Modular Microfluidic System with Rotational Locking and O-Ring Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing microfluidic systems face inefficiencies in redesign and assembly due to adhesion-based connections, which complicate module disassembly and often result in leakage, especially when additional functions like electrodes are applied, and the whole system needs to be remanufactured for design changes, leading to high costs and time inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular microfluidic system design featuring a first microfluidic module with a protrusion and a second module with a guider and locker, utilizing an O-ring for sealing and a resilient member to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for rotational locking and minimizing leakage, with components manufacturable by 3D printing and transparent films for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesion-based connection is used to connect microfluidic modules, then assembly is achieved, but disassembly becomes difficult and leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a protrusion on one module and a corresponding receiver with guider and locker on the other module. This segmentation allows the connection to be made in discrete steps (insertion along guider, then rotation to lock) and equally easily reversed by reversing the steps, resolving the contradiction between strong connection and easy disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static adhesive bond to a dynamic mechanical engagement. The protrusion can be inserted along the guider in one direction and then rotated to engage the locker, creating a controlled sequence of movements that ensures proper alignment and secure connection while maintaining ease of reversal.
2Strength
If adhesion-based connection is used, then modules are connected, but leakage occurs at connection interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
An O-ring is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the protrusion and the receiver. This O-ring deforms under compression to create a reliable fluid-tight seal at the connection interface, eliminating leakage issues while maintaining the mechanical strength of the connection through the protrusion-locker engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the whole system is remanufactured for design changes, then design optimization is achieved, but cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic system is divided into independent, interchangeable modules that can be manufactured separately using 3D printing. This segmentation allows individual modules to be redesigned and replaced without remanufacturing the entire system, enabling design optimization while minimizing time and cost losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized connector design (protrusion with guider and locker) creates universal interfaces that can accommodate different module configurations. This universality allows modules to be mixed, matched, and reconfigured for different applications without requiring custom connection solutions, enhancing design flexibility while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing soft lithography is used to apply electrodes, then additional functions are added, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode application process is merged with the 3D printing manufacturing process. Conductive materials are incorporated directly into the 3D printed module structures, allowing electrodes to be formed as integral parts of the modules during printing. This eliminates the need for separate soft lithography steps and reduces overall system manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
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
The modular design enables efficient assembly and disassembly, prevents fluid leakage, and allows for flexible system configuration, optimizing performance by minimizing hydraulic resistance and maintaining fluid flow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The O-ring may be compressable to have a width of about 70% of a depth of the O-ring when the first microfluidic module and the second microfluidic module are coupled.
Implementation Method 2
The resilient member may be compressable to have a width of about 70% of a diameter of the resilient member when the first microfluidic module and the second microfluidic module are fluidly coupled.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular microfluidic system includes a first microfluidic module and a second microfluidic module. The first microfluidic module has a first module body including a microfluidic channel and a first connector extending outward from the module body. The first connector is provided with a protrusion. The second microfluidic module has a second module body including a microfluidic channel, a second connector including a guider configured to guide the protrusion upon insertion of the first connector into the second module body, and a locker configured to fix the protrusion. Upon fluidly coupling the first microfluidic module and the second microfluidic module, an O-ring is disposed between the first connector and the second connector.