Rotating Microfluidic Chip for Centrifugal Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal microfluidic systems face limitations in fluid manipulation freedom due to radial outward centrifugal force, making large-scale assays integration difficult and increasing complexity and cost, which hinders portability and market entry.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal microfluidic control system integrating a microfluidic supporting chip into a centrifugal tube, utilizing a commercial centrifuge for pumping force and a wireless stepper motor to change chip orientation, enabling 3D manipulation and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-manipulation strategies or chip orientation changeable systems are used to add degrees of freedom for fluidic manipulation, then fluid manipulation freedom is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the direction of centrifugal force by complex mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by rotating the chip itself to change the orientation of its channels and chambers relative to the radial centrifugal force. This allows the same centrifugal force to achieve different fluid manipulation effects (inward/outward flow, lateral flow) simply by rotating the chip to different angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic rotation mechanism that allows the chip to be rotated to different orientations during the assay process. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to switch between different fluid manipulation modes (inward pumping, outward pumping, lateral flow) without requiring multiple static manipulation mechanisms, thereby reducing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-manipulation strategies or chip orientation changeable systems are used to add degrees of freedom for fluidic manipulation, then fluid manipulation freedom is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single chip perform multiple functions by rotating it to different orientations. The same chip can achieve inward pumping, outward pumping, lateral flow, and even 3D manipulation across multiple layers, eliminating the need for multiple specialized manipulation mechanisms and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex manipulation mechanisms to achieve different fluid flow directions, the patent inverts the approach by rotating the chip to change the orientation of its fixed channels relative to the centrifugal force, achieving the same effects with a simpler, more cost-effective system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotation systems are added to change chip orientation, then fluid manipulation freedom is improved, but portability is reduced due to cumbersome rotation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rotation mechanism that allows the chip to be rotated to different orientations during the assay process. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to switch between different fluid manipulation modes (inward pumping, outward pumping, lateral flow) without requiring multiple static manipulation mechanisms, thereby reducing system complexity.
4Device complexity
If lab-tube or lab on DVDs systems are used to improve portability and universality, then system complexity is reduced, but fluid manipulation freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex manipulation mechanisms to achieve different fluid flow directions, the patent inverts the approach by rotating the chip to change the orientation of its fixed channels relative to the centrifugal force, achieving the same effects with a simpler, more cost-effective system.
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
Enhances fluidic manipulation freedom, facilitates large-scale integration, ensures safety for infectious samples, and increases portability and market accessibility by using standard laboratory equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The centrifugal unit may accommodate the centrifugal tube and provide a centrifugal force to the centrifugal tube
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a centrifugal microfluidics control system and a method configuring the same. The system may comprise a centrifugal tube; a centrifugal unit for accommodating the centrifugal tube and providing a centrifugal force to the centrifugal tube; a control unit fixed in bottom of the centrifugal tube; and a microfluidic supporting unit coupled to the control unit in the centrifugal tube. The control unit may change an orientation of the microfluidic supporting unit to change a direction of the centrifugal force applied to the microfluidic supporting unit.