Systems, devices and methods for providing fluid dynamic barriers

Abstract

A fluid dynamic blocking device includes: a plurality of outlets arranged on a surface; a plurality of inlets dispersed between the plurality of outlets and arranged on the surface; and at least one pump fluidly connected to the plurality of outlets and the plurality of inlets, the at least one pump being configured to simultaneously pump a working fluid out of the plurality of outlets and to pull the working fluid back through the plurality of inlets to produce a fluid dynamic blocking member on the surface.

Description

[0001] Priority declaration

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 635,616, filed on February 27, 2018, entitled “Creating Non-Biofoubng Surfaces Through Hydrodynamics,” under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to barriers, and more particularly to systems, devices and methods for providing fluid dynamic, particle and bubble surface barriers, and systems, devices and methods for using such barriers to control fluid dynamic, particle and bubble surfaces. Background Art

[0004] Surface properties can greatly affect the use and durability of an article. In the related art, passive surface treatments and layers are used to provide a hydrophobic layer, limit biofouling and / or protect the internal structure of the material. For example, antifouling coatings (e.g., biocide coatings) are used to prevent attachment to the hull of a ship. However, such passive coatings may leach into the surrounding environment, which may produce, for example, toxic dead zones. Alternative passive coatings (e.g., microstructures / nanostructures and / or lubricating liquids locked by nanotextured substrates can resist biofouling. However, these passive coatings can neither completely prevent biofouling from occurring nor reverse biofouling. Meanwhile, active macroscopic methods of the related art (such as UV exposure and mechanical scraping) are reactive antifouling solutions that require a lot of power and / or manual labor. Therefore, the active antifouling technology of the related art is impractical for large and / or non-planar surfaces.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for improved options for treating surfaces that are adaptable, capable of reversing biofouling or otherwise cleaning the surface, and preventing environmental contamination. Aspects of the present disclosure are related to these and other features. Summary of the invention

[0006] Briefly described, and according to one embodiment, aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a system comprising: a plurality of outlets disposed on a surface; a plurality of inlets dispersed between the plurality of outlets and disposed on the surface; and at least one pump fluidly connected to the plurality of outlets and the plurality of inlets, the at least one pump being configured to simultaneously pump a working fluid out of the plurality of outlets and to pull the working fluid back through the plurality of inlets to create a fluid dynamic barrier on the surface.

[0007] The apparatus may also include at least one reservoir configured to store at least a portion of the working fluid.

[0008] The device may also include a controller configured to control the pump to operate in a plurality of operating modes.

[0009] The multiple operating modes include at least one of the following modes: an anti-pollution mode, which causes the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets to be maintained substantially equal to the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets; an injection mode, which is configured to maintain the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets to be greater than the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets, so that a portion of the working fluid is released into the surrounding environment; a sampling mode, which is configured to maintain the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets to be less than the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets, so that a portion of the ambient fluid is drawn from the surrounding environment into the multiple inlets; and a switching mode, which is configured to modify at least one of the flow rates of the working fluid through the multiple outlets and the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets over time.

[0010] The switching mode may be configured to switch between an injection mode and a sampling mode.

[0011] The working fluid may include at least one of a sprayable fluid, a hydrophobic fluid, microbeads, metal shavings, a magnetic material, a sterile solution, a solvent, and a cleaning solution.

[0012] The plurality of outlets may include an array of outlet holes disposed on the surface, and the plurality of inlets may include an array of inlet holes disposed on the surface and offset from the array of outlet holes.

[0013] The plurality of outlets may include a plurality of generally rectangular outlet grooves disposed on the surface, and the plurality of inlets may include a plurality of generally rectangular inlet grooves disposed on the surface, the inlet grooves and outlet grooves being disposed in an alternating pattern.

[0014] The plurality of outlets may include a plurality of generally trapezoidal outlet grooves disposed on the surface, and the plurality of inlets may include a plurality of generally trapezoidal inlet grooves disposed on the surface, the inlet grooves and the outlet grooves being disposed in an alternating pattern.

[0015] The device may further include a plurality of microneedles disposed on the surface, wherein the plurality of outlets and the plurality of inlets are formed in the plurality of microneedles.

[0016] Each microneedle in the plurality of microneedles may be substantially conical in shape.

[0017] The plurality of microneedles may each include a plurality of outlets and a plurality of inlets.

[0018] The at least one pump may comprise a peristaltic pump.

[0019] The working fluid may be obtained from the environment surrounding the surface.

[0020] The plurality of outlets, the plurality of inlets, or both the plurality of outlets and the plurality of inlets may comprise pores in a porous material disposed on the surface.

