阅读说明：本技术 具有液流控制阀的微流控芯片的模拟检测装置及方法 (Analog detection device and method for micro-fluidic chip with liquid flow control valve ) 是由 张东旭 赵巍 苏晓菘 吴佳耕 张师音 葛胜祥 张军 夏宁邵 于 2019-04-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种具有液流控制阀的微流控芯片的模拟检测装置及方法。其中,具有液流控制阀的微流控芯片的模拟检测装置包括：固定组件,用于固定所述微流控芯片；施力组件,用于向所述液流控制阀施加压力,以使所述液流控制阀抵压于所述微流控芯片的阀区；且用于向所述液流控制阀施加换向力,以实现所述微流控芯片内的流道的切换；第一检测组件,用于检测所述液流控制阀的受力情况；以及第二检测组件,用于检测所述液流控制阀与所述微流控芯片接触处的流道渗漏情况。本发明用于根据液流控制阀的受力情况与液体渗漏情况确定液流控制阀安装于微流控芯片的初始预紧力范围,缓解液流控制阀的旋转柔顺度及密封性不匹配的问题。(The invention relates to a simulation detection device and a simulation detection method for a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve. Wherein, the analog detection device of the microfluidic chip with the liquid flow control valve comprises: the fixing component is used for fixing the microfluidic chip; the force application assembly is used for applying pressure to the liquid flow control valve so as to enable the liquid flow control valve to be pressed against the valve area of the microfluidic chip; and is used for applying a reversing force to the liquid flow control valve so as to realize the switching of the flow channel in the microfluidic chip; the first detection assembly is used for detecting the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve; and the second detection assembly is used for detecting the leakage condition of the flow channel at the contact position of the liquid flow control valve and the microfluidic chip. The method is used for determining the initial pretightening force range of the liquid flow control valve installed on the microfluidic chip according to the stress condition and the liquid leakage condition of the liquid flow control valve, and the problems that the rotation flexibility and the sealing performance of the liquid flow control valve are not matched are solved.)

1. An analog detection device of a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve, comprising:

a fixing assembly (1) for fixing the microfluidic chip (6);

The force application assembly (2) is used for applying pressure to the liquid flow control valve (7) so as to enable the liquid flow control valve (7) to be pressed against a valve area of the microfluidic chip (6); and is used for applying a reversing force to the liquid flow control valve (7) so as to realize the switching of the flow channel in the microfluidic chip (6);

a first detection assembly (3) for detecting the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve (7); and

and the second detection assembly (4) is used for detecting the leakage condition of the flow channel at the contact part of the liquid flow control valve (7) and the microfluidic chip (6).

2. The analog detection device of the microfluidic chip with the liquid flow control valve according to claim 1, further comprising a detection platform (5), wherein the first detection assembly (3) is fixedly arranged on the detection platform (5), the fixed assembly (1) is movably arranged on the detection platform (5) relative to the first detection assembly (3), and in a detection state, the fixed assembly (1) abuts against the first detection assembly (3).

3. The analog detecting device of the microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member (1) comprises:

a clamping groove (11) for accommodating the microfluidic chip (6); and

The cover plate (12) is detachably connected with the clamping groove (11) and is used for being matched with the clamping groove (11) so as to limit the microfluidic chip (6) in the clamping groove (11); the cover plate (12) is provided with a first through hole (121) for avoiding the liquid flow control valve (7).

4. The analog detecting device of the microfluidic chip with the liquid flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein the force applying assembly (2) comprises:

the pressure plate (21) is used for pressing a fixing sheet (71) of the liquid flow control valve (7) so as to enable the liquid flow control valve (7) to be pressed against a valve area of the microfluidic chip (6), and the pressure plate (21) is provided with a second through hole used for avoiding a rotor (72) of the liquid flow control valve (7); and

the first power part (22) is in driving connection with the pressure plate (21) and is used for enabling the position of the pressure plate (21) relative to the liquid flow control valve (7) to be adjustable so as to adjust the pressure of the pressure plate (21) on the fixing piece (71).

5. The analog detection device of a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve according to claim 4, comprising a detection platform (5), wherein the pressure plate (21) comprises:

a sliding part which is arranged on the detection platform (5) in a sliding way; and

the pressing part is arranged at the top of the sliding part, the shape of the pressing part is matched with that of the fixing piece (71), and the pressing part is used for pressing the fixing piece (71); the second through hole is formed in the pressing portion.

6. The analog detecting device of the microfluidic chip with the liquid flow control valve according to claim 4, wherein the first power member (22) comprises an electric cylinder, an air cylinder or a liquid cylinder.

