Multiple Rotor Cartridge for Fluidic Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sample preparation in molecular diagnostics require trained personnel, are prone to cross-contamination, and have limitations in handling multiple samples efficiently, leading to increased costs and delays in diagnostic testing.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-rotor disposable cartridge system with rotors mounted for rotation within a cartridge body, allowing for fluid communication between assay chambers and syringe barrels, enabling hands-off operation and efficient sample preparation with minimally trained personnel, reducing cross-contamination and enhancing processing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple samples are processed using a single common fluidic platform, then processing capacity is improved, but cross-contamination risk and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluidic platform into multiple independent rotor units, each capable of processing one or more samples. Each rotor contains separate assay chambers and fluidic pathways, physically segmenting the processing streams to prevent cross-contamination while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotors are designed with universal interfaces and standardized fluidic connections that allow them to be used across different assay types and sample volumes. The modular rotor design enables the system to handle multiple samples simultaneously while maintaining the same fluidic platform, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If trained personnel are used for sample collection and preparation, then handling safety and effectiveness are improved, but operational costs and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor system incorporates self-contained fluidic pathways and automated fluid handling mechanisms that perform sample preparation and transfer without requiring manual intervention. The design includes self-aligning ports and automatic sealing mechanisms that ensure safe handling while eliminating the need for trained personnel to perform complex manipulation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is pre-configured with reagents, assay chambers, and fluidic connections before use. Sample collection devices are pre-attached to the rotor system, allowing samples to be directly transferred into the assay workflow without requiring manual preparation steps, thereby reducing both time and skill requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex valve systems are used for fluid handling, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the fluid control function from complex mechanical valve systems and implements it through the geometric configuration of the rotor ports and fluidic pathways. The ports are positioned and sized to naturally control flow direction and rate through pressure differentials created by rotor rotation, eliminating the need for additional valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical valve systems with a rotation-based fluid control mechanism. The rotor's rotational position and speed control fluid flow through centrifugal forces and pressure gradients, substituting complex mechanical valve actuation with simpler rotational mechanics that achieve equivalent or superior flow control precision.
4Speed
If rapid sample preparation is implemented, then diagnostic speed is improved, but risk of cross-contamination and operational errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor system physically segments different samples into separate assay chambers with dedicated fluidic pathways. Each rotor can process multiple samples in parallel while maintaining complete physical isolation between them, enabling rapid processing without compromising containment. The segmented design prevents aerosol cross-contamination that often occurs in rapid manual processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous automated rotor rotation that maintains constant fluid flow and mixing throughout the assay process. This continuous action eliminates idle periods where contamination could occur and ensures that all samples progress through the workflow simultaneously, reducing the window for error while maintaining reliability through consistent, repeatable motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable cartridge comprises a cartridge body defining at least one syringe barrel having an barrel port configured to inject and aspirate assay fluids by displacement of a barrel plunger and at least one reaction chamber configured to receive and perform diagnostic testing on the assay fluids. The disposable cartridge also includes at least two rotors mounted for rotation to the cartridge body, each of the rotors defining a plurality of ports in fluid communication with at least one of the assay chambers of a respective one of the rotors. The rotors are selectively rotated such that a port of one rotor aligns with a port of the other rotor. At least one of the rotors is disposed in fluid communication with the syringe port of the syringe barrel such that assay fluids may flows from at least one of the assay chambers through the ports of the rotors by displacement of the barrel plunger.