[0021] The porous material may comprise a hydrogel.

[0022] Each of the plurality of outlets may be surrounded by a plurality of the plurality of inlets.

[0023] According to some embodiments, a method is provided, comprising: outputting a working fluid through a plurality of outlets disposed on a surface; and simultaneously with the outputting, extracting the working fluid through a plurality of inlets disposed on the surface, thereby generating a fluid dynamic barrier on the surface as the working fluid moves.

[0024] The method may also include: selecting a working fluid from a plurality of working fluids, the plurality of working fluids including one or more of a sprayable fluid, a hydrophobic fluid, microbeads, metal chips, a magnetic material, a sterile solution, a solvent, and a cleaning solution; and outputting the selected working fluid

[0025] The method may also include: selecting an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes; and maintaining relative flow rates between the plurality of outlets and the plurality of inlets based on the selected operating mode.

[0026] The multiple operating modes include at least one of the following modes: an anti-pollution mode, including maintaining the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets substantially equal to the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets; an injection mode, including maintaining the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets greater than the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets, so that a portion of the working fluid is released into the surrounding environment; a sampling mode, including maintaining the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets less than the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets, so that a portion of the ambient fluid is extracted from the surrounding environment; and a switching mode, configured to modify at least one of the flow rates of the working fluid through the multiple outlets and the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets over time.

[0027] The switching mode may be configured to switch between an injection mode and a sampling mode.

[0028] The method may also include cleaning the surface by changing at least one of the working fluid, a flow rate of the plurality of outlets, and a flow rate of the plurality of inlets.

[0029] The plurality of outlets may include an array of outlet holes disposed on the surface, and the plurality of inlets may include an array of inlet holes disposed on the surface and offset from the array of outlet holes.

[0030] The plurality of outlets may include a plurality of outlet grooves disposed on the surface, the plurality of inlets may include a plurality of inlet grooves disposed on the surface, the inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are disposed in an alternating pattern, and the plurality of outlet grooves and the plurality of inlet grooves are substantially rectangular or substantially trapezoidal.

[0031] A plurality of outlets and a plurality of inlets may be formed in a plurality of microneedles disposed on the surface.

[0032] According to some embodiments, a blocking device is provided, which includes: at least one outlet disposed on a surface; at least one inlet disposed on the surface; and at least one pump fluidly connected to the at least one outlet and the at least one inlet, wherein the at least one pump is configured to simultaneously pump a working fluid out of the at least one outlet and pull the working fluid back through the at least one inlet to create a fluid dynamic barrier on the surface.

[0033] According to some embodiments, a blocking device is provided, comprising: at least one outlet disposed on a surface; at least one inlet disposed on the surface; and an energy collection device configured to extract energy from the relative movement of the surface relative to the surrounding environment to circulate a working fluid out of the at least one outlet and pull the working fluid back through the at least one inlet.

[0034] According to some embodiments, a blocking device is provided, which includes: a plurality of pores arranged on a surface; and at least one pump connected to the fluid of the plurality of pores, wherein the at least one pump is configured to quickly switch between pumping the working fluid out of the plurality of pores and pulling the working fluid back through the plurality of pores to maintain a blocking member for the working fluid on the surface.

[0035] The working fluid may include air and the barrier may include air bubbles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and / or aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the written description, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar elements of the embodiments, in the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a blocking device according to an embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A hole array configuration according to an embodiment is shown.

[0039] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C A rectangular trench array configuration is shown according to an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4CA trapezoidal trench array configuration according to an embodiment is shown.

[0041] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5F A microneedle configuration according to an embodiment is shown.

[0042] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The operation of the blocking device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0043] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a method of operating a blocking device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 8 is a diagram of a computer architecture for implementing certain aspects of a blocking device according to an embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9G The fabrication of microchannel and groove castings of a barrier device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0046] Fig.10 is a block diagram of a blocking device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Fig.11 is a block diagram of a blocking device according to an embodiment.

[0048] Fig.12 is a block diagram of a blocking device according to an embodiment.

[0049] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a blocking device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] According to some embodiments of the disclosed technology, a device configured to form a fluid dynamic barrier is provided. The device may include multiple outlets (or discharge pores) and inlets (or collection pores) dispersed with each other. The outflow rate of the outlet may be substantially equal to the inflow rate of the inlet, thereby producing a substantial stagnation. The circulation of the material between the outlet and the inlet may be in the form of a laminar flow, which produces a fluid dynamic barrier between the surface of the device and the environment. One or more pumps (e.g., a peristaltic pump) may drive the inlet and outlet.

