Tapered Channel Fluid Transport Between Chips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transporting micro-volumes of fluid between fluid processing chips require tubing and external pumps, leading to large dead volumes of fluid and increased costs due to unused reagents and larger sample sizes.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a substrate, first and second fluid processing chips, a tapered channel, and a fluid actuator that utilizes directional capillary force imbalances within the tapered channel to transport micro-volumes of fluid between chips, eliminating the need for tubing and external pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If tubing and external pumps are used to transport fluid between chips, then fluid transport is achieved, but dead volume increases and reagent costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes tubing and external pumps from the fluid transport system, extracting these components entirely and replacing them with capillary-based transport integrated directly into the chip structure
Solution Approach 2:
The chip performs fluid transport autonomously through capillary forces generated by its own tapered channel geometry, eliminating the need for external pumping mechanisms
2Loss of substance
If tubing and external pumps are used to transport fluid between chips, then fluid transport is achieved, but reagent costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes tubing and external pumps from the fluid transport system, extracting these components entirely and replacing them with capillary-based transport integrated directly into the chip structure
Solution Approach 2:
The chip performs fluid transport autonomously through capillary forces generated by its own tapered channel geometry, eliminating the need for external pumping mechanisms
3Quantity of substance
If tubing and external pumps are used to transport fluid between chips, then fluid transport is achieved, but sample size requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes tubing and external pumps from the fluid transport system, extracting these components entirely and replacing them with capillary-based transport integrated directly into the chip structure
Solution Approach 2:
The chip performs fluid transport autonomously through capillary forces generated by its own tapered channel geometry, eliminating the need for external pumping mechanisms
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 reduces dead volumes, decreases reagent costs, and minimizes sample size requirements by efficiently moving micro-volumes of fluid between chips using capillary forces, enhancing the processing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The tapered channel may transport the at least the portion of the micro-volume of fluid from the first fluid processing chip to the second fluid processing chip via a directional net driving capillary force imbalanced within the tapered channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A device may include a substrate, a first fluid processing chip, a second fluid processing chip, a tapered channel, and a fluid actuator. The first fluid processing chip may be disposed on the substrate and may process a micro-volume of fluid. The second fluid processing chip may be disposed on the substrate and co-planar with the first fluid processing chip. The second fluid processing chip may process at least a portion of the micro-volume of fluid. The tapered channel may be disposed between the first and second fluid processing chips to transport the at least the portion of the micro-volume of fluid from the first fluid processing chip to the second fluid processing chip. The fluid actuator may be disposed proximate to the tapered channel and may control movement of the at least the portion of the micro-volume of fluid within the tapered channel.