. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining optical detection capability through waveguide-based light transmission integrated into the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic channel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains and directs the fluid flow while also serving as the housing for optical detection elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and lowers overall manufacturing cost while maintaining detection capability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional microfluidic routing devices are used, then routing function is provided, but contamination risk and object damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable microfluidic cartridge that is discarded after single use. This approach eliminates cross-contamination between samples and prevents damage to valuable objects of interest, as each new cartridge provides a sterile, pristine routing path. The routing function is maintained through the disposable nature of the device.
4Ease of operation
If conventional microfluidic routing devices are used, then routing function is provided, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable microfluidic cartridges with integrated optical elements that provide complete routing and detection functionality in a single, low-cost unit. This approach eliminates the need for expensive, complex reusable systems with separate optical components, achieving cost-effective routing while maintaining full operational capability through the integrated disposable design.
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 cost-effective, efficient, and contamination-free method for routing and sorting objects in microfluidic flows, preserving the viability of sorted objects and allowing for their reuse, while being easily scalable and integrated into a self-contained system.
Implementation Method 1
The first layer (4) comprises a waveguide (5) for conveying a light wave
Implementation Method 2
an input light coupler (8) for coupling the light wave into the waveguide (5) from an external source
Implementation Method 3
The second layer (7) may comprise an optical element (10) for refracting and/or diffracting the optical signal
Implementation Method 4
The second layer (7) may comprise an optical element (10) for refracting and/or diffracting the optical signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A microfluidic routing device (1) for routing objects of interest (2) in a microfluidic flow, the device comprising a substrate (3); a first layer (4) provided on the substrate (3), in which the first layer (4) forms a bottom wall of a microfluidic channel (6), wherein at least two holes through the first layer (4) form respectively an inlet (11) and an outlet (12) for the microfluidic channel (6); a second layer (7) spaced away from the first layer (4), in which the second layer (7) forms a top wall of the microfluidic channel (6), wherein said second layer (7) is adapted for transmitting an optical signal from the microfluidic channel (6).