Microfluidic Sampling Seal With Elastic Venting for Uniform Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microfluidic chips face challenges in integrating efficient sampling, mixing, and detection processes, requiring external operations and lacking optimal integration of components for automation and miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

A sampling structure with a first channel, second channel, and chamber, featuring partition columns and a sealing structure with an elastic sealing part and adjustable exhaust holes, integrated into a microfluidic chip for automated sampling and mixing, enhancing absorption, mixing efficiency, and pressure control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If partition columns are added to the second channel, then mixing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second channel is segmented by multiple partition columns that divide the channel into multiple sub-channels. This segmentation creates a complex flow path that enhances mixing efficiency by increasing the interaction between sample and reagent streams while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition columns are designed with porous characteristics that allow fluid passage while maintaining structural integrity. This porous design enables efficient mixing through diffusion and advection across the partition structures without requiring complex external mixing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Extent of automation

If the sampling structure is integrated into the microfluidic chip, then automation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidintegration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling structure is merged with the microfluidic chip by integrating the first main body, second main body, and third main body into a unified structure. This combining approach enables automated sampling and mixing operations while using standard microfluidic manufacturing techniques to manage precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sampling structure serves multiple functions including sample intake, mixing, and controlled discharge within a single integrated assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall integration precision requirements while maintaining high automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If the chamber volume is increased to contain more sample, then sample capacity is improved, but absorption efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample capacityVSAvoidabsorption efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling structure utilizes vertical dimension by extending the first channel, second channel, and chamber along the height direction. This three-dimensional configuration allows increased sample capacity in the chamber while maintaining efficient absorption pathways through the vertically oriented channels with partition columns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel system is segmented into multiple regions (first channel for intake, second channel for mixing with partitions, third channel for discharge) that are optimized for different functions. This segmentation allows the chamber to be larger for capacity while the channels maintain efficient flow characteristics for absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 integrated sampling and mixing structure improves sample absorption and mixing efficiency, allowing for automated, miniaturized, and efficient operation within the microfluidic chip, facilitating high-speed and uniform mixing with controlled sample output.

Implementation Method 1

a first gap is between the at least one partition column and a channel wall of the second channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the sealing part comprises a main body part having elasticity; the sealing part comprises at least one exhaust hole, and the exhaust hole is configured to be in an open state or a closed state respectively in a case where the main body part is subjected to different forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260104332A1Sampling structure, sealing structure and detection assembly
Publication Date: 2026.04.16 BEIJING BOE HEALTH TECH CO LTD
  • US20260104332A1 patent drawing
  • US20260104332A1 patent drawing
  • US20260104332A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sealing structure and a detection assembly are provided. The sealing structure is used for sealing a sampling structure, the sealing structure includes a sealing part including a main body part having elasticity; the sealing part includes at least one exhaust hole, and the exhaust hole is configured to be in an open state or a closed state respectively in a case where the main body part is subjected to different forces.