[0051] The material may be provided by one or more reservoirs. As non-limiting examples, the material may include one or more of a sprayable fluid (i.e., not capable of readily mixing with the surrounding fluid), a hydrophobic material (e.g., oil), microbeads, metal shavings, a magnetic material, a sterile solution, a solvent, and / or a cleaning solution.

[0052] In some cases, the relative flow rates of the outlet and inlet can be adjusted to provide sampling (i.e., by increasing the inlet flow rate relative to the outlet flow rate) or to discharge material (e.g., by increasing the outlet flow rate relative to the inlet flow rate). Sampling can be combined with an inline sensor configured to analyze the sample.

[0053] Additionally, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the presently described technology is not mutually exclusive with related art methods. For example, chemical coatings and solutions, UV decontamination and filtering can be combined with the presently described barriers.

[0054] The inventors face many technical challenges in obtaining the technology disclosed in the present invention. For example, it is necessary to mitigate the impact of environmental flow on the fluid dynamic field. The inventors found that the recirculation buffer is operated under a higher pressure gradient, which minimizes the relative impact of the external flow. Additionally, in some cases, the inlet and outlet can be placed in a recessed horizontal plane with a barrier to prevent the environmental flow from destroying the barrier. If the flow rate of the barrier is relatively faster than the external flow of the flow, the barrier can usually be maintained. When the instantaneous strong flow is greater than the blocking flow (or within the threshold of the blocking flow), the barrier may collapse, but once the flow weakens, it should usually re-establish itself. As another problem, the surface energy and / or density of the working fluid may affect the formation of the barrier. For example, when a protective bubble layer is formed on the surface, it should remain adhered to the surface instead of floating. The inventors found that the rapid switching between the net output (e.g., injection mode) and the net input (e.g., sampling mode) helps to maintain the surface bubble layer.

[0055] Various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to one or more accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that these descriptions are for illustrative purposes only. Various additions, reductions, modifications and substitutions to the contents explicitly described herein will be part of the present disclosure for those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0056] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a blocking device 100 according to an example embodiment. Figure 1 , the blocking device 100 includes a plurality of outlets 110, a plurality of inlets 120, a pump 130, a reservoir 140, and a controller 150. Although a plurality of outlets 110 and inlets 120 are shown, this is merely an example. Fig.10 As shown, in some cases, a single outlet 110 and / or a single inlet 120 can be used on a small device to create a fluid dynamic barrier. Microchannel 135 can connect outlet 110 (e.g., discharge pore) and inlet 120 (e.g., collection pore) to reservoir 140 via pump 130. As non-limiting examples, outlet 110 and inlet 120 can be formed as hole arrays, grooves, microneedles and / or natural porous materials (e.g., hydrogels). FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C , FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C ,as well as FIG. 5A to FIG. 5F The outlet 110 and the inlet 120 are described in more detail.

[0057] Reservoir 140 can hold the fluid delivered from outlet 110 and sucked into inlet 120. As a non-limiting example, fluid can include one or more of hydrophobic material (e.g., oil), microbeads, metal shavings, magnetic material, sterile solution, solvent and / or cleaning solution. In some cases, blocking device 100 can include multiple reservoirs 140, each reservoir in the multiple reservoirs 140 can store different fluids. One or more switches and / or pumps 130 (e.g., functioning under the control of controller 150) can select one or more reservoirs in the reservoir to output a fluid with desired characteristics. In some cases, reservoir 140 can include a cleaning mechanism to clean the fluid from inlet 120. As a non-limiting example, UV radiation, antibacterial material, filtration and / or heating can be used for cleaning fluid.

[0058] Reservoir 140 can store one or more immiscible fluids as working fluids. When operating in a hydrophilic environment, the use of immiscible fluids as working fluids further reduces the loss of working fluids caused by, for example, diffusion, minor defects of the device, or spontaneous mismatch of inlet flow / outlet flow. The surface flow of immiscible fluids can protect the surface from the accumulation of biomolecules.

[0059] In some cases, an ambient fluid, such as one or more gases (e.g., air) or liquids (e.g., water) can be used as a working fluid. In some cases, the ambient fluid can be filtered and / or cleaned before or when used as a working fluid. When utilizing an ambient fluid as a working fluid, the rapid flow of the ambient fluid can provide, for example, biofouling prevention and / or a change in the relative friction experienced by a surface in the environment.

[0060] In some cases, air or another fluid can be controlled to collect on the surface, for example as a layer of bubbles. Manipulating the formation of bubbles prevents biomolecules from approaching and adhering to the surface, thereby completely isolating the surface from the ambient liquid.

