Pneumatic Valve Liquid Distribution for Fluidic Chips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid distribution systems for fluidic chips, such as organ-on-a-chip devices, lack the capability for simultaneous and independent perfusion of multiple chambers, are not compatible with conventional optical systems, and do not offer precise control over flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A liquid distribution system comprising a multilayer structure with a liquid distribution layer and a pneumatic control module. The system includes liquid inlets, feeding ports, collecting ports, and channels, with valves controlled by a pneumatic module to establish fluid communication between inlets, feeding ports, and collecting ports, allowing for parallel and independent perfusion of multiple chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a liquid distribution system is designed to perfuse multiple chambers simultaneously and independently, then the productivity and screening capability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple valves and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distribution system is divided into multiple independent feeding channels, each equipped with its own valve and control mechanism. This segmentation allows each channel to independently perfuse specific chambers or regions of the fluidic chip, enabling simultaneous multi-point distribution while maintaining individual control over each pathway
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a multilayer architecture with feeding channels arranged in different spatial dimensions and planes. This dimensional organization allows multiple channels to operate simultaneously without interference, increasing the distribution capacity while managing the complexity through structured spatial arrangement
2Ease of operation
If a liquid distribution system uses conventional optical components, then the ease of operation with existing equipment is improved, but the measurement precision and compatibility with advanced optical systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distribution system is designed with optical components and chamber structures that serve multiple functions: they work with conventional optical microscopes for basic observation and operation, while also being compatible with advanced optical systems for high-precision measurement and analysis. This universality allows the same system to be used across different operational levels without requiring separate setups
3Ease of operation
If the liquid distribution system uses simple flow control mechanisms, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and flow rate control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical flow control mechanisms with electronically controlled valves and automated pumping systems. This substitution maintains operational simplicity through electronic interfaces while achieving high flow rate control precision through electronic regulation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
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
Enables simultaneous distribution and screening of different solutions and molecules with high robustness and interoperability, maximizing ease of use and reproducibility of results, while being compatible with existing optical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic control module, the valves being actuated by pneumatic means
Implementation Method 2
at least one feeding channel fluidically connecting each liquid inlet to the plurality of liquid feeding ports
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a liquid distribution system (1) for fluidic chips (3) comprising: - a liquid distribution layer (12) comprising: - a plurality of liquid inlets (121); - a plurality of liquid feeding ports (123); - a plurality of liquid collecting ports (124); - at least one liquid outlet (122); - at least one feeding channel (125a, 125b, 125c) fluidically connecting each liquid inlet (121) to the plurality of liquid feeding ports (123); - at least one collecting channel (126a, 126b, 126c) fluidically connecting the liquid outlet (122) to the plurality of liquid collecting ports (124); wherein the liquid distribution layer (12) is configured to be coupled to one or more fluidic chips (3) having a plurality of fluidic chip inlets (32) and fluidic chip outlets (33), each liquid feeding port (123) being configured to be coupled to a fluidic chip inlet (32) and each liquid collecting port (124) being configured to be coupled to a fluidic chip outlet (33); - a control module (11) comprising a plurality of valves (18), each valve (18) being configured to open or obstruct fluid communication in the feeding channel (125a, 125b, 125c) or in the collecting channel (126a, 126b, 126c) of the liquid distribution layer (12), the control module (11) being configured to selectively establish fluid communication between any of the liquid inlets (121) and any of the liquid feeding ports (123).