7. The analog detecting device of the microfluidic chip with the liquid flow control valve according to claim 4, wherein the force applying assembly (2) comprises:

a shaft (23) for pressing a rotor (72) of the liquid flow control valve (7) through the second through hole to press the liquid flow control valve (7) against a valve area of the microfluidic chip (6); and

a second power member (24) drivingly connected to the shaft (23) for making the position of the shaft (23) adjustable relative to the fluid flow control valve (7) to adjust the pressure of the shaft (23) against the rotor (72).

8. The analog detecting device of the microfluidic chip with the liquid flow control valve according to claim 7, wherein the force applying assembly (2) comprises: a bearing (25) configured to support the shaft (23), the second power member (24) being connected to the bearing (25) to apply a force to the shaft (23) through the bearing (25) that compresses the rotor (72).

9. The apparatus for analog detection of a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve according to claim 7, wherein the force application assembly (2) comprises a third power member (26) drivingly connected to the shaft (23) for providing a turning force to the shaft (23) to rotate the rotor (72) of the liquid flow control valve (7) to achieve the reversing of the liquid flow control valve (7).

10. The analog detecting device of the microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve according to claim 9, wherein the third power member (26) comprises a motor.

11. The analog detection device of a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein the first detection assembly (3) comprises a force sensor (31).

12. The analog detection device of a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein the second detection module (4) comprises:

the image acquisition element (41) is used for acquiring an image of a flow channel at the contact position of the liquid flow control valve (7) and the microfluidic chip (6) so as to acquire the leakage condition of the flow channel; and

the rotatable frame (42), the image acquisition element (41) is arranged on the rotatable frame (42), and the rotatable frame (42) is used for driving the image acquisition element (41) to rotate relative to the liquid flow control valve (7).

13. A method for analog detection of a microfluidic chip having a liquid flow control valve, characterized by using the apparatus for analog detection of a microfluidic chip having a liquid flow control valve according to claim 1; the analog detection method comprises the following steps:

fixing the microfluidic chip (6) through the fixing component (1);

Applying pressure to the liquid flow control valve (7) through the force application assembly (2) so that the liquid flow control valve (7) is pressed against a valve area of the microfluidic chip (6); and applying a reversing force to the liquid flow control valve (7) through the force application assembly (2) to realize the switching of the flow channel in the microfluidic chip (6);

acquiring the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve (7), wherein the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve (7) is detected through the first detection assembly (3);

the leakage condition of a flow channel at the contact part of the liquid flow control valve (7) and the micro-fluidic chip (6) under different stress conditions is detected through the second detection assembly (4);

and analyzing the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve (7) and the leakage condition of a corresponding runner at the contact part of the liquid flow control valve (7) and the microfluidic chip (6) to determine the initial pretightening force range of the liquid flow control valve (7) arranged on the microfluidic chip (6).

14. The method for analog detection of a microfluidic chip with a flow control valve according to claim 13, wherein the detecting of the stress condition of the flow control valve (7) by the first detection assembly (3) comprises: the first detection assembly (3) comprises a force sensor (31);

the pressure applied to a fixed plate (71) of the flow control valve (7) is detected by a force sensor (31).

15. The method for analog detection of a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve according to claim 14, wherein the detecting the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve (7) by the first detection assembly (3) further comprises:

The sum of pressures received by a stator (71) and a rotor (72) of the flow control valve (7) is detected through a force sensor (31);

the pressure to which the rotor (72) is subjected is calculated.

16. The method for analog detection of a microfluidic chip with a flow control valve according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the step of detecting the stress condition of the flow control valve (7) by the first detection assembly (3) further comprises: detecting the friction force applied to the rotor (72) during the rotation process;

during the rotation of the rotor (72), the tangential force of the liquid flow control valve (7), namely the friction force suffered by the rotor (72) during the rotation, is measured by the force sensor (31).

17. The method for analog detection of a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve according to claim 13, wherein obtaining the force condition of the liquid flow control valve (7) further comprises obtaining a torque applied to the rotor (72);

the force application assembly (2) comprises a motor, the motor drives the rotor (72) to rotate, and the torque borne by the rotor (72) is obtained according to the torque control mode of the motor.

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of microfluidic detection, in particular to a device and a method for simulating and detecting a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve.

Background

The micro-fluidic chip is also called a lab-on-a-chip, and is a carrier for processing and forming micron-sized fluid channels and various structural units on a substrate made of silicon, metal, high molecular polymer, glass, quartz and the like by an ultra-precision processing technology, and then controlling fluid to complete single or multiple biochemical reaction processes. Due to the high integration and automation characteristics of the microfluidic chip, the microfluidic chip is increasingly applied to clinical detection and point of care testing (POCT) projects, has wide market application prospects and space, fluid control is a key technology and bottleneck for practical application of the microfluidic chip, a liquid flow control valve is used as a fluid control part, opening and closing of a fluid channel and switching of flowing sequences of different fluids can be realized, and the microfluidic chip is one of the most important parts of the microfluidic chip.

