Microfluidic Sampling and Sealing Structure for Automated Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microfluidic chips face challenges in integrating efficient sampling, mixing, and detection functions, leading to a reliance on external operations and suboptimal mixing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A sampling structure with partition columns and a sealing structure that includes an elastic sealing part with adjustable exhaust holes, integrated into a microfluidic chip, facilitates sample absorption, mixing, and pressure control, enhancing automation and mixing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If external operations are used for sampling and mixing, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing efficiency and automation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of sampling and mixingVSAvoidintegration of sampling and mixing structures
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sampling structure and mixing structure into a single integrated microfluidic chip. The sampling structure includes a sampling channel with partition columns that directly connect to the mixing chamber, eliminating the need for external sampling operations. The mixing structure includes a mixing channel with rotating columns that integrate mixing functionality within the chip itself, achieving both sampling and mixing automation without requiring external devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microfluidic chip is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: sampling through the sampling channel, mixing through the rotating mixing columns, and detection. The partition columns and rotating mixing columns serve dual purposes of fluid guidance and active mixing, making the device multi-functional while maintaining a compact integrated structure.

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

2Productivity

If traditional mixing methods are used, then device complexity is low, but mixing efficiency and uniformity are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiency and speedVSAvoidmixing structure with rotating columns
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing structure employs rotating mixing columns that can rotate around a central axis, introducing dynamic motion to the mixing process. This rotational movement creates enhanced fluid circulation and mixing compared to static mixing structures, significantly improving mixing efficiency and uniformity while the rotation mechanism remains integrated within the chip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating mixing columns generate mechanical motion and fluid circulation patterns that enhance mixing. The rotation creates vortex flows and repeated fluid redistribution, achieving rapid and uniform mixing of samples and reagents within the mixing chamber, thereby improving productivity without requiring complex external mixing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Reliability

If sealed sampling structure is used, then reliability is improved, but pressure control and exhaust functionality are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing of sampling structureVSAvoidpressure control and exhaust hole functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust hole is designed with an elastic sealing component that can dynamically change its state. The elastic component can be deformed by external pressure to open or close the exhaust hole, allowing the sealed structure to adapt its permeability based on operational needs. This dynamic control enables reliable sealing during operation while allowing pressure equalization and exhaust when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing structure uses an elastic component whose physical state (open/closed) can be changed by applying different pressure parameters. By controlling the pressure applied to the elastic sealing element, the system can switch between sealed and vented states, maintaining reliability through sealing while enabling ease of operation through pressure-controlled exhaust functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 sealing structures improve sample absorption and mixing efficiency, allowing for automated, high-speed, and uniform mixing within the microfluidic chip, reducing external dependencies and enhancing detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

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

Implementation Method 2

the second channel is linked with the first channel, and 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

Data Source

PatentUS12523580B2Sampling structure, sealing structure and detection assembly
Publication Date: 2026.01.13 BEIJING BOE HEALTH TECH CO LTD
  • US12523580B2 patent drawing
  • US12523580B2 patent drawing
  • US12523580B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sampling structure, a sealing structure and a detection assembly are provided. The sampling structure includes a first main body, a second main body and a third main body. The first main body includes a first channel, the first channel includes a first opening that is exposed. The second main body is connected to the first main body and includes a second channel and at least one partition column located in the second channel, the second channel is linked with the first channel, and a first gap is between the partition column and a channel wall of the second channel. The third main body is connected to the second main body and includes a chamber, the chamber is linked with the second channel and is capable of containing a sample.