Rotary-Valve Inspection Chip for Simplified Channel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection chips with channel switching structures are overly complicated when performing analyses with multiple reagents or samples.
Innovation Solution
An inspection chip with a rotary valve that allows for simplified channel switching by rotating about a central axis, connecting various channels in different configurations to facilitate specimen introduction, adsorption, washing, recovery, and detection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external channel means are moved on the surface of the base material to switch channels, then channel switching is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated when performing analysis with multiple reagents or samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the channel switching function with the valve mechanism, integrating multiple channel connection capabilities into a single rotary valve component. This eliminates the need for separate external channel means and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to switch between multiple channels for different reagents and samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve is designed as a universal component that can connect to multiple channels (specimen introduction channel, washing liquid introduction channel, recovery liquid introduction channel, and detection channel) through a single rotation mechanism. This multi-functional design allows the same valve to handle various fluid types and process steps without requiring separate switching mechanisms for each channel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are connected for analysis with multiple reagents or samples, then analysis versatility is improved, but the channel switching structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel connection function into distinct connection channels (first connection channel for specimen introduction, second connection channel for washing liquid, third connection channel for recovery liquid, and fourth connection channel for detection). Each connection channel is independently controllable through the rotary valve, allowing versatile multi-reagent analysis while maintaining a simplified switching structure through modular segmentation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inspection chip with simplified channel switching structure, which is generally complicated. An inspection chip 1 including a chip main body 2 having a specimen introduction channel, an adsorption channel including an adsorption unit, a first waste liquid channel, a recovery liquid introduction channel, and a detection channel including a detection unit; and a rotary valve 3 attached to the chip main body 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, the rotary valve 3 having a plurality of connection channels, the plurality of connection channels being arranged so that the rotary valve 3 is capable of taking at least a first state and a second state when the rotary valve 3 rotates about the rotation axis, the first state being a state in which the specimen introduction channel, the adsorption channel, and the first waste liquid channel are connected so as to be provided in this order from an upstream side, and the second state being a state in which the recovery liquid introduction channel, the adsorption channel, and the detection channel are connected so as to be provided in this order from the upstream side.