U.S. patent application number 11/134131 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for microluidic valve having two revolving valve elements.
Invention is credited to Martin Bauerle, Friedhelm Koch.
Application Number | 20060260700 11/134131 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34307096 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060260700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bauerle; Martin ; et
al. |
November 23, 2006 |
MICROLUIDIC VALVE HAVING TWO REVOLVING VALVE ELEMENTS
Abstract
A component part of a microfluidic valve adapted to be coupled
with a microfluidic device, the microfluidic device having at least
one port coupled to a flow path of the microfluidic device, the
component part comprising a first revolving valve element having a
first interface with the microfluidic device and a second revolving
valve element having a second interface with the microfluidic
device and being located within a through hole of the first
revolving valve element.
Inventors: |
Bauerle; Martin; (Buhlertal,
DE) ; Koch; Friedhelm; (Karlsbad, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERMAN & GREEN
425 POST ROAD
FAIRFIELD
CT
06824
US
|
Family ID: |
34307096 |
Appl. No.: |
11/134131 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/625.46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/87145 20150401;
F16K 99/0013 20130101; Y10T 137/86863 20150401; F16K 99/0001
20130101; G01N 2030/202 20130101; G01N 2035/1034 20130101; F16K
2099/0084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/625.46 |
International
Class: |
F16K 11/072 20060101
F16K011/072 |
Claims
1. Component part of a microfluidic valve adapted to be coupled
with a microfluidic device, the microfluidic device having at least
one port coupled to a flow path of the microfluidic device, the
component part comprising a first revolving valve element having a
first interface with the microfluidic device, and a second
revolving valve element having a second interface with the
microfluidic device and being located within a through hole or
recess of the first revolving valve element.
2. The component part of claim 1, wherein at least one of the valve
elements comprise at least one of the following features: a
coupling, in particular a step, for coupling with an actuator, a
center hole, a through bore, at least one fluid-conducting feature,
in particular being inserted in the interfaces of the valve
elements, at least one groove, in particular being part of the
fluid-conducting feature, at least one substantially planar contact
surface, in particular being part of the interfaces of the valve
elements.
3. The component part of claim 1, wherein the through hole is a
cylindrical hole, and wherein the second revolving valve element
has at least partly a cylindrical shape and is located within the
first revolving valve element by a clearance fit, wherein in
particular the first revolving valve element has at least partly
the shape of a hollow cylinder.
4. The component part of claim 1, wherein the valve elements are
rotatable coaxially, in particular are adapted to be actuated by
rotating them coaxially by the actuator separately or concurrently
in any direction of rotating.
5. The component part of claim 1, wherein the interfaces of the
valve elements are adapted to interact with the port, in particular
with 12 ports, of the microfluidic device.
6. An assembly for handling liquid with a multi-route switching
valve comprising a microfluidic device, in particular a
microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic device is adapted for
interacting with the valve and comprises at least one port, wherein
the port is flow controlled by the valve, in particular sealed,
switched, or coupled, wherein the microfluidic device comprises at
least one microfluidic flow path coupled to the port, wherein the
valve is realized by the microfluidic device and a component part
according to claim 1.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the valve is realized by the
interfaces, by the fluid-conducting features of the interfaces of
the valve elements, and by the microfluidic device.
8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the microfluidic device
comprises a surface for coupling with the substantially planar
contact surface/s of the interfaces of the valve elements close to
the port.
9. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the microfluidic device is
adapted for analyzing and/or separating components of a liquid, in
particular by a detection area within or close to the microfluidic
flow path.
10. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the first combination column
and the second combination column cross the flow path, in
particular a forking of the flow path.
Description
BACKGROUND ART
[0001] The present invention relates generally to microfluidic
laboratory technology for chemical, physical, and/or biological
analysis, separation, or synthesis of substances on a substrate
with a microfluidic structure. It relates in particular to valves
associated with microfluidic assemblies, and more specifically, to
component parts of valves adapted to control the flow of liquid
samples for analytical purposes.
