Microfluidic Connector Assembly for Automated Sample Prep Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) systems for nucleic acid analysis require complex preliminary treatments, often performed by skilled personnel, due to the need for pre-treated samples, which complicates the analysis process and limits their use in non-hospital environments for fast and inexpensive testing.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic connector group and manufacturing process for a disposable cartridge that automates the extraction and analysis of nucleic acids from biological samples, using a system that integrates sample handling, reagent management, and thermal control to simplify the treatment and analysis process, allowing for automated extraction and amplification within the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex preliminary treatments are performed manually by skilled personnel, then sample preparation quality is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment process is divided into separate functional modules within the cartridge, including filtration chamber, lysis chamber, purification chamber, and amplification chamber. Each chamber performs a specific function, allowing complex sample preparation to be broken down into manageable automated steps that maintain quality while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is pre-loaded with all necessary reagents, filters, and purification materials during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual setup and ensures consistent quality without requiring skilled personnel to perform complex preparation procedures at the point of use.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual sample treatment is used, then treatment accuracy is improved, but productivity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed to perform all treatment steps automatically through integrated microfluidic channels and chambers. The system self-regulates fluid flow, mixing, and processing without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining treatment accuracy while significantly increasing productivity and enabling high-throughput testing.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced by automated microfluidic systems that use pressure differentials, capillary action, and integrated pumps to move and process samples. This substitution maintains precision while enabling faster, higher-volume processing without additional manual labor.
3Reliability
If skilled personnel perform preliminary treatments, then treatment reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed as a disposable single-use device that is pre-configured with all necessary components for reliable sample treatment. Each cartridge is factory-calibrated and sealed, ensuring consistent reliable performance without requiring skilled operation. After use, the entire cartridge is discarded, eliminating the need for complex cleaning, maintenance, or recalibration procedures.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex treatment procedures are implemented, then analysis quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple treatment functions (filtration, lysis, purification, amplification) are merged into a single integrated cartridge structure with interconnected chambers and microfluidic channels. This consolidation maintains comprehensive analysis quality while reducing the number of separate devices and操作步骤 required, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic group includes a female connector and a male needle connector. The female connector has a connector chamber in a containment body; a duct extending in the containment body to a duct opening on a first face of the connector chamber; a needle entry hole extending from a lateral face of the containment body to a second face, not facing the first face of the connector chamber; and a gasket arranged in the connector chamber. The gasket has a side wall internally delimiting a cavity and extending in part adjacent to the second face of the connector chamber. The cavity of the gasket faces the first face of the connector chamber.