Optical Alignment for Nanowell Fluid Ejection Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing devices face inefficiencies in precision and fluid usage when filling micro-wells, leading to longer filling times and increased fluid consumption, as well as potential contamination during pipetting processes.
Innovation Solution
A printing device with a fluid ejection system that aligns nozzles with nanowells using a light source and sensor, allowing for precise fluid deposition into nanowells, reducing fluid usage and minimizing contamination by enabling single-nozzle addressing of individual nanowells, thereby reducing the volume of fluid required and shortening filling times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional printing devices are used to fill micro-wells, then fluid can be deposited onto the surface, but the precision of ejection is insufficient leading to increased fluid consumption and longer filling times
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from filling larger micro-wells to filling multiple smaller nanowells in parallel. By segmenting the target structure into smaller units (nanowells with 1-100 nl capacity versus micro-wells), the system achieves better precision control while reducing fluid consumption per well. The array of nanowells allows individual addressing by single nozzles, improving ejection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the scale parameter of the well structure from micro-well dimensions to nanowell dimensions (1000-fold reduction in linear dimension). This parameter change enables more precise fluid ejection control and reduces the volume of fluid required per well, directly addressing both precision and fluid consumption issues.
2Productivity
If traditional printing devices are used to fill micro-wells, then fluid deposition can occur, but filling times are longer due to inefficiencies in precision and fluid usage
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the filling process into individual nanowell addresses that can be targeted by single nozzles, the system eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional micro-well filling. The segmented nanowell array structure enables parallel processing and reduces the time required to fill each well due to the smaller volume and improved precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical pipetting systems with a printing device that uses controlled fluid ejection. This substitution enables faster, more precise fluid deposition into nanowells, significantly reducing filling times compared to manual or traditional mechanical methods.
3Reliability
If pipetting techniques are used to fill micro-wells, then fluid can be transferred, but contamination can occur during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual pipetting operations with an automated printing device system. This substitution eliminates human involvement in the fluid transfer process, preventing contamination that can occur during manual pipetting. The system uses controlled fluid ejection through nozzles to deposit fluid directly into nanowells without contact with external pipetting tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing device system performs self-alignment and self-positioning using optical alignment features (reflective surfaces, light sources, and sensors) to ensure accurate nozzle-to-nanowell alignment. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual positioning and reduces the risk of contamination from external handling.
4Manufacturing precision
If micro-wells are used with traditional printing devices, then fluid deposition is possible, but the precision and density of well arrays are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimensional parameters of the well structure from micro-scale to nano-scale, enabling a 1000-fold reduction in linear dimension. This parameter change allows for much higher well array density on the same substrate area while maintaining precise nozzle-to-well alignment through optical alignment features.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces optical alignment dimensions (light reflection and detection) to achieve precise alignment between nozzles and nanowells. By using reflective surfaces and light sources/sensors, the system adds an optical dimension to the alignment process, enabling sub-micrometer precision that supports higher array density.
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 alignment system enables precise and efficient fluid ejection into nanowells, reducing fluid consumption and contamination, while accelerating biochemical assays by allowing for denser arrays of nanowells and faster reaction times.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to pass light towards a reflective surface on a substrate, and at least one light sensor positioned on the fluid ejection device to receive reflected light off of a portion of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment system, in an example, may include a substrate comprising at least one nanowell, at least one fluid ejection device comprising at least one die, the at least one die comprising as least one nozzle, and an alignment device to align the at least one nozzle to the at least one nanowell.