Microfluidic Device Sequential Flow Negative Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for sample processing, such as diagnosis of pathogens or disease markers, require manual labor and large, costly automated systems, leading to inefficiencies and high dependency on workers for processes like mixing, reaction, and washing.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a main flow path and multiple reservoirs that utilize negative pressure to initiate sequential fluid flow, featuring a blocking element to prevent external air from entering and controlling flow resistance, allowing for automated sample processing without pumps or valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual work using small vials and pipettes is used for sample processing, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but productivity is low and there is high dependency on workers
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device enables self-service automation where the system automatically controls fluid flow, mixing, reaction, and washing processes through integrated microchannels and reservoirs, eliminating the need for manual pipetting while maintaining process flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sample processing functions (mixing, reaction, washing, separation) are merged into a single integrated microfluidic device, combining what were previously separate manual operations into one automated system that improves productivity without requiring complex external equipment
2Productivity
If robot-type large devices are used for automated sample processing, then productivity and automation are improved, but device complexity, cost, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and integrates only the essential sample processing functions into a compact microfluidic chip, removing unnecessary complexity from traditional robotic systems while maintaining automated productivity through simplified microscale fluid handling
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from macroscale robotic manipulation to microscale fluid flow within integrated channels, using a different dimensional approach (microfluidics rather than macro-robotics) to achieve automation with reduced device complexity and footprint
3Ease of operation
If complex pump and valve systems are applied for fluid control, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses pneumatic pressure control through a single inlet to drive fluid flow through microchannels, replacing complex mechanical pumps and valves with a simplified pressure-based fluid control system that maintains ease of operation while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical pumps and valves are replaced with a pneumatic control system that uses pressure differentials to control fluid flow, substituting complex mechanical components with a simpler pressure-based control mechanism
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
Enables efficient, automated sample processing in a single device, reducing manpower, time, and space requirements, facilitating diagnosis at various sites with minimized costs.
Implementation Method 1
a suction port for sucking the fluid with a negative pressure is formed at one end
Implementation Method 2
a suction port for sucking the fluid with a negative pressure is formed at one end
Implementation Method 3
a blocking element that blocks the inflow of external air to the main flow path through the outlet when all the fluid in the reservoir flows out
Data Source
AI summary
The microfluidic device capable of initiating sequential flow according to the present invention includes: a main flow path in which a suction port for sucking the fluid with a negative pressure is formed at one end; a plurality of reservoirs that supply a fluid stored therein to the main flow path through an outlet by the negative pressure applied to the suction port, and are connected to a plurality of different points of the main flow path; and a blocking element that blocks the inflow of external air to the main flow path through the outlet when all the fluid in the reservoir flows out, wherein the fluid stored in a plurality of the reservoirs may flow sequentially.