Flowcell Cartridge With Floating Seal Bracket

What is this patent about?

’702 is related to the field of chemical and biological analysis systems, specifically to cartridges used with these systems. These systems often employ microfluidic flowcells , typically glass plates with etched microfluidic channels. Because flowcells are difficult to decontaminate, they are often implemented in a cartridge-based approach for easy replacement between samples.

The underlying idea behind ’702 is to create a cartridge with a floating microfluidic plate that can be easily aligned and sealed within an analysis device. This is achieved by using support brackets that also float relative to both the microfluidic plate and the cartridge frame. The floating design allows for some tolerance in manufacturing and assembly, and ensures proper alignment of fluidic ports even with slight variations in component dimensions.

The claims of ’702 focus on a microfluidic cartridge comprising a frame, a microfluidic plate positioned within the frame, wherein the microfluidic plate floats relative to the frame, the microfluidic plate comprising a first side, a first edge, and a plurality of first fluidic ports located in the first side; a support bracket positioned within the frame, wherein the support bracket floats relative to the microfluidic plate and the frame, the support bracket comprising a plurality of seals supported by the support bracket, each seal of the plurality of seals positioned to interface with a corresponding first fluidic port of the plurality of first fluidic ports, and a plurality of alignment holes corresponding to a first plurality of indexing features located on an analysis device, the plurality of alignment holes configured to align the plurality of seals with corresponding analysis device ports located on the analysis device; and wherein the frame includes a plurality of apertures proximate the first edge of the microfluidic plate, the plurality of apertures corresponding to a second plurality of indexing features located on the analysis device, and wherein the second plurality of indexing features engage the microfluidic plate and the first plurality of indexing features engage the plurality of alignment holes to align the plurality of first fluidic ports, the plurality of seals, and the second fluidic ports when the microfluidic cartridge is installed in the analysis device.

In practice, the cartridge is inserted into a receiver within the analysis device. As the cartridge is clamped into place, indexing features on the receiver engage with the cartridge frame, the microfluidic plate, and the support brackets. This engagement forces the components into precise alignment, ensuring that the seals on the support brackets properly mate with the fluidic ports on both the microfluidic plate and the analysis device's fluidic port blocks. The floating nature of the components allows for self-correction of minor misalignments during this process.

This design differs from prior approaches that rely on tight tolerances and rigid connections, which can be difficult and expensive to manufacture. By allowing the microfluidic plate and support brackets to float, the ’702 invention accommodates variations in component dimensions and assembly, leading to a more robust and reliable fluidic connection. The use of indexing features on both the cartridge and the receiver further enhances the alignment process, ensuring consistent and accurate fluid delivery to the microfluidic channels.