At present, the performance research of the liquid flow control valve is one of the key and hot research subjects in the research field of the microfluidic chip. Clinical detection and POCT projects have strict requirements on the rotation compliance degree and the sealing performance of a liquid flow control valve of a microfluidic chip, so that the real-time quantitative measurement of the pretightening force between the valve and the microfluidic chip and the liquid leakage between the valve and the microfluidic chip becomes one of important research subjects.

Disclosure of Invention

One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an analog detection device and method for a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve, which are used to alleviate the problems of rotation flexibility and sealing performance of the liquid flow control valve.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide an analog detection device of a microfluidic chip having a liquid flow control valve, including:

the fixing component is used for fixing the microfluidic chip;

the force application assembly is used for applying pressure to the liquid flow control valve so as to enable the liquid flow control valve to be pressed against the valve area of the microfluidic chip; and is used for applying a reversing force to the liquid flow control valve so as to realize the switching of the flow channel in the microfluidic chip;

the first detection assembly is used for detecting the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve; and

and the second detection assembly is used for detecting the leakage condition of the flow channel at the contact position of the liquid flow control valve and the microfluidic chip.

In some embodiments, the analog detection device further includes a detection platform, the first detection component is fixedly disposed on the detection platform, the fixing component is movably disposed on the detection platform relative to the first detection component, and in a detection state, the fixing component abuts against the first detection component.

In some embodiments, the securing assembly comprises:

a clamping groove for accommodating the microfluidic chip; and

the cover plate is detachably connected with the clamping groove and is used for being matched with the clamping groove so as to limit the microfluidic chip in the clamping groove; the cover plate is provided with a first through hole for avoiding the liquid flow control valve.

In some embodiments, the force application assembly comprises:

the pressure plate is used for pressing the fixing piece of the liquid flow control valve so as to enable the liquid flow control valve to be pressed against the valve area of the microfluidic chip, and the pressure plate is provided with a second through hole used for avoiding a rotor of the liquid flow control valve; and

the first power part is connected with the pressure plate in a driving mode and used for enabling the position of the pressure plate relative to the liquid flow control valve to be adjustable so as to adjust the pressure of the pressure plate on the fixed piece.

In some embodiments, the analog inspection device includes an inspection platform, the platen including:

the sliding part is arranged on the detection platform in a sliding manner; and

the pressing part is arranged at the top of the sliding part, the shape of the pressing part is matched with that of the fixing piece, and the pressing part is used for pressing the fixing piece; the second through hole is formed in the pressing portion.

In some embodiments, the first power member comprises an electric cylinder, an air cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder.

In some embodiments, the force application assembly comprises:

the shaft is used for pressing the rotor of the liquid flow control valve through the second through hole so as to enable the liquid flow control valve to be pressed against the valve area of the microfluidic chip; and

a second power member drivingly connected to the shaft for adjusting the position of the shaft relative to the flow control valve to adjust the pressure of the shaft against the rotor.

In some embodiments, the force application assembly comprises: a bearing configured to support the shaft, the second power member being connected to the bearing to apply a force to the shaft through the bearing to compress the rotor.

In some embodiments, the force application assembly includes a third power member drivingly connected to the shaft for providing a steering force to the shaft to rotate the rotor of the flow control valve to effect reversal of the flow control valve.

In some embodiments, the third motive member comprises an electric motor.

In some embodiments, the first detection assembly comprises a force sensor.

In some embodiments, the second detection assembly comprises:

The image acquisition element is used for acquiring an image of a flow channel at the contact position of the liquid flow control valve and the microfluidic chip so as to acquire the leakage condition of the flow channel; and

the image acquisition element is arranged on the rotatable frame, and the rotatable frame is used for driving the image acquisition element to rotate relative to the liquid flow control valve.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method for analog detection of a microfluidic chip having a liquid flow control valve, which employs the above-mentioned analog detection apparatus of a microfluidic chip having a liquid flow control valve; the analog detection method comprises the following steps:

fixing the microfluidic chip through a fixing component;

applying pressure to the liquid flow control valve through the force application assembly so that the liquid flow control valve is pressed against a valve area of the microfluidic chip; and applying a reversing force to the liquid flow control valve through the force application assembly to realize the switching of the flow channels in the microfluidic chip;

acquiring the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve, including detecting the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve through a first detection assembly;

the leakage condition of the flow channel at the contact part of the flow control valve and the microfluidic chip under different stress conditions is detected through the second detection assembly;

and analyzing the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve and the leakage condition of the corresponding flow channel at the contact position of the liquid flow control valve and the microfluidic chip so as to determine the initial pretightening force range of the liquid flow control valve arranged on the microfluidic chip.

In some embodiments, detecting a force condition of the flow control valve via the first detection assembly comprises: the first detection assembly includes a force sensor;

the pressure applied to the stator of the flow control valve is detected by a force sensor.