[0002] There is a growing demand for biological fluid processing
systems that have generated a need for small fluidic valves. Such
miniaturized microfluidic devices has to fulfill a variety of
requirements such as low dead volume and short flow paths with a
cross section as constant as possible. This results generally in an
improved performance characteristic. A sufficient approach in the
field--compared for example to the use of valves with threaded
connections--is the use of microfluidic chips coupled to revolving
valve elements for flow controlling the microfluidic processes
executed within the chip. One solution to reduce dead volumes is
disclosed for example in the US 2003/0015682 A1. Due to enormous
amounts of samples and components to be analyzed, efforts in the
field are made as well to reduce analyzing time. These efforts have
led to parallelized and more time efficient processes as shown for
example in the EP 1 162 464 A1 or in the WO 01/84143 A1, but also
to higher complexity of systems and executed processes, and
consequently to an increased expenditure for controlling. In
particular, coupling and flow controlling is an important matter of
the latest developments in the technical field of microfluidic
devices as shown for example in the EP 0 310 4413.4 (not published
yet). Increasing the complexity of the processes executed by the
microfluidic devices generally results disadvantageously in a
higher amount of interconnections to be realized, switched, and/or
flow controlled. HPLC valves are described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,616,300. Microfluidic valves are known from US2003/0015682 and
US2003/0116206.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved
controlling, in particular flow controlling, of microfluidic
devices. The object is solved by the independent claims. Preferred
embodiments are shown by the dependent claims.
[0004] According to the present invention, the objects indicated
are achieved by a component part of a microfluidic valve adapted to
be coupled with a microfluidic device. The component part comprises
a first revolving valve element with a first interface with the
microfluidic device. The microfluidic device comprises at least one
port. The component part is characterized by a second valve element
with a second interface with the microfluidic device. The second
revolving valve element is located within a through hole or recess
of the first revolving valve element. A through hole is understood
in this application as any kind of hole, bore, or opening having
any shape. Embodiments may include one or more of the following.
The port of the microfluidic device can be flow controlled by the
interface. Liquid flowing through the port can be sealed or coupled
to the flow path of the microfluidic device. Each valve element can
flow-control the port or further ports of the microfluidic device.
To couple, for example a first port flow-controlled by the first
revolving valve element with a second port flow-controlled by the
second revolving valve element, only a distance shorter than the
diameter of the first revolving valve element has to be bridged by
a flow path. This guarantees microfluidic devices with higher
integrated microfluidic structures with minimal dead volume and
consequently improved performance characteristics.
[0005] According to embodiments of the present invention, the valve
elements are coaxially rotatable. Ports to be flow-controlled by
the valve elements can be arranged in two concentric circles on the
microfluidic device. An outer circle can be assigned to the first
revolving valve element and an inner one to the second revolving
valve element.
[0006] Embodiments may also include one or more of the following.
Preferred the through hole is a cylindrical hole. The second
revolving valve element has at least partly a cylindrical shape and
is located within the first revolving valve element with a
clearance fit. The clearance fit is easy to produce and behaves
like a bearing for the second revolving valve element. The second
revolving valve element can therefore be shaped like a shaft.
Preferred the first revolving valve element has at least partly the
shape of a hollow cylinder. Hollow cylinders can be produced
easily, for example by turning and drilling.
[0007] Embodiments may also include one or more of the following.
At least one of the valve elements has a coupling, in particular a
step, for coupling with an actuator. With this, the valve elements
can be easily adjusted. Preferred the valve elements are adapted to
be actuated by rotating them coaxially, separately, or concurrently
in any direction of rotating. Advantageously a variety of settings
of the valve elements can be achieved. The second revolving valve
element comprises a center blind hole or a through bore. The
through bore can be connected to another flow path. The interfaces
are adapted to interact with the port of the microfluidic device to
flow-control and/or seal them. For this purpose, the interfaces of
the valve elements comprise at least one fluid-conducting feature,
for example a groove. The groove is preferred scratched, grinded,
formed, or such in a substantially planar contact surface of the
valve elements. The planar surface can be put against a surface of
the microfluidic device for sealing the port.
