Sequencing Carrier Fluid Manifold for Reliable Flow Cell Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing a reliable fluid connection and control mechanism for reagents into a flow cell in gene sequencing systems is challenging, particularly in high-throughput sequencing platforms.
Innovation Solution
A carrier apparatus with a fluid connecting assembly and movement mechanism that allows for controlled fluid communication and disconnection between the flow cell and the manifold, utilizing a cam mechanism, rack-and-pinion mechanism, or crank-slider mechanism to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid connection mechanism is established to enable reagent flow into the flow cell, then sequencing functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connecting assembly is segmented into a manifold with multiple independent fluid channels, each capable of being independently connected to or disconnected from the flow cell. This segmentation allows selective fluid control for different reagents while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold serves multiple functions: it distributes different reagents through separate channels, provides a standardized connection interface to the flow cell, and enables both fluid delivery and disconnection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
2Ease of operation
If a movement mechanism is added to control fluid connection, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connecting assembly is designed to be movable relative to the flow cell assembly, transitioning between a first position (connected) and a second position (disconnected). This dynamic design enables automatic fluid connection and disconnection through relative motion, improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement mechanism acts as an intermediary that translates control signals into physical displacement of the fluid connecting assembly. This intermediary component simplifies the control interface while managing the mechanical complexity of the connection mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the fluid connecting assembly is made movable to enable connection and disconnection, then operation convenience is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable modules: the flow cell assembly and the fluid connecting assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is designed as a universal component that can connect to different flow cells through standardized interfaces. This universality allows the same component to be reused across multiple assemblies, simplifying manufacturing and inventory management.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a carrier apparatus and a sequencing system. The carrier apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a carrier platform, a fluid connecting assembly, and a movement mechanism. The carrier platform includes a table surface, the table surface being detachably connected to a flow cell assembly; the flow cell assembly includes a flow cell, with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet being respectively formed at both ends of the flow cell. The fluid connecting assembly includes a manifold arranged in correspondence with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The movement mechanism drives the fluid connecting assembly to move, including: when the fluid connecting assembly is located at a first position, the fluid connecting assembly and the flow cell assembly form a fluid communication through the manifold with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and when the fluid connecting assembly is located at a second position, communication between the fluid connecting assembly and the flow cell assembly is cut off. In the carrier apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the fluid connecting assembly is driven by the movement mechanism to move relative to the flow cell assembly, such that the communication between the fluid connecting assembly and the flow cell assembly can be achieved or cut off. The carrier apparatus is simple in structure and convenient to operate.