In some embodiments, detecting a force condition of the flow control valve via the first detection assembly further comprises:

detecting the sum of pressures borne by a stator and a rotor of the flow control valve through a force sensor;

the pressure to which the rotor is subjected is calculated.

In some embodiments, detecting a force condition of the flow control valve via the first detection assembly further comprises: detecting the friction force applied to the rotor in the rotating process;

during the rotation of the rotor, the tangential force of the liquid flow control valve is measured by the force sensor, namely the friction force applied to the rotor during the rotation.

In some embodiments, obtaining the force condition of the flow control valve further comprises obtaining a torque experienced by the rotor;

the force application assembly comprises a motor, the motor drives the rotor to rotate, and the torque borne by the rotor is obtained according to the torque control mode of the motor.

Based on the technical scheme, the invention at least has the following beneficial effects:

in some implementations, the microfluidic chip is secured by a securing assembly; the force application assembly is used for applying pressure to the liquid flow control valve so as to enable the liquid flow control valve to be pressed against the valve area of the microfluidic chip; the liquid flow control valve is used for applying reversing force to the liquid flow control valve so as to realize the switching of the flow channel in the microfluidic chip; detecting the stress condition of the liquid flow control valve through a first detection assembly; the leakage condition of the flow channel at the contact position of the liquid flow control valve and the microfluidic chip is detected through the second detection assembly, so that the initial pretightening force range of the liquid flow control valve installed on the microfluidic chip is determined according to the stress condition and the liquid leakage condition of the liquid flow control valve, the problems of the rotation flexibility and the sealing performance of the liquid flow control valve are solved, and the support is provided for the research and the industrialization of the microfluidic chip.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the invention without limiting the invention. In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an analog detection device of a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a securing assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a first portion of a force application assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a second partial structure of a force application assembly provided in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a first sensing assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a second sensing assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 7 is an exploded view of a flow control valve according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Reference numerals in the drawings indicate:

1-a stationary component; 11-a card slot; 12-a cover plate; 121 — a first via;

2-a force application assembly; 21-pressing plate; 22-a first power member; 23-axis; 24-a second power member; 25-a bearing; 26-a third power member; 27-a coupling;

3-a first detection assembly; 31-a force sensor; 32-a scaffold;

4-a second detection component; 41-an image capture element; 42-a rotatable frame; 43-a fourth power member;

5-detection platform;

6-a microfluidic chip;

7-a liquid flow control valve; 71-a fixing sheet; 72-rotor.

Detailed Description

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments. It is to be understood that the described embodiments are merely a few embodiments of the invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments, which can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the embodiments of the present invention without any inventive step, are within the scope of the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on those shown in the drawings, and are used merely for convenience in describing the present invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element being referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore, should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention.

The microfluidic chip 6 comprises a liquid flow control valve 7, and the liquid flow control valve 7 is used for realizing the flow channel switching in the microfluidic chip 6.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a liquid flow control valve 7 according to some embodiments.

The liquid flow control valve 7 is arranged in the valve area of the microfluidic chip 6. The liquid flow control valve 7 includes a stator 71 and a rotor 72.

The fixing plate 71 is used for being fixed with the microfluidic chip body so as to limit the rotor 72 between the fixing plate 71 and the microfluidic chip body. The stator 71 is provided with a through hole, and part of the structure of the rotor 72 penetrates through the through hole on the stator 71 so as to drive the rotor 72 to rotate, thereby realizing the reversing of the liquid flow control valve 7.

The rotor 72 is rotatably arranged between the fixing plate 71 and the microfluidic chip body, and the rotor 72 is rotated to connect the flow channel on the rotor 72 with different flow channels in the microfluidic chip body, so that the flow channels in the microfluidic chip 6 are switched, and the sequential release of liquid flow is completed.

In some embodiments, the liquid flow control valve 7 further comprises a gasket. The gasket serves to reduce friction during rotation of the rotor 72 and improve sealing of the valve.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an analog detection device of a microfluidic chip with a liquid flow control valve according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the analog detection device includes a stationary assembly 1. The fixing assembly 1 is used for fixing the microfluidic chip 6.

In some embodiments, the analog detection device includes a force application assembly 2. The force application component 2 is used for applying pressure to the liquid flow control valve 7 so as to press the liquid flow control valve 7 against the valve area of the microfluidic chip 6. The force application component 2 is also used for applying a reversing force to the liquid flow control valve 7 so as to realize the switching of the flow channel in the microfluidic chip 6.

In some embodiments, the analog detection device includes a first detection assembly 3. The first detection assembly 3 is used for detecting the stress condition of the flow control valve 7. According to the stress condition, the initial pretightening force range of the liquid flow control valve 7 fixed in the valve area of the microfluidic chip 6 is obtained.

