Sealed Multi-Channel Fluid Processing for Contamination-Free Sample Prep
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid processing techniques and devices are prone to human error, equipment error, cross contamination, and environmental contamination, leading to imprecise or inaccurate results and inconsistent sample preparations. These methods are also time-consuming and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A fluid processing device comprising two or more fluid channels and multiple processing stations, each equipped with pump assemblies and reagent input systems, allowing for simultaneous and identical processing of multiple fluid samples. This device is designed to minimize human intervention and reduce the risk of contamination by sealing the fluid processing within a consumable cassette.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluid processing techniques are used, then equipment complexity and cost increase, but processing precision and consistency deteriorate due to human error and equipment variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fluid processing functions (pumping, mixing, incubation, separation) into a single integrated microfluidic device. Multiple fluid channels are merged into one device with shared control mechanisms, eliminating the need for multiple separate pieces of equipment and reducing human intervention points that cause errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device incorporates automated control systems that self-regulate fluid flow, mixing ratios, and processing timing without human intervention. The device autonomously performs multi-step processing sequences, eliminating human error and equipment variability while maintaining high precision.
2Productivity
If conventional fluid processing equipment is used, then processing capability is adequate, but processing time increases due to manual operations and sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device enables continuous fluid processing through integrated channels that allow simultaneous multi-step operations. Fluid samples undergo multiple processing steps (mixing, incubation, separation) in continuous flow without stopping or manual transfer, dramatically reducing processing time while maintaining adequate processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential processing in separate equipment to parallel processing across multiple fluid channels within a single device. Multiple samples can be processed simultaneously through different channels, and multiple steps occur concurrently through the integrated design, increasing productivity without sacrificing processing capability.
3Reliability
If manual fluid processing is performed, then equipment cost is reduced, but contamination risk increases due to human intervention and environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device uses sealed microchannels and closed-system architecture that prevent environmental contamination. The integrated design incorporates sealed connections between all fluid handling components, eliminating open transfer points where contamination could occur, while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standard microfabrication techniques.
4Reliability
If multiple separate processing stations are used, then processing versatility is adequate, but cross-contamination risk increases between samples
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device incorporates physically separated fluid channels for different samples, with each channel completely isolated from others. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between samples while maintaining the ability to process multiple sample types and perform various fluid processing functions within each isolated channel, preserving processing versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluid processing device comprises multiple separate fluid channels and multiple processing stations configured to perform identical and simultaneous process steps on multiple fluid samples in the fluid channels. An embodiment of the fluid processing device is contained in a compact, low-cost, sealed consumable with sample input wells, reagent input wells, and sample output wells.