[0008] The invention further relates to an assembly for handling
liquid with a multi-route switching valve. The assembly comprises a
microfluidic device, in particular a microfluidic chip. The valve
can interact with the microfluidic device for flow-controlling the
port. The assembly is characterized in that the valve is realized
by the microfluidic device and a component part in any design as
described above. Embodiments may include one or more of the
following. The port is coupled to a flow path of the microfluidic
device. The component part comprises at least two valve elements.
The planar surface of the valve elements can be put against a
surface of the microfluidic device close to the port for
flow-controlling the port. A plurality of ports can be sealed,
switched, or coupled by the valve to realize complex microfluidic
processes to be executed with the device.
[0009] Embodiments may also include one or more of the following.
The interfaces with the fluid-conducting features, the valve
elements, and the microfluidic device realize the valve. The
microfluidic device can be a disposable part, for example a cheaply
producible microfluidic plastic chip. The valve elements that have
to be highly dimensionally accurate, can be put or rather pressed
against many different chips or more precise against a surface of
the chips for coupling close to the ports of the chips. Preferred
the microfluidic device is adapted for analyzing and/or separating
components of a liquid, in particular by a detection area within or
nearby the microfluidic flow path. This process can be easily
controlled by the valve of the assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of
embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated
and become better understood by reference to the following more
detailed description of preferred embodiments in connection with
the accompanied drawings. Features that are substantially or
functionally equal or similar will be referred to with the same
reference signs.
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a component part of
a microfluidic valve;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a front view of an interface of another
component part of a microfluidic valve;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a schematic layout of a microfluidic chip with
microfluidic structures, in particular flow paths and combination
columns;
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B show detailed views of the microfluidic chip
as shown in FIG. 3 together with a sketched component part of a
microfluidic valve in two different settings;
[0015] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show different cross-sectional views of
the device of FIG. 3, taken along the lines A-A, B-B and C-C of
FIG. 3; and
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of another
component part with a partially shown three-dimensional layout of
the microfluidic chip of FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a component part 101 of a microfluidic valve
with a first revolving valve element 103 and a second revolving
valve element 105. The valve elements 103 and 105 have a first
interface 107 and a second interface 109 that can be coupled to a
microfluidic device (not shown).
[0018] The second revolving valve element 105 is located in this
embodiment within a cylindrical hole 111 of the first revolving
valve element 103. Preferred the first revolving valve element 103
can comprise any kind of through hole instead of the cylindrical
hole 111. In another preferred embodiment the through hole and
accordingly the second revolving valve element 105 are conically
formed.
[0019] Consequently, the second revolving valve element 105 can
have at least partly the shape of a cone, fitting into the conical
through hole of the first revolving valve element 103.
[0020] The second revolving valve element 105 has in this
embodiment at least partly a cylindrical shape or rather the shape
of a shaft. The second revolving valve element 105 and the
cylindrical hole 111 of the first revolving valve element 103 build
a clearance fit 113. The clearance fit 113 has the function of a
bearing for the second revolving valve element 105.
[0021] The Interfaces 107 and 109 each comprise a substantially
planar contact surface 115 and 117. The surface 115 of the first
revolving valve element 103 comprises a first fluid conducting
feature 119 comprising a first groove 121. The surface 117 of the
second revolving valve element 105 comprises three further fluid
conducting features 123 comprising three further grooves 125. The
groves 121 and 125 are arranged along sectors of around 60.degree.
of concentric circles around the axis of rotation of the first
revolving valve element 103 and the second revolving valve element
105. The elements 103 and 105 are coaxially rotatable by their
center axis. The surfaces 115 and 117 each are rectangular to the
center axis of the elements 103 and 105.