In some embodiments, the analog detection device includes a second detection component 4. The second detection component 4 is used for detecting the channel leakage condition at the contact position of the flow control valve 7 and the microfluidic chip 6. The second detection component 4 is used for quantitatively measuring the leakage condition of the runner at the contact part of the liquid flow control valve 6 and the micro-fluidic chip body in real time in the working process so as to judge whether the initial pretightening force range of the liquid flow control valve 7 fixed in the valve area of the micro-fluidic chip 6 is reasonable or not.

The liquid flow control valve 7 is installed in the valve area of the microfluidic chip 6, if the initial pre-tightening force of the liquid flow control valve 7 installed in the valve area of the microfluidic chip 6 is too small, the rotation flexibility of the liquid flow control valve 7 is good, but the sealing performance between the liquid flow control valve 7 and the microfluidic chip 6 is poor, and the problem of channel leakage can be caused. If the initial pretightening force of the liquid flow control valve 7 arranged in the valve area of the microfluidic chip 6 is too large, the sealing performance between the liquid flow control valve 7 and the microfluidic chip 6 is good, the problem of runner leakage cannot be caused, but the rotation flexibility of the liquid flow control valve 7 is poor. Therefore, the present disclosure comprehensively analyzes the stress condition and the channel leakage condition of the liquid flow control valve 7 to determine the initial pre-tightening force range of the liquid flow control valve 7 mounted on the microfluidic chip 6.

In some embodiments, the simulation detection device is used for quantitatively detecting the stress of the liquid flow control valve 7 and the liquid leakage condition in real time, so as to determine the initial pretightening force range of the liquid flow control valve 7 mounted on the microfluidic chip 6, alleviate the problem that the rotation flexibility and the sealing performance of the liquid flow control valve 7 are not matched, and provide support for research and industrialization of the microfluidic chip 6.

In some embodiments, the analog detection device further comprises a detection platform 5. The first detection assembly 3 is fixedly arranged on the detection platform 5, and the fixed assembly 1 is movably arranged on the detection platform 5 relative to the first detection assembly 3.

In the test state, the fixing member 1 abuts against the first test member 3.

In the non-detection state, the fixing assembly 1 can be moved away from the first detection assembly 3 to facilitate the mounting and dismounting of the microfluidic chip 6.

As shown in fig. 2, in some embodiments, the fixation assembly 1 includes a card slot 11. The clamping groove 11 is used for accommodating the microfluidic chip 6.

In some embodiments, the fixation assembly 1 includes a cover plate 12. The cover plate 12 is detachably connected with the clamping groove 11, so that the micro-fluidic chip 6 can be conveniently mounted and dismounted. The cover plate 12 is used for matching with the clamping groove 11 to limit the microfluidic chip 6 in the clamping groove 11. The cover plate 12 is provided with a first through hole 121 for avoiding the liquid flow control valve 7.

The liquid flow control valve 7 is correspondingly positioned at the position of the first through hole 121 of the cover plate 12, and the cover plate 12 is provided with the first through hole 121 without covering the liquid flow control valve 7, so that the force applying component (such as a pressure plate 21 and a shaft 23 in the following) can apply force and reversing torque to the liquid flow control valve 7 through the first through hole 121.

In some embodiments, the fixation assembly 1 comprises a strut and a slider. The both sides of draw-in groove 11 all are equipped with the pillar, and the bottom of each pillar all is equipped with the slider, and the pillar passes through the slider and slides and locate testing platform 5.

In some embodiments, the cover plate 12 is connected to the card slot 11 by screws.

In some embodiments, the slot 11 has a length of 80mm and a width of 6 mm. The clamping groove 11 is supported by the support column, and the height from the detection platform 5 is 95 mm. The support posts are used for supporting the microfluidic chip 6.

In some embodiments, the width of the posts is 5mm, and 2M 2 threaded holes are respectively formed on the posts for mounting and locking the cover plate 12.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the flow control valve 7 is 35mm, and the diameter of the first through hole 121 in the cover plate 12 is 35mm or slightly larger than 35mm, so as to position and avoid the flow control valve 7, and provide space for applying force and torque to the flow control valve 7.

As shown in fig. 1, 3, in some embodiments, the force application assembly 2 includes a pressure plate 21. The pressing plate 21 is used for pressing the fixing plate 71 of the liquid flow control valve 7 so as to press the liquid flow control valve 7 against the valve area of the microfluidic chip 6. The pressure plate 21 is provided with a second through hole for avoiding the rotor 72 of the liquid flow control valve 7.

The second through hole of the pressure plate 21 is correspondingly disposed at a position of the rotor 72, so that the force applying component (for example, a shaft 23 described below) can apply force and torque to the rotor 72 through the second through hole.

In some embodiments, the platen 21 includes a slide. The sliding part is slidably provided on the detection platform 5. Alternatively, the sliding part is slidably provided to the detection platform 5 by a slider.

