Microfluidic Sensing Assembly with Integrated Flat Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fluid interrogation systems are bulky and expensive due to large, heavy optics and remote sensors, limiting their portability and cost-effectiveness for applications like decentralized medical diagnostics and chemical reaction monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a microfluidic passage with a sensing array and optics within a compact assembly, using a flat lens to focus reflected light onto the sensor array, reducing the need for heavy alignment structures and enabling portable, cost-effective optical interrogation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large optics and remote sensors are used for optical fluid interrogation, then measurement precision is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical components (lens, mirrors) directly with the microfluidic passage structure, creating an integrated assembly where the sensing array is positioned immediately adjacent to the fluid channel. This eliminates the need for separate, bulky optical tables and mounting structures, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining optical interrogation precision through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment systems with a microfabricated integrated structure where optical components are formed as part of the microfluidic device itself. This substitution of mechanical alignment mechanisms with monolithic integration eliminates heavy adjustment mechanisms while maintaining precise optical alignment through fabrication-level precision.
2Measurement precision
If large optics and remote sensors are used for optical fluid interrogation, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple functions (fluid transport, optical focusing, sensing) into a single integrated microfluidic device, the patent eliminates the need for separate commercial optical components, reducing overall system cost while maintaining precision through the unified design that optimizes all components for their specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses photolithography and microfabrication techniques to create precise optical components (lenses, mirrors) as copies or replicas of traditional optical elements, but manufactured at a lower cost through semiconductor fabrication processes rather than requiring expensive precision-machined optical components.
3Measurement precision
If traditional optical systems are used, then measurement capability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of optical components directly into the microfluidic passage creates a compact, self-contained device that can be easily transported and deployed in decentralized locations, while maintaining optical sensing capability through the preserved optical pathways and detection mechanisms within the compact structure.
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 configuration enhances portability, reduces costs, and improves the interrogation of small fluid quantities for applications such as PCR, cytometry, and chemical reaction monitoring by providing high alignment precision and efficient light focusing.
Implementation Method 1
reflecting light back and forth across the microfluidic passage
Implementation Method 2
a flat lens to focus light, following reflection of the light back and forth across the microfluidic passage, from the microfluidic passage onto the sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic sensing assembly may include a first structure supporting a sensor array, a second structure joined to the first structure and forming a microfluidic passage and a flat lens to focus light, following reflection of the light back and forth across the microfluidic passage, from the microfluidic passage onto the sensor array.