Rotary Valve Fluidics for Automated Sample Prep and Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biochemical analysis systems require significant user intervention and are not capable of executing protocols like whole genome sequencing efficiently within a short timeframe and cost constraints, lacking automation for sample preparation and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a fluidic network with a rotary valve that automates the flow of biological samples and reaction components between a sample channel, reaction chamber, and reservoirs, utilizing a pump assembly and detection device to perform biochemical reactions and analysis with minimal user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated systems are implemented to reduce user intervention, then productivity and data quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the assay workflow into distinct functional modules: a rotary valve assembly with multiple positions for different operations, separate reservoirs for reagents and samples, a reaction chamber for biochemical reactions, and a detection device. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently controlled, enabling automated high-throughput processing while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve serves multiple functions by rotating to different positions: it controls fluid flow between sample reservoirs, reagent reservoirs, the reaction chamber, and waste collection. This single component performs what would otherwise require multiple separate valves, reducing overall device complexity while enabling automated multi-step protocols including whole genome sequencing
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reservoirs and flow paths are integrated for complex protocols, then assay versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve provides dynamic flow path configuration by rotating to different positions during the assay protocol. The fluidic connections are not fixed but change dynamically as the valve rotates, allowing the system to adapt to different protocol requirements (e.g., whole genome sequencing, other biochemical assays) without requiring physical reconfiguration of the device
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functional components within a compact architecture: reservoirs are positioned around the rotary valve, which centrally controls flow to the reaction chamber. The detection device is integrated with or adjacent to the reaction chamber. This nested arrangement allows complex multi-reservoir, multi-step protocols to be executed within a space-efficient design, balancing versatility with manageable complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for conducting designated reactions that include a fluidic network having a sample channel, a reaction chamber, and a reservoir. The sample channel is in flow communication with a sample port. The system also includes a rotary valve that has a flow channel and is configured to rotate between first and second valve positions. The flow channel fluidically couples the reaction chamber and the sample channel when the rotary valve is in the first valve position and fluidically couples the reservoir and the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the second valve position. A pump assembly induces a flow of a biological sample toward the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the first valve position and induces a flow of a reaction component from the reservoir toward the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the second valve position.