In some embodiments, the pressing plate 21 includes a pressing portion provided on the top of the sliding portion and having a shape matching the shape of the fixing piece 71, and the pressing portion serves to press the fixing piece 71. The second through hole is arranged on the pressing part.

The size and shape of the second through hole correspond to those of the through hole of the fixing plate 71, which facilitates the pressing plate 21 to completely press the fixing plate 71 without contacting the rotor 72.

In some embodiments, the pressure plate 21 is made of 45# steel.

In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the compression portion of the pressure plate 21 is 35mm, and the diameter of the second through hole is 25 mm.

The diameter of the fixing piece 71 of the liquid flow control valve 7 is 35mm and the diameter of the rotor 72 is 11mm, so that the pressing plate 21 can be ensured to be just pressed on the fixing piece 71 of the liquid flow control valve 7 without affecting the rotor 72.

In some embodiments, the force application assembly 2 includes a first motive member 22. The first power member 22 is drivingly connected to the pressure plate 21 for making the position of the pressure plate 21 adjustable relative to the liquid flow control valve 7 to adjust the pressure of the pressure plate 21 against the fixing piece 71. The first power member 22 also has a pressure retention function.

In some embodiments, the first power member 22 comprises an electric cylinder, an air cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder.

In some embodiments, the force application assembly 2 includes a shaft 23. The shaft 23 is used to press the rotor 72 of the flow control valve 7 through the second through hole to press the flow control valve 7 against the valve area of the microfluidic chip 6.

In some embodiments, in the case where the pressure plate 21 presses the fixing plate 71, if the sealing effect between the liquid flow control valve 7 and the microfluidic chip 6 is still not ideal, and there is a case where the flow channel leaks, the sealing effect between the liquid flow control valve 7 and the microfluidic chip 6 is further improved by applying pressure to the rotor 72.

The components for applying force to the rotor 72 may be instrumentation used during testing of the microfluidic chip 6 and will not be described in detail herein.

In some embodiments, the force application assembly 2 includes a second motive element 24. The second power member 24 is drivingly connected to the shaft 23 for making the position of the shaft 23 adjustable relative to the flow control valve 7 to adjust the pressure of the shaft 23 against the rotor 72. The second power member 24 also has a pressure retaining function.

As shown in fig. 4, in some embodiments, the force application assembly 2 includes a bearing 25. The bearing 25 is configured to support the shaft 23. The second power member 24 is connected to the bearing 25 to apply a force to the shaft 23 through the bearing 25 to compress the rotor 72.

In some embodiments, the second motive member 24 comprises an electric cylinder, an air cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder.

In some embodiments, the bearing 25 comprises a thrust bearing.

In some embodiments, the force application assembly 2 includes a bearing mount with the bearing 25 disposed therein. The second power member 24 is connected to the bearing 25 through a bearing housing.

In some embodiments, the first power member 22 applies pressure to the stationary plate 71 of the flow control valve 7 through the pressure plate 21, and the second power member 24 provides a steady pressure to the rotor 72 of the flow control valve 7 through the bearing housing, the bearing 25, and the shaft 23. The two pressures provided by the first and second power members 22, 24 are individually controllable, without coupling, and both have pressure holding functions.

During the test, the first power member 22 drives the pressing plate 21 to press the fixing plate 71 of the liquid flow control valve 7.

In some embodiments, the first power member 22 comprises an electric cylinder, the head of which extends out of a connecting shaft 30mm long, the connecting shaft has a diameter of 20mm, and the outer circumference of which is threaded for connection with the pressure plate 21.

In some embodiments, the sliding portion of the pressure plate 21 is provided with a threaded hole of diameter 20 for attachment of the first power member 22.

In some embodiments, the force application assembly 2 includes a third motive element 26. The third power member 26 is drivingly connected to the shaft 23 for providing a steering force to the shaft 23 to rotate the rotor 72 of the flow control valve 7 to effect reversal of the flow control valve 7.

In some embodiments, the third motive member 26 comprises an electric motor. The motor is used to rotate the rotor 72 of the flow control valve 7.

The motor drives the rotor 72 to rotate, and the torque applied to the rotor 72 is obtained according to the torque control mode of the motor, so that the situation of obtaining the torque applied to the liquid flow control valve 7 in real time is realized.

In some embodiments, the force application assembly 2 includes a coupling 27, and the shaft 23 is connected to the motor (the second motive member 24) through the coupling 27.

In some embodiments, the shaft 23 is provided as a stepped shaft.

The thick end of the stepped shaft is configured to be inserted into a groove structure provided on the rotor 72 of the liquid flow control valve 7, and to be connected to the rotor 72. Optionally, the thick end head of the stepped shaft is machined into a convex structure.

The thin end of the stepped shaft passes through the thrust bearing and is connected to the output shaft of the motor by a coupling 27.

