Modular Microfluidic Manifold Using Configurable Gaskets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid control systems in medical, industrial, and analytical applications require complex arrays of valves and tubing, leading to a large footprint and inefficiencies in fluid management, particularly in microfluidic chip applications where precise and compact fluid routing is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A modular manifold assembly with movable valves and configurable flow manipulation gaskets that allow for selective routing of fluid flow between multiple inputs and outputs, reducing the need for mirrored parts and eliminating the requirement for blanking stations by enabling non-symmetrical components and omitting receiving valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex arrays of valves and tubing are used for fluid control, then fluid management capability is improved, but footprint and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple functional layers (valve seat layer, interface layer, end layer) that can be independently designed and manufactured. Each layer performs specific fluid routing functions, allowing complex fluid management to be achieved through layered segmentation rather than a single bulky component, thereby reducing overall footprint while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the flow manipulation gasket is positioned within the manifold body, and multiple functional layers are stacked concentrically. This nesting allows multiple fluid control functions to be packed into a compact volume, reducing the footprint while maintaining complex fluid management capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple common inlets and outlets are provided in the manifold, then fluid routing versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed as a universal platform with multiple common inlets and outlets that can serve various fluid routing configurations. The standardized interface layer with multiple ports allows the same manifold structure to handle different fluid management scenarios by simply changing the gasket configuration, rather than requiring multiple specialized manifolds, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates movable valves that can dynamically switch between different fluid routing paths. The valves transition between open and closed states to enable flexible fluid distribution from multiple inlets to multiple outlets, providing adaptability without requiring a complex fixed structure for each possible routing configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flow manipulation gaskets with configurable areas are used, then flow path customization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow manipulation gasket is pre-configured with specific aperture patterns during manufacturing to define desired flow paths. This preliminary configuration allows the gasket to be produced as a standardized component with built-in flow routing logic, reducing the need for complex post-manufacturing assembly or customization while maintaining flow path adaptability through different gasket designs.
4Ease of manufacture
If mirrored versions of molded parts are avoided, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but design flexibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately employs asymmetric design in the manifold components, particularly in the interface layer and gasket configurations. By using non-symmetrical components, the design avoids the need for mirrored versions of molded parts, reducing manufacturing tooling requirements and costs while the asymmetric structure itself provides inherent design flexibility for various fluid routing applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular manifold having two-way and three-way plate manifolds and a method of making the same. The modular manifold is intended to replace the large array of valves (interconnected with tubing) typically needed in medical, industrial, or analytical applications, thereby reducing the required footprint. The modular manifold includes one or more flow manipulation gaskets having configurable areas that can be configured to selectively manipulate fluid flowing therethrough in a desired manner.