Device for receiving, dispensing, and moving liquids
Inventors
Moche, Christian • Klemm, Richard • Gärtner, Claudia
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11446657-B2
Publication Date
2022-09-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
A microfluidic system comprising a chamber closed by movable elements and connected to at least one channel. The system has at least one structured component and at least one component attached to the structured component. The chamber is used such that the movable element can be moved into the chamber as well as out of the chamber by a movement of the movable element. Liquids or gases can be moved via one or more channels connected to the chamber by the movement and dispensed or received out of the structured component via a connection of the channel. A liquid reagent reservoir is connected to the pump chamber via the sample supply channel. Thus, the system can be used to receive, pump, dilute, mix, and dispense liquids or gases.
Core Innovation
A microfluidic system is provided with a planar structured component essentially flat or plate-like. The planar structured component has a chamber and a channel system formed as recesses into the planar structured component from a same planar surface, and the channel extends in longitudinal direction of the planar structured component and is connected to the chamber.
An other planar component essentially flat or plate-like is attached to the planar surface of the planar structured component so that the chamber and the channel system are formed by the planar structured component and the other planar component. The chamber and the channel system are liquid-tight closed at the surface of the planar structured component, and the chamber is fluidically connected to the outside via the channel system and at least one fluidic interface formed at a lateral side surface of the planar structured component and protruding as a projection from the lateral side surface.
The other planar component being attached to the planar structured component has a flexible and movable portion at least partially adjacent to the chamber. The flexible and movable portion is adapted to be pushed by a pressure applied by a thumb from outside due to its flexibility into the chamber in a direction perpendicular to the chamber and channel system, and automatically moves back due to its material properties after being pushed into the chamber.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 defines the core thumb-operable planar microfluidic system with a liquid-tight chamber/channel arrangement and a laterally protruding fluidic interface, using a flexible and movable portion that is pushed by a thumb and returns automatically.
Planar chamber and longitudinal channel system formed as recesses
A microfluidic system comprising a planar structured component having a chamber and a channel system, where the chamber and the channel system are formed as recesses into the planar structured component from a same planar surface and the channel extends in longitudinal direction and is connected to the chamber.
Liquid-tight closed chamber and channel system by attached planar component
The other planar component being attached to the planar surface of the planar structured component so that the chamber and the channel system are formed by the planar structured component and the other planar component, thereby the chamber and the channel system are liquid-tight closed at the surface of the planar structured component.
Laterally protruding fluidic interface for outside connection
The chamber is fluidically connected to the outside via the channel system and at least one fluidic interface, wherein the fluidic interface is formed at a lateral side surface of the planar structured component and protrudes as a projection from the lateral side surface.
Thumb-actuated flexible and movable portion perpendicular to chamber
The other planar component attached to the planar structured component has a flexible and movable portion at least partially adjacent to the chamber, wherein the flexible and movable portion is adapted to be pushed by a pressure applied by a thumb from outside due to its flexibility into the chamber in a direction perpendicular to the chamber and channel system.
Automatic return enabling intake and discharge of liquids or gases
So that liquids or gases can be taken in or discharged via the at least one fluidic interface or moved in the microfluidic system, wherein the flexible and movable portion automatically moves back due to its material properties after being pushed into the chamber by actuation of the thumb.
Across clm-00001, the claim coverage centers on a planar recess-formed chamber and longitudinal channel system sealed by an attached planar component, coupled to the outside through a laterally protruding fluidic interface, and driven by a thumb-actuated flexible and movable portion that moves perpendicular to the chamber and automatically returns to enable intake and discharge of liquids or gases.
Stated Advantages
Enables liquids or gases to be taken in or discharged via the at least one fluidic interface or moved in the microfluidic system.
Supports thumb actuation of volume displacement into the chamber with automatic back movement due to material properties.
Documented Applications
Venting device arrangement for venting through an additional external-connected channel or through a gas-permeable membrane (as a refinement of the microfluidic system).
Use of an inlet channel with a passive stopping function for receiving a defined quantity of liquid (as a refinement of the microfluidic system).
Use of an additional reagent reservoir configured as a blister with a blister seat containing piercing elements and a flap to enable a defined-volume dosage (as a refinement of the microfluidic system).
Cavity for optical readout and/or reaction, preferably with different depths (as a refinement of the microfluidic system).
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