In some embodiments, the thrust bearing is embedded in a bearing housing that is secured to the second power member 24 by ribs, webs, or the like.

In some embodiments, the thrust bearing is mounted on the bearing seat in an interference fit manner, so that the output shaft of the motor only bears circumferential load and avoids bearing axial load. The motor rotates to drive the stepped shaft to rotate, the stepped shaft drives the rotor 72 of the liquid flow control valve 7 to rotate, and the torque borne by the liquid flow control valve 7 can be obtained in real time through a torque control mode of the motor.

In some embodiments, the pressure exerted by the first power member 22 and the second power member 24 is kept constant, and the pressure exerted by the second power member 24 can be transmitted to the bearing seat by the axial limiting function of the thrust bearing, so as to avoid the torque output shaft of the motor from being axially loaded.

As shown in fig. 5, in some embodiments, the first detection assembly 3 includes a force sensor 31.

In some embodiments, the force sensor comprises a three-dimensional force sensor for measuring in real time three force information (Fx, Fy, Fz) of the fluid flow control valve in three dimensions.

In some embodiments, the first detection assembly 3 comprises a fixed support 32. The fixing bracket 32 is used to fixedly support the force sensor 31.

In some embodiments, the fixing component 1 for fixing the microfluidic chip 6 presses the force sensor 31 of the first detecting component 3 under the pressure of the force applying component 2, and the force sensor 31 measures the magnitude of the x, y, z three-dimensional force values and the magnitude of the resultant force.

In some embodiments, the force sensor 31 is connected to the fixing bracket 32 by a bolt.

In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 32 is made of 45# steel.

As shown in fig. 6, in some embodiments, the second detection assembly 4 includes an image capture element 41. The image acquisition element 41 is used for acquiring an image of a flow channel where the liquid flow control valve 7 is in contact with the microfluidic chip 6 so as to acquire the leakage condition of the flow channel.

In some embodiments, the second sensing assembly 4 includes a rotatable carriage 42. The image capturing element 41 is disposed on a rotatable frame 42, and the rotatable frame 42 is used for driving the image capturing element 41 to rotate relative to the liquid flow control valve 7.

In some embodiments, image capture element 41 comprises a CCD camera. The liquid leakage condition of the flow channel at the contact position of the liquid flow control valve 7 and the micro-fluidic chip 6 is detected on line by using pictures shot by a CCD camera based on an image recognition technology.

In some embodiments, the second detecting assembly 4 includes a fourth power member 43, and the fourth power member 43 is drivingly connected to the rotatable frame 42 to rotate the rotatable frame 42. Optionally, the fourth power member 43 comprises a first motor. The rotatable frame 42 is driven by the first motor to rotate 180 ° around the symmetry axis of the card slot 11 in the vertical direction. The first motor is distinct from the motor in the third power member 26 and means that the same motor is not used.

In some embodiments, the CCD camera is mounted on a rotatable frame 42, and the rotatable frame 42 is mounted on the fixed bracket 32 of the first detecting member 3 through an L-shaped connecting member.

In the testing process, the focus of the CCD camera is located at the flow channel where the microfluidic chip 6 contacts the liquid flow control valve 7, and the rotatable frame 42 can drive the CCD camera to rotate 180 ° around the symmetry axis of the clamping groove 11. The CCD camera is used for shooting the flow channel at the same angle and in the same background environment, whether liquid flows in the flow channel is observed, and quantitative detection is carried out on whether the liquid in the flow channel leaks or not by using an image recognition technology.

In some embodiments, after the microfluidic chip 6 is installed in the slot 11 of the fixing assembly 1, the force application assembly 2 applies a pressure to the liquid flow control valve 6, and the symmetry axis of the pressure-bearing direction of the force sensor 31, the central axis of the rotor of the liquid flow control valve 7, the central axis of the second through hole of the pressure plate 21, the shaft 23, and the axis of the output shaft of the motor (the third power element 26) are all on the same straight line.

In some embodiments, after the microfluidic chip 6 is installed in the card slot 11 of the fixing assembly 1, the fixing assembly 1 fixes the microfluidic chip 6. The first power piece 22 provides pressure for a fixing piece 71 of the liquid flow control valve 7 to realize the positioning of the liquid flow control valve 7, and the second power piece provides pressure for a rotor 72 of the liquid flow control valve 7; the third power member drives the rotor 72 of the hydraulic control valve 7 to rotate through the shaft 23, and feeds back the current torque in real time. The force sensor 31 measures forces in the x, y, z directions; the image acquisition element 41 shoots liquid flow images at the contact position of the liquid flow control valve 7 and the microfluidic chip 6 in real time, and quantitative measurement is carried out on the liquid leakage condition in the flow channel at the same angle and in the same background environment by an image identification method.

