Pump Manifold Assembly for Flow Cell Fluidic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sequencing platforms face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow through multiple channels, leading to inefficiencies in reagent usage, increased run times, and potential contamination between reagents.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that couple a flow cell with multiple channels to a flow cell interface, which is fluidically connected to a pump manifold assembly. This assembly includes pump valves and pumps that can individually control fluid flow through each channel via corresponding pump-channel fluidic lines, allowing for precise management of reagents and samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple channels are controlled using shared fluidic lines without individual pump control, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and fluid flow control are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluidic control system complexityVSAvoidfluid flow control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the fluidic control into separate pump-channel fluidic lines for each channel, allowing individualized control of fluid flow to each channel while maintaining a shared fluidic line architecture for reagent distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shared fluidic line serves multiple channels simultaneously, providing a universal pathway for reagent distribution while individual pump-channel lines provide specialized control for each channel's specific requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If individual pump control for each channel is implemented, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow control precisionVSAvoidpump manifold assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump manifold assembly is segmented into multiple pump-channel fluidic lines, each dedicated to a specific channel, enabling precise individual control while organizing complexity into manageable modular units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple individual pump control lines are merged into a shared fluidic line architecture, combining the benefits of individualized control with the simplicity of shared infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If reagents flow through shared fluidic lines without individual channel control, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluidic system complexityVSAvoidreagent contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fluidic system is segmented into separate pump-channel lines that can be independently controlled and isolated, preventing cross-contamination between channels while maintaining a shared reagent supply pathway

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump manifold assembly acts as an intermediary between the shared reagent supply and individual channels, providing a controlled interface that prevents direct contamination while enabling precise fluid management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of substance

If individual channel control is implemented, then reagent usage efficiency is improved, but run time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent consumptionVSAvoidoperational run time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning pump valves and controlling fluid flow individually to each channel before main operations begin, enabling optimized reagent delivery that reduces overall consumption while maintaining efficient timing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shared fluidic line enables continuous reagent supply to multiple channels simultaneously, maintaining uninterrupted useful action across all channels while individual pump control optimizes the timing and amount of reagent delivered to each

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12226767B2Systems and related sample loading manifold assemblies

Publication Date: 2025.02.18 ILLUMINA INC

AI summary

An apparatus includes one or more valves adapted to be coupled to corresponding reagent reservoirs and a flow cell interface adapted to be coupled to a flow cell. The apparatus includes a sample cartridge interface having one or more ports and adapted to be coupled to a sample cartridge carrying a sample of interest. The sample cartridge interface positioned downstream of the flow cell interface. The apparatus includes a pump adapted to load a channel of the flow cell with the sample of interest via the flow cell interface associated with an outlet of the flow cell and a corresponding port of the sample cartridge interface.