Self-Aligning Optical Fiber Coupling for Microfluidics Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical coupling methods for microfluidics systems are cumbersome and require manual alignment, limiting the number of connections and complicating the mechanical setup, especially at the microfluidics device side.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning optical fiber system with a movable slide mechanism and ferrule assemblies that automatically aligns instrument and cartridge fiber optic couplers, allowing for multiple optical detection channels with precise face-to-face alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual optical fiber connection is used, then optical coupling can be achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber connector is designed with self-aligning features including a alignment guide structure and alignment marks that enable the connector to automatically align with the optical fiber during insertion, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and reducing connection time
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide structure and alignment marks are pre-configured on the connector before use, establishing the alignment path and position in advance so that when the connector is inserted, the optical fiber automatically follows the pre-established alignment path, eliminating time-consuming manual alignment
2Adaptability or versatility
If single connector is used, then optical coupling is achieved, but the number of connections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber connector is divided into multiple independent connection positions, each capable of connecting to a separate optical fiber, allowing a single connector to establish multiple optical connections simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows each connection position to independently connect to different optical fibers, making the single connector capable of supporting multiple different optical connection configurations and applications
3Device complexity
If mechanical complexity is concentrated at the microfluidics device side, then optical coupling is achieved, but the device side becomes overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment guide structure and alignment marks are integrated into the connector rather than being separate components, extracting the alignment function from the overall device structure and concentrating it in the connector, which simplifies the microfluidics device side while maintaining optical coupling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide structure and alignment marks are combined into a single integrated connector component, merging the alignment function with the connection function, which reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to microfluidics systems, instruments, and cartridges including self-aligning optical fiber systems and methods of use thereof. More specifically, the disclosure describes a microfluidics instrument including an optical detection system, microfluidics cartridge, and a self-aligning optical fiber system capable of coupling the microfluidics instrument and the microfluidics cartridge. Further, the disclosure provides methods of optical detection operations using a microfluidics system.