Snap-Fit Microfluidic Device for Reusable Biomaterial Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biomaterial testing devices are complex, difficult to assemble, and often require permanent fixation, making them hard to clean and reuse, limiting their application in multiple testing scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a minimal number of parts, assembled using 3D printing and injection molding, featuring resilient gaskets and a snap-fit mechanism for easy disassembly and reassembly, allowing for repeated use and efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If permanent fixation techniques are used to assemble testing devices, then structural stability is improved, but ease of disassembly and cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is divided into separate modular components (base member, cover member, gasket) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The base member and cover member are separate pieces that snap together, allowing the device to be taken apart for cleaning and reassembly without permanent fixation, thus maintaining structural stability while enabling easy disassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex construction is used to create testing devices, then functional capability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional features are merged into a single snap-fit mechanism. The same protrusions and recesses that provide structural alignment also create the sealing interface when combined with the gasket, and enable easy assembly through snapping. This consolidation of functions into a simple mechanism improves ease of assembly while maintaining functional capability.
3Ease of operation
If single-use construction is used, then ease of cleaning is improved, but device lifespan deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be disassembled, cleaned, and reused multiple times. The snap-fit construction allows rapid disassembly for cleaning without damage, and the durable materials (medical-grade plastics, silicone gasket) ensure the device can be reassembled and reused many times, recovering the device for continued use rather than discarding it after single use.
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
The device provides a cost-effective, reusable testing solution that can be easily assembled and disassembled, extending its lifespan and facilitating multiple testing runs with enhanced sealing effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a peripheral clamping frame disposed on the cover glass and comprising resiliently flexible locking protrusions. The locking protrusions are configured to form a snap interlock with the base member to compress the cover glass between the clamping frame and gasket which fluidly seals the chambers
Implementation Method 2
A resiliently deformable first gasket is disposed on base member... Certain embodiments include a second resiliently deformable gasket compressed between the clamping frame and first cover glass for added sealing effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A device for testing aqueous laboratory samples in one embodiment includes a base member extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a plurality of sample chambers recessed in a first outer surface. A resiliently deformable first gasket is disposed on the first outer surface and comprises openings each corresponding to a respective one of the chambers. At least a first cover glass is disposed on the first gasket to enclose the openings. A peripheral clamping frame disposed on the first cover glass comprises resiliently flexible cantilevered locking protrusions configured to form a snap interlock with the base member and compress the first cover glass between the clamping frame and first gasket to seal the chambers. Some embodiments include a second resiliently deformable gasket compressed between the clamping frame and first cover glass. Fluid couplings associated with each chamber allow fluid to enter and exit the chambers.