Microfluidics Analysis System with Movable Objective Lens

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current bedside tests for assessing platelet function are not accurate enough to predict bleeding tendencies or thrombosis risk, lacking the physiological relevance needed for clinical applications, especially in surgeries and antithrombotic therapies.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidics analysis system with a microscope and actuator that translates the objective lens relative to the microfluidics cell to change the field of view, allowing for multiple observations and image processing to determine metrics on thrombus formation, using a microfluidics cell coated with materials like collagen to promote thrombi formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If bedside tests are used to assess platelet function, then the testing is quick and simple, but the accuracy and physiological relevance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of platelet function assessmentVSAvoidcomplexity of testing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a microfluidics cell as an intermediary device that creates a controlled physiological environment between the blood sample and the observation system. This cell allows blood to flow under controlled shear rates while interacting with collagen-coated surfaces, providing physiologically relevant conditions that improve measurement accuracy without requiring the entire system to be complex

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical bedside testing devices with a simpler optical observation system. Instead of using sophisticated mechanical instruments to measure platelet function, the system uses microscopy to directly observe thrombus formation in a controlled flow environment, substituting mechanical measurement with optical detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a single field of view is observed, then the observation is simple, but the sensitivity to systematic and random errors is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity to errorsVSAvoidcomplexity of observation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the observation into multiple discrete fields of view along the microfluidics cell. By segmenting the observation area and acquiring images at multiple positions, the system reduces the impact of local variations and errors in any single field of view, improving overall measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses fluorescence dye to excessively tag blood platelets, ensuring that platelets are clearly visible and can be easily distinguished. This excessive action of tagging provides enhanced contrast and reduces errors in identifying and tracking platelet behavior during thrombus formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the objective lens is moved to change field of view positions, then multiple observations are enabled, but the optical alignment may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to observe multiple positionsVSAvoidoptical alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the second lens from the moving components and keeps it stationary relative to the microfluidics cell. By separating the moving objective lens from the stationary second lens, the system enables field of view positioning without disrupting the optical alignment between lenses, maintaining precision while achieving versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Provides more accurate and physiologically relevant measurements of platelet function by enabling detailed observation and analysis of thrombus formation, reducing sensitivity to systematic and random errors through multiple observations and image processing.

Implementation Method 1

an objective lens arranged to collect light from a field of view including a portion of the microfluidics cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight collection and optical imaging: Lens

Implementation Method 2

an actuator arranged to translate the objective lens relative to the microfluidics cell to change a position of the field of view between multiple positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical translation: Displacement

Implementation Method 3

a second lens arranged to receive the light collected by the objective lens for the multiple positions of the field of view without moving relative to the microfluidics cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS11042018B2Microfluidics analysis system

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 UNIV OF BRISTOL

AI summary

A microfluidics analysis system with a microfluidics cell and a microscope. The microscope has an objective lens arranged to collect light from a field of view including a portion of the microfluidics cell; a second lens; and an actuator arranged to translate the objective lens relative to the microfluidics cell to change a position of the field of view between multiple positions. The actuator is arranged to translate the objective lens relative to the microfluidics cell without moving the second lens relative to the microfluidics cell. The second lens is arranged to receive the light collected by the objective lens for the multiple positions of the field of view without moving relative to the microfluidics cell.