Apparatus, systems and methods for modular microfluidic devices
AssigneeStacks to the Future LLC
InventorsErwin Berthier, Theodorus de Groot, Jiaquan Yu, Ashleigh Theberge, David Beebe
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Abstract
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a modular microfluidic device, the component comprising a channel comprising an apex opening, wherein the apex opening that is at least partially surrounded by a collar configured to pin a liquid within the channel. The modular microfluidic device may also have a structural tip in or near the apex opening which is configured to allow for the flow of the liquid into the channel from a second component for a modular microfluidic device when the component is engaged with the second component.
Claims18
An interconnecting block for a modular microfluidic network comprising:
- (a) a channel defined in the interconnecting block, the channel comprising an apex opening;
- (b) a collar at least partially surrounding an apex opening of a channel, the collar comprising a channel sidewall, a face, and an outer sidewall, wherein:
- (a) the channel sidewall and the face define a first collar angle and wherein the face and the outer sidewall define a second collar angle,
- (b) the collar is configured to pin a liquid within the channel, and
- (c) the interconnecting block is constructed and arranged to couple to a second interconnecting block via a peg connection so as to be in fluidic communication.
A interconnecting modular microfluidic device comprising:
- (a) a channel comprising a collar and an apex opening;
- and
- (b) a structural tip in or near the apex opening, wherein the collar comprises a channel sidewall, a face, and an outer sidewall,
- wherein the channel sidewall and the face define a first collar angle and wherein the face and the outer sidewall define a second collar angle,
- wherein the apex opening is at least partially surrounded by a collar configured to pin a liquid within the channel,
- wherein the pin is configured to allow for the flow of the liquid into the channel from a second interconnecting modular microfluidic device when the component is engaged with the second component via a peg connection.
A modular medical device network, comprising one or more modular components, each modular component comprising:
- (a) a first interconnecting block comprising at least one first block channel comprising a first apex opening comprising a first collar constructed and arranged to pin liquid therein via surface tension;
- and
- (b) a second interconnecting block comprising at least one second block channel comprising a second apex opening comprising a second collar constructed and arranged to pin liquid therein via surface tension,
- wherein the first and second interconnecting blocks can be joined via a peg connection so as to be in fluidic communication.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.