Fluidic Flow Path Pressure Testing for Sequencing Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sequencing systems face challenges in efficiently testing and maintaining pressure within fluidic systems, which can lead to leaks and affect the integrity and reliability of molecular sequencing operations.
Innovation Solution
A system is developed that includes a fluidic interface with multiple flow paths and effluent lines, a selector valve, pumps, and pressure sensors, controlled by circuitry to execute a prescribed test protocol, allowing for stepwise pressurization and pressure testing of different flow paths to determine if they maintain pressure within desired limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure testing is performed on fluidic systems, then leak detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic system is divided into multiple discrete flow paths, each independently testable through the fluidic interface. This segmentation allows pressure testing to be performed on individual channels rather than the entire system at once, making the testing process more manageable and less complex while maintaining comprehensive leak detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure testing is performed as a preliminary action before actual sequencing operations begin. By conducting leak detection in advance, the system identifies and addresses potential issues before they affect sample integrity or require complex troubleshooting during operation, thereby improving reliability without adding operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple flow paths are tested individually, then measurement precision is improved, but testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic interface is designed with universal components that can handle multiple flow paths through a single standardized interface. The same pressure sensing and control mechanisms serve all flow paths, allowing individual testing without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each channel. This multi-functionality maintains measurement precision while reducing overall testing time compared to using separate testing systems for each path.
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
This solution enables early detection of potential leaks, preventing sample loss and damage to equipment by ensuring the fluidic system operates within desired pressure parameters, thus enhancing the reliability and integrity of sequencing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor in fluidic communication with the selected flow path, the pressure sensor to detect pressure in the selected flow path and to generate pressure data based on the detected pressure
Implementation Method 2
the control circuity having one or more processors and a memory to store, or storing, computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, control the one or more pumps so as to pressurize the selected flow path according to a prescribed test protocol
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis system includes a fluidic system includes a number of components that are interconnected to form a fluidic system having a plurality of flow paths. An example method of pressure testing the fluidic system includes (a) selecting a flow path from the plurality of flow paths through a flow cell in accordance with a prescribed test protocol; (b) actuating a pump to pressurize a fluid in the selected flow path; (c) generating pressure data representative of the pressure in the selected flow path; and (d) processing the pressure data to determine whether the selected flow path maintains pressure in a desired manner.