Rotating Fluid Transfer Modules for Continuous Microfluidic Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal microfluidic platforms face limitations in handling larger sample volumes and multiple reagents, particularly for applications like liquid biopsies, due to throughput constraints and issues with wetting properties leading to clogging and inefficient fluid distribution.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for transferring liquid between rotating modules, where each module has a dedicated drive for independent rotation, synchronized to align fluid and transfer orifices, allowing continuous and precise fluid transfer without stopping, using a control system to compensate for misalignment and centrifugal deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fluid is transferred using stationary dispenser into stationary cartridge, then filling is simple and reliable, but the system cannot handle larger sample volumes and multiple reagents efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making both the dispenser and cartridge rotate during fluid transfer. The dispenser rotates to present different dispensing positions sequentially, while the cartridge rotates to bring different fluid ports into alignment. This dynamic approach enables continuous transfer of larger volumes and multiple reagents without stopping the system, thereby increasing throughput and sample volume capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous rotation of both dispenser and cartridge during fluid transfer, eliminating idle stopping periods. The synchronized rotation ensures that fluid transfer occurs continuously as ports align during rotation, maximizing productivity and enabling efficient handling of multiple reagents and larger sample volumes without interruption.
2Ease of operation
If reagents are pre-filled in microfluidic cartridge, then initial setup is convenient, but wetting properties cause capillary action that distributes liquids throughout the system causing clogging and filling problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by rotating the cartridge in discrete steps, bringing one fluid port into alignment with the dispenser at a time. This sequential, periodic presentation of ports allows controlled dispensing of reagents directly into specific chambers, preventing uncontrolled capillary distribution and clogging while maintaining ease of operation through automated positioning.
3Device complexity
If dispenser remains in fixed position while cartridge rotates, then system structure is simple, but precise alignment and synchronization of fluid ports is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the alignment precision problem by making the dispenser dynamic rather than fixed. Both the dispenser and cartridge rotate in a coordinated manner, with the dispenser rotating to precisely present dispensing positions. This dynamic positioning system achieves high alignment precision through synchronized rotation control, overcoming the limitations of simple fixed-position designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the rotational positions of the dispenser and cartridge. Sensors detect the angular positions and provide feedback to the control system, which adjusts rotation speeds and stopping positions to ensure precise alignment of fluid ports with dispensing positions, achieving manufacturing-level precision through closed-loop control.
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 flexible and reliable transfer of larger volumes and multiple reagents during sample preparation and analysis, avoiding capillary forces and enabling online process control with programmable volume dispensing and high flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
devices and methods for transferring liquid between modules rotating about an axis of rotation... a fluid opening of the fluid module moves along a circular path around the axis of rotation... allowing continuous and precise fluid transfer without stopping
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for transferring fluid between a fluidic module rotating about an axis of rotation and a transfer module rotating about the axis of rotation, said apparatus comprising a first drive which is designed to rotate the fluidic module in order to move a fluid opening of the fluidic module, which opening is oriented in a first direction and is fluidically connected to fluidic structures in the fluidic module, along a circular path about the axis of rotation. The first direction corresponds to a first axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation or has an angle of < 90° with respect to the first axial direction. A second drive is designed to rotate the transfer module in order to move a transfer opening of the transfer module, which opening is oriented in a second axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation, along a circular path about the axis of rotation. The second direction corresponds to a second axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation, said second axial direction being opposite to the first axial direction, or has an angle of < 90° with respect to the second axial direction. The controller is designed to synchronise the rotation of the fluidic module and the rotation of the transfer module in order to position the fluid opening and the transfer opening relative to one another in order to allow fluid transfer between the transfer opening and the fluid opening during the rotations.