[0022] The first revolving valve element 103 comprises a body 127
with a greater diameter than the diameter of the first interface
107. The first revolving valve element 103 has partly the shape of
a hollow cylinder 129 with a cylindrical surface 131. The diameter
of the cylinder 129 widens at a circumferential step 133 of the
first revolving valve element 103. The body also has the shape of a
hollow cylinder with a cylindrical surface 135, but with a greater
wall thickness than the hollow cylinder 129. The body 127 of the
first revolving valve element 103 makes handling and coupling of
the component part 101 easier.
[0023] The body 127 of the first revolving valve element 103 and
the second revolving valve element 105 comprise a coupling 137 for
coupling with an actuator (not shown). The coupling comprises in
this embodiment a step 139 of the body 127 of the first revolving
valve element 103. The step 139 can be engaged with an according
lug or projection of the actuator. The actuator can apply a torque
for rotating to the first revolving valve element 103 in at least
one rotating direction--symbolized with an arrow 141. The first
revolving valve element 103 can comprise a second step for rotating
the first revolving valve element 103 in the opposite direction of
rotation. The second revolving valve element 105 can comprise in
embodiments according features to be rotated. The coupling 137 can
comprise any other features for coupling like groves, flutes, and
threads or alike. The elements 103 and 105 can be rotated
synchronously or asynchronously in only one or any direction of
rotation. For example, the second revolving valve element 105 can
be adjusted in rotations by 60.degree. in just one direction from a
first setting to a second setting and back, because the grooves
each are arranged rotationally symmetric in the surface 117 of the
second revolving valve element 105. Consequently, the same setting
results from a rotation of 120.degree. of the grooves.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a front view of another component part 143
similar to the component part 101 of a microfluidic valve.
Therefore, only the differences are described.
[0025] The second revolving valve element 105 of the component part
143 comprises two additionally fluid conducting features 145 with
grooves 147. The grooves 147 are circular. The groves 147 and 121
are inserted 180.degree. rotationally symmetric and in circles with
different diameters in the surface 115 of the second revolving
valve element 105. Consequently, the same setting results from a
rotation of 180.degree. of the grooves.
[0026] Ports of the microfluidic device can be arranged in three
different circles. Ports arranged in a first circle can be
flow-controlled by the grooves 125 of the second valve element 105,
in a second circle by the grooves 147 of the first valve element
103, and in a third circle by the grooves 121 of the first valve
element 103. By this, highly integrated and complex fluidic
circuits with many interconnections to be controlled can be
realized.
[0027] The second revolving valve element 105 of the component part
143 comprises a center blind hole 151 to avoid wearing and
undefined condition of the surface 117 and any leaks.
[0028] The lengths of the grooves 125 of the second revolving valve
element 105 are equal to the lengths of the grooves 121 of the
first revolving valve element 103. Because of the different
diameters of the valve elements 103 and 105, they have to be
rotated in different angels for adjusting the grooves 121 and 125.
Ports according to the groove 121 of the first revolving valve
element 103 can be arranged relatively close to each other by this.
Advantageously this results in short flow paths and low dead
volumes. The rotational angel to adjust the grooves 121 and 125 of
the valve elements 103 and 105 can be each adapted to the length of
the grooves 121 and 125 separately by rotating the valve elements
103 and 105 independently.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a schematic layout of a microfluidic chip 201
showing microfluidic structures, in particular flow paths and
analytical columns, being part of a microfluidic assembly 202 for
handling liquid with a multi-route switching valve 204.
[0030] The microfluidic chip 201 can comprise or consist of any
material, preferred a flexible material, for example plastic or
rather any polymeric material. In another preferred embodiment, the
microfluidic chip 201 comprises polyimide.
