Modular Analytical Cartridge for Synchronized Reagent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices are difficult to design and operate, have poor fault tolerances, are costly to manufacture, and require different analytical instruments for heterogeneous testing, limiting their commercial utility and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A modular system for analytical cartridges with a common continuous-flow fluid control network, allowing for interchangeable modules and individually packaged reagents, enabling standardized operation with a single analytical instrument and improved fault-tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a contiguous manufacturing process is used to produce fully integrated self-contained devices, then device self-containment and portability are improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules (reagent module, sample module, waste module) that can be manufactured independently using different processes and then assembled. This allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing complexity compared to producing a fully integrated monolithic device.
Solution Approach 2:
A common analytical instrument can operate multiple types of cartridges by accepting different module configurations. The standardized interface and common fluid control network allow one instrument to perform diverse analytical tests by simply changing the cartridge, providing versatility without requiring specialized devices for each test type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a contiguous manufacturing process is used to produce fully integrated self-contained devices, then device self-containment and portability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Separate modules can be manufactured using optimized processes for each specific function (e.g., sterile reagent storage vs. sample processing) rather than requiring expensive cleanroom facilities for the entire device. This modular approach reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the self-contained capability when modules are assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridges are designed as disposable single-use components that can be easily replaced. This eliminates the need for expensive repair and maintenance infrastructure, reducing operational costs. The modular design allows only the consumed module to be discarded rather than the entire device.
3Measurement precision
If devices are designed for specific tests with specialized fluid control networks, then test specificity and precision are improved, but adaptability to other tests decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid control network is segmented into standardized interfaces that accept different reagent modules. Each module is designed with universal connection points and standardized fluid pathways that allow the same base cartridge structure to accommodate different reagent configurations for various tests, maintaining precision while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The common cartridge structure with standardized fluid control interfaces can be used for multiple different analytical tests by simply changing the reagent module. This universal platform maintains test precision through standardized fluid delivery while providing versatility across different test types without requiring specialized devices for each application.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fully integrated self-contained devices are manufactured as singularly-indivisible articles, then portability is improved, but fault tolerance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into separate modules that can be independently replaced. If one module fails, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire cartridge, improving fault tolerance. The modular design maintains portability as each module remains self-contained while enabling easier maintenance and replacement.
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 multiple tests on a single sample source with precision and reproducibility, simplifies manufacturing, and allows for easy replacement of faulty components, reducing production risks and costs.
Implementation Method 1
weak forces such as capillary action and surface tension, generally overlooked in large volumes, become dominate forces in the fluid dynamics of small volumes
Implementation Method 2
weak forces such as capillary action and surface tension, generally overlooked in large volumes, become dominate forces in the fluid dynamics of small volumes
Implementation Method 3
These devices generally control the mixing of fluids by simultaneously releasing multiple fluids along individually calibrated paths that vary in length and diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A modular system for constructing a variety of self-contained analytical cartridges enabled to perform a number of symmetrical or asymmetrical tests on a single sample source within a single device. Said cartridges are embodied as a readily reversible assemblage of two or more modules that are, in turn, operable to perform one or more tasks of an analytical test as discrete articles-of-manufacture. A programmable reagent delivery system comprising one or more serialized reagent clusters having one or more wet cells (individually packaged reagents) and zero or more dry cells (calibrated spacers); wherein, said wet cells are arranged in a linear series corresponding to prescribed temporal release sequence and dry cells are interpositioned between wet cells in a manner that enables two or more test protocols having asymmetrical release sequences to be synchronized such that a single mechanism can actuate more than one test protocol simultaneously.