Some embodiments provide an analog detection method of a microfluidic chip having a liquid flow control valve, which employs the above-described analog detection apparatus of a microfluidic chip having a liquid flow control valve.

In some embodiments, the analog detection method comprises securing the microfluidic chip 6 by the securing assembly 1.

Applying pressure to the liquid flow control valve 7 through the force application component 2 so as to enable the liquid flow control valve 7 to be pressed against the valve area of the microfluidic chip 6; and a reversing force is applied to the liquid flow control valve 7 through the force application component 2 so as to realize the switching of the flow channel in the microfluidic chip 6.

In some embodiments, the analog detection method includes acquiring a force condition of the flow control valve 7, including detecting the force condition of the flow control valve 7 by the first detection assembly 3.

In some embodiments, the analog detection method includes detecting leakage of the flow channel where the flow control valve 7 contacts the microfluidic chip 6 under different stress conditions by the second detection assembly 4; the liquid flowing condition in the flow channel of the liquid flow control valve 7 is observed in multiple angles, and the liquid leakage condition is detected in real time.

In some embodiments, the analog detection method includes analyzing a stress condition of the liquid flow control valve 7 and a corresponding leakage condition of the flow channel where the liquid flow control valve 7 contacts the microfluidic chip 6 to determine an initial pretightening force range of the liquid flow control valve 7 mounted on the microfluidic chip 6.

In some embodiments, the simulation detection method establishes a mathematical relationship model among pressure, friction, torque and liquid leakage of the liquid flow control valve by a mathematical analysis method of data, and provides support for research and industrialization of the microfluidic chip.

In some embodiments, detecting a force condition of the flow control valve 7 by the first detection assembly 3 includes: the first detection assembly 3 comprises a force sensor 31;

the pressure applied to the fixing plate 71 of the flow control valve 7 is detected by the force sensor 31.

In some embodiments, detecting the force condition of the flow control valve 7 by the first detection assembly 3 further comprises:

the sum of the pressures received by the stator 71 and the rotor 72 of the flow control valve 7 is detected by the force sensor 31;

the pressure applied to the rotor 72 is calculated to quantitatively measure the pressure applied to the stator 71 and the rotor 72 of the liquid flow control valve 7 in real time.

In some embodiments, detecting the force condition of the flow control valve 7 by the first detection assembly 3 further comprises: the friction force to which the rotor 72 is subjected during rotation is detected.

During the rotation of the rotor 72, the tangential force of the liquid flow control valve 7 is measured by the force sensor 31, i.e. the friction force to which the rotor 72 is subjected during the rotation.

In some embodiments, obtaining the force applied to the flow control valve 7 further includes obtaining the torque applied to the rotor 72;

the force application assembly 2 comprises a motor (third power member 26), the motor drives the rotor 72 to rotate, and the torque applied to the rotor 72 is obtained according to the torque control mode of the motor, so that the friction force applied to the rotor 72 of the liquid flow control valve 7 in the rotation process and the torque applied to the rotor 72 are quantitatively measured in real time.

In some embodiments, during the test, the first power member 22 drives the pressing plate 21 to press the fixing plate 71 of the liquid flow control valve 7, and the force sensor 31 measures the pressure in real time; keeping the pressure of the first power member 22 constant, the second power member 24 drives the shaft 23 to press the rotor 72 of the liquid flow control valve 7; at this time, the force measured by the force sensor 31 in real time is the sum of the pressures applied to the stator 71 and the rotor 72, and the pressure applied to the rotor 72 can be obtained by performing vector operation on the force and the first measured pressure.

The pressure of the first power member 22 and the second power member 24 is kept constant, and the axial limiting effect of the thrust bearing is utilized, so that the pressure can be transmitted to the bearing seat, and the torque output shaft of the motor is prevented from being axially loaded. The shaft 23 is driven to rotate by the motor (the third power part 26), the shaft 23 drives the rotor 72 of the liquid flow control valve 7 to rotate, and the torque borne by the liquid flow control valve 7 can be measured in real time by a torque control mode of the motor.

Meanwhile, during the rotation of the rotor 72, the force sensor 31 can measure the tangential force, i.e. the friction force, of the liquid outlet flow control valve in real time.

In the process of applying the pressure, the torque and the measurement, the image acquisition element 41 acquires the liquid flowing condition in the flow channel of the valve in real time, and quantitatively measures the liquid leakage condition in the flow channel under the same angle and the same background environment by an image identification method.

In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used to define the components, and are used only for the convenience of distinguishing the components, and if not otherwise stated, the terms have no special meaning, and thus, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Finally, it should be noted that the above examples are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit the same; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that: modifications to the specific embodiments of the invention or equivalent substitutions for parts of the technical features may be made; without departing from the spirit of the present invention, it is intended to cover all aspects of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the features of one embodiment may be combined with those of one or more other embodiments without explicit negatives.