Nanoliter Droplet Array with Equal Flow Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic devices for nanoliter droplet arrays face challenges in ensuring uniform filling and simultaneous operation of multiple nano-wells due to variations in fluidic resistance and flow rates, which can affect the accuracy and consistency of biological and chemical tests.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexed array of nanoliter droplet array devices is designed with a configuration of primary and secondary channels, where the distribution channels branch off from a trunk channel, with adjustable lengths and cross-sectional areas to achieve equal flow rates across all SNDA components, and a shared evacuation channel for simultaneous air evacuation, allowing for concurrent filling of nano-wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple SNDA components are operated simultaneously with a common inlet, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variations in fluidic resistance and flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each distribution channel have identical dimensions and characteristics. This ensures that each channel presenting to an SNDA component has equivalent fluidic resistance and flow characteristics, thereby achieving uniform filling across all components while maintaining high throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into multiple identical distribution channels, each independently connected to a common inlet and presenting to a specific SNDA component. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of multiple components while maintaining consistent flow conditions in each channel
2Ease of operation
If distribution channels have different lengths to reach all SNDA components, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric distribution channel configurations where channels of different lengths and paths are designed to provide equal fluidic resistance. This allows all SNDA components to be filled concurrently from a common inlet while maintaining simple, manufacturable channel geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution channels are designed to create equipotential conditions at the inlet of each SNDA component, ensuring equal pressure and flow conditions despite different channel lengths and configurations. This enables concurrent filling without requiring complex active control
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
This configuration ensures that all nano-wells are filled uniformly and simultaneously, enhancing the consistency and accuracy of test results by maintaining equal flow rates and pressure across the device, thereby improving the efficiency of biological and chemical testing.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid may be prevented from emerging through the vent by the action of surface tension, viscosity, air pressure, or other forces.
Implementation Method 2
The liquid may be prevented from emerging through the vent by the action of surface tension, viscosity, air pressure, or other forces.
Implementation Method 3
The liquid may be prevented from emerging through the vent by the action of surface tension, viscosity, air pressure, or other forces.
Implementation Method 4
the distribution channel is configured to be filled via the inlet port with liquid, while withholding the liquid from the primary channels, to about a predetermined threshold of its volume, enabling a liquid pressure, formed there-within, to then simultaneously load all the primary channels
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising: plurality of Stationary Nanoliter Droplet Array (SNDA) components; each SNDA component comprising: at least one primary channel; at least one secondary channel; and a plurality of nano-wells that are each open to the primary channel and are each connected by one or more vents to the secondary channel; the vents are configured to enable passage of air solely from the nano-wells to the secondary channel, such that when a liquid is introduced into the primary channel it fills the nano-wells, and the originally accommodated air is evacuated via the vents and the secondary channel/s; an inlet port and a distribution channel configured to enable a simultaneous introduction of the liquid into all primary channels; and an outlet port and an evacuation channel configured to enable a simultaneous evacuation of the air out of all the secondary channels.