Multi-Valve Fluid Cartridge for Parallel Microfluidic Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic systems face challenges in efficiently transferring and processing multiple types of fluids due to limited space and the need for frequent fluid transfers, which increases operation time and risks cross-contamination.
Innovation Solution
A fluid cartridge apparatus with a fluidic circuit and bypass fluidic circuit, featuring two sets of wells and valves that allow independent fluid operations, enabling simultaneous processing of different fluids and minimizing cross-contamination through dedicated valve channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single flow control valve is used to select and direct multiple fluids, then device complexity is reduced, but operation time increases due to frequent sequential fluid transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid handling system into multiple independent valve units, each responsible for a specific fluid well. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple valves simultaneously handling different fluids, eliminating the sequential bottleneck of a single valve system and reducing overall operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a modular valve architecture where each valve unit can be independently configured and operated. The system achieves multi-functionality by allowing different valve types (e.g., rotary, linear, pinched) to be used in different positions based on specific fluid handling requirements, optimizing both complexity and performance.
2Area of stationary object
If a single flow control valve serves all fluid operations, then space availability is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased risk of cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dedicated valve units for different fluid wells, creating physical separation and independent control pathways. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination by ensuring that fluids from different wells never share the same valve mechanism or flow path, thereby improving reliability while maintaining compact cartridge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dedicated flow channels and valve units as intermediaries between different fluid wells and the fluidic circuit. These intermediaries act as barriers that prevent direct contact between different fluids, eliminating cross-contamination risks while preserving space through integrated channel design.
3Quantity of substance
If numerous fluid transfers are executed to move desired fluid volume, then fluid operation completeness is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total fluid transfer task into parallel operations by assigning different valve units to handle different fluid wells simultaneously. This allows multiple fluid volumes to be transferred in parallel rather than sequentially, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining complete fluid operation coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous fluid handling operations by having multiple valves operate simultaneously without idle waiting periods. While one valve completes a transfer, another valve is already initiating the next transfer, eliminating gaps in the operational cycle and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the fluid handling process.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a fluidic circuit, a bypass fluidic circuit, a first set of fluid wells, a second set of fluid wells, a first valve, and a second valve. The first valve operatively associated with the first set of fluid wells such that the first selectively fluidly connects any one of the first set of fluid wells to a first valve outlet. The second valve operatively associated with the fluidic circuit, the bypass fluidic circuit, the first valve outlet, and the second set of fluid wells such that the second valve selectively fluidly connects any one of the second set of fluid wells and the first valve outlet to the fluidic circuit or the first valve outlet to the bypass fluidic circuit.