Pump Manifold Assembly for Multi-Channel Flow and Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sequencing platforms face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow through multiple channels, reducing reagent consumption, and minimizing contamination between reagents and analytes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pump manifold assembly with individual control over fluid flow through each channel, combined with a sample loading manifold assembly for back-loading samples, reduces reagent usage and minimizes contamination by allowing separate and controlled flow of samples and reagents through a shared fluidic system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a shared fluidic system is used for multiple channels, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination between reagents and analytes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic system is segmented into separate fluidic lines for each channel, with individual pump control. Each channel has its own dedicated fluidic path from the shared reservoir through individual valves and pumps, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining system integration through the shared reservoir architecture.
2Measurement precision
If individual pump control for each channel is implemented, then fluid flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump manifold assembly serves multiple functions: it houses individual pumps for each channel, integrates valve control mechanisms, manages fluidic line connections, and coordinates sample and reagent delivery. This multi-functional integration achieves precise individual channel control while consolidating complexity into a single modular unit.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate handling of samples and reagents is implemented, then contamination risk is reduced, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous fluid flow through the shared reservoir architecture, where samples and reagents are delivered in sequence without stopping the pump operation. The individual valve control enables seamless switching between sample and reagent delivery, maintaining continuous useful action while preventing contamination through separate fluidic paths.
4Loss of substance
If reagent consumption is reduced, then cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality control through individual valve and pump control for each channel, enabling precise regulation of fluid flow rates and volumes. This localized control allows optimized reagent delivery to each channel based on specific experimental requirements, reducing overall reagent consumption while maintaining high manufacturing precision through channel-specific parameter optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a flow cell interface adapted to be coupled to a flow cell having a plurality of channels and a pump manifold assembly carrying pump valves and pumps and including pump-channel fluidic lines, pump fluidic lines, and a shared fluidic line. The pump valves and the pumps are operable to individually control fluid flow through each channel of the plurality of channels of the flow cell via the corresponding pump-channel fluidic lines. Each pump valve being coupled to a corresponding pump-channel fluidic line, a corresponding pump fluidic line, and the shared fluidic line and being movable between a first position fluidically coupling a corresponding channel, a corresponding pump-channel fluidic line, and a corresponding pump fluidic line and a second position fluidically coupling a corresponding pump fluidic line, the shared fluidic line, and a waste reservoir. Each pump coupled to a corresponding pump fluidic line.