[0031] FIGS. 4A and 4B show detailed views of the microfluidic chip
201 as shown in FIG. 3 together with a component part 203 of the
microfluidic valve 204 in two different settings. The component
part 203 comprises a first valve element 207 and a second valve
element 205--each symbolized by dotted lines--realizing the
multi-route switching valve 204 together with the microfluidic chip
201. The elements 205 and 207 are adapted for sealing and/or
coupling one or more ports--12 ports 209 to 231 in this
embodiment--of the microfluidic chip 201.
[0032] The FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B show how highly integrated and
parallelized processes that can be executed with the assembly 202
for handling liquid with a multi-route switching valve 204.
[0033] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show different cross-sectional views of
the device of FIG. 3, taken along the lines A-A, B-B and C-C of
FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional schematic view of the
component part 203 and with the partially shown three-dimensional
layout of the microfluidic chip 201 of the FIGS. 3 to 5.
[0035] The elements 205 and 207 have essentially a cylindrical
shape, wherein the first valve element 207 has essentially the
shape of a hollow cylinder. The second valve element 205 is
arranged within the opening of the hollow cylinder of the first
valve element 207. The concentric elements 205 and 207 are adapted
to be rotated separately. Each of the elements 205 and 207 comprise
an interface with a substantially planar surface 232 with at least
one fluid-conducting feature, for example, a groove 233 to 241, to
flow-control the ports of the microfluidic chip 201. Each interface
comprises at least one of the groves 233 to 241--symbolized with
dotted lines in the FIGS. 4A and 4B--to couple and/or to control
the flux within the ports 209 to 231 of the microfluidic chip 201.
The microfluidic chip 201 comprises a surface 242 for coupling with
the substantially planar contact surfaces 232 of the interfaces of
the valve elements close to the port.
[0036] The elements 205 and 207 can be adjusted by rotating them
along their cylindrical middle axis. The ports 209 to 231 of the
microfluidic chip 201 are arranged on circles or rather on the
corner points of an equilateral hexagon--ports 213 to 223--in this
embodiment.
[0037] The microfluidic chip 201 comprises a first combination
column 243, a second combination column 245, a spray tip 247 and a
flow path 249 coupled to the spray tip 247. The flow path 249
comprises a forking 251 coupled to a first analysis port 209 and a
second analysis port 211.
[0038] By referring to the FIGS. 3 to 6 the layout of the
microfluidic chip 201 and the processes executable with the
microfluidic chip 201 are described as follows.
[0039] The microfluidic chip 201 comprises three layers, a top
layer 253, a middle layer 255, and a bottom layer 257.
[0040] The top layer 253 comprises the combination columns 243 and
245. The middle layer 255 comprises the flow path 249 as shown in
FIG. 5B with the forking 251. The bottom layer 257 comprises two
flow paths 259 and 261 each coupled to an inlet port 213 or rather
215 and an outlet port 217 or rather 219 of the microfluidic chip
201. The inlet ports 213 and 215 are double ports each with two
openings on the top side and on the bottom side of the microfluidic
chip 201. The two openings are separated by the middle layer 255 of
the microfluidic chip 201. The outlet ports 217 and 219 are located
on the top side of the microfluidic chip 201 an can be realized by
holes in the middle layer 255 and the top layer 253 of the
microfluidic chip 201.
[0041] The inlet ports 213 and 215 can be coupled at the bottom
side of the microfluidic chip 201 to two nano-pumps. Inflowing
liquid can flow from the bottom side of the microfluidic chip 201
through the flow paths 259 and 261 in the bottom layer of the
microfluidic chip 201, to the outlet ports 217 and 219 on the top
side of the microfluidic chip 201.
[0042] The flow path 249 is implemented in the middle layer 255.
The first combination column 243 and the second combination column
245 are implemented in the top layer 253. The first combination
column 243 and the second combination column 245 cross the forking
251 of the flow path 249. This is possible because the middle layer
255 separates these flow paths.
[0043] In the following, the flow paths in a first setting of the
elements 205 and 207 are described exemplarily by referring to the
FIG. 4A. Ports, which are connected in the drawing with dotted
lines, are coupled via the groves 233 to 241 in this first
setting:
[0044] The first combination column 243 can be coupled upstream to
a microfluidic sample-feeding device (not shown) via a sample inlet
port 221 via a groove 233 of the second valve element 205, and via
the inlet port 213. The sample inlet port 221 can be realized by a
hole through all layers 253, 255, and 257 of the microfluidic chip
201. The sample inlet port 221 can be coupled at the bottom side of
the microfluidic chip 201 to the sample-feeding device. The first
combination column 243 can be coupled downstream to a waste
container via a first column port 225, via a second outer groove
235 of the first valve element 207, via a first waste port 229, via
a waste flow path 263, and via a waste outlet port 223 at the
bottom side of the microfluidic chip 201. The waste flow path 263
is implemented in the middle layer 255 of the microfluidic chip 201
and is coupled to the waste outlet port 223. The waste container
can be coupled at the bottom side of the microfluidic chip 201 or
rather to the waste outlet port 223. The waste outlet port 223 can
be realized by a hole through all layers 253, 255, and 257 of the
microfluidic chip 201.
[0045] The flow path described above can be used for injecting a
sample to the first combination column 243.
[0046] The second combination column 245 can be coupled upstream
for example to a nano-pump via a the second inlet port 215 at the
top side of the microfluidic chip 201, via a inner grove 239 of the
second valve element 205, via the second outlet port 219, via the
flow path 261, and via the second inlet port 215 at the bottom side
of the microfluidic chip 201. The second combination column 245 can
be coupled downstream to a laboratory apparatus (not shown) via a
second column port 227, via a second outer groove 237 of the first
valve element 207, via a second analysis port 211, via the forking
251 of the flow path 249, via the flow path 249, and via the spray
tip 247 of the microfluidic chip 201.
[0047] Flow paths and processes resulting from the setting of the
valve elements 205 and 207 as shown in FIG. 4B behave vice
versa.
[0048] The flow path described above can be used for analyzing a
liquid with a combination column as known in the art.
[0049] The microfluidic chip 201 is adapted to execute two
processes in parallel.
[0050] The elements 205 and 207 can be adapted to interact with
more or less than six ports. The layout of the microfluidic chip
201 can for example be transformed to interact with one six-port
and one ten-port multi-route switching valve.
[0051] In another preferred embodiment the microfluidic chip 201
can have a detection area 269, for example an optical detection
area, to analyze the liquid within the microfluidic chip 201, for
example within the flow path 249.
[0052] In another preferred embodiment, the second valve element
comprises, instead of or additionally to the center blind hole 151,
a through bore 271--illustrated with dotted lines--and the
microfluidic chip 201 comprises a center port 273. The port 273 can
be fed alternatively or synchronously with liquid through the
through bore 271 or can be connected to a waste container for
realizing other microfluidic circuits.
[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, the microfluidic chip 201
comprises at least one hole 275 to align the microfluidic chip 201,
in particular the ports of the microfluidic chip 201, relatively to
the component part 203. In FIG. 3 the microfluidic chip 201
comprises two holes 275. The microfluidic chip 201 can be fitted to
two pins (not shown) by the holes 275 to align the microfluidic
chip 201. The component part 203 may be free to rotate but is
positioned in a constant position to the pins.
[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the second revolving
valve element is located within and/or adjacent to a
recess--instead of the through hole as described above--of the
first revolving valve element. The first revolving valve element
may have for example the shape of a half-hollow cylinder. In this
example, the half-round inside of the half-hollow cylinder realizes
the recess. The recess may have any other shape.
[0055] Finally, in preferred embodiments the component part 203
comprises more than two valve elements free to rotate to each
other. Besides this, the microfluidic assembly can comprise more
than one valve comprising a component part 203.
* * * * *