[0061] Since the hydrodynamic barrier can prevent severe leaching into the environment, various chemicals can be used as working fluids that are not feasible in the related art. For example, if applied to a drug delivery system, a therapeutic drug can be used as a working fluid. The drug can be locally loaded in a tissue with a disease without having a negative impact on the surrounding tissue. Similarly, cleaning solutions, detergents and / or antibiotics can be used as working fluids to thoroughly clean the surface.

[0062] In some cases, the reservoir 140 can include micro / nano particles that are mixed with the fluid to clean the surface. The movement of the small particles can impact the surface and scrub the surface. This can scrape off dirt and biological materials. In addition, the working fluid throughput (e.g., speed and / or amount) and direction can be adjusted to move the small particles in a specific direction.

[0063] The pump 130 provides power for the fluid to flow from the outlet 110 into the inlet 120. The pump 130 can be, for example, a peristaltic pump 130, a syringe pump 130, or a pneumatic pump 130. In some cases, the barrier device 100 may include a plurality of pumps 130 that can selectively control the corresponding outlets 110 and / or inlets 120, and / or control the flow of fluid from / to the corresponding reservoirs 140. In some cases, the pump 130 can selectively control one or more outlets 110 and / or one or more inlets 120. In some embodiments, the pump 130 can be reversible so that the direction of the working fluid can be reversed (e.g., the inlet 120 can output the working fluid, and / or the outlet 110 can receive the working fluid or the ambient fluid).

[0064] The controller 150 can control the pump 130 and various other components of the barrier device 100. Figure 8 An example computer architecture that can be used to implement the controller 150 is described. The controller 150 can control the throughput of the fluid entering the inlet 120 from the outlet 110. For example, by keeping the substantially equal throughput of the outlet 110 and the inlet 120, a stable fluid power barrier can be maintained around the blocking device 100. In some cases, the controller 150 can relatively increase the throughput of the inlet 120 (for example, by controlling the pump 130) to obtain an environmental sample. In some cases, the controller 150 can only control the inlet 120 to obtain input at a given moment. In other cases, sampling can occur over time. The sample can be tested and / or monitored with a sensor, and the controller 150 can adjust the operation of the blocking device 100 accordingly (for example, selecting the throughput of the working fluid or the outlet 110 / inlet 120). In some cases, the controller 150 can relatively increase the throughput of the outlet 130 to discharge a portion of the working fluid.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the controller 150 can selectively change the outlet 110 / inlet 120 throughput and / or fluid selection (e.g., reservoir 140 selection) to meet certain requirements. For example, the controller 150 can control the throughput and fluid selection to clean the surface of the blocking device 100. In some cases, the controller 150 can be configured to adaptively clean the blocking device 100. For example, the controller 150 can change the fluid selection and throughput based on a machine learning algorithm to effectively clean the blocking device 100. The controller 150 can analyze the fluid from the inlet 120 and / or the sample from the inlet 120 to determine the effectiveness of various fluid selections and / or throughputs.

[0066] As non-limiting examples, the controller 150 can operate the device 100 in one or more of an anti-fouling mode, an injection mode, a sampling mode, a fixed mode, and a switching mode. Although these five modes are described, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional or alternative modes can be created while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in some embodiments, the blocking device 100 may not be able to operate in all five modes and / or may only be able to operate in a single mode.

[0067] In the anti-fouling mode, the flow rate through each of the outlets 110 is substantially similar to the flow rate through each of the inlets 120; therefore, the working fluid discharged through the outlets 110 is substantially collected by the inlets 120 and forms a fluid dynamic barrier on the surface. Although the state in which the flow rate of the working fluid from the outlet is substantially equal to the flow rate of the working fluid entering the inlet is described as the anti-fouling mode, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in some cases, the injection mode, the sampling mode, and / or the switching mode may provide some anti-fouling effects.

[0068] In the injection mode, the output from the outlet 110 is greater than the flow rate of the inlet 120, thereby discharging the fluid to the outside of the device. In some cases, the inlet 120 can be substantially closed. The injection mode can be used to locally inject therapeutic substances such as drugs, antibiotics into the skin, tissue or blood for medical treatment. In some cases, the injection mode can continue to provide a fluid dynamic barrier to protect the surface.

[0069] In sampling mode, the flow rate of inlet 120 is greater than the flow rate of outlet. In some cases, outlet 110 can be substantially closed. Sampling mode can be used to collect samples from any surrounding environment such as blood, tissue fluids and oceans to continuously, regularly monitor and / or monitor on demand. In some cases, sampling mode can continuously provide a fluid dynamic barrier to protect the surface.

[0070] Additionally, where material has accumulated on the surface (e.g., biofouling), sampling of the accumulation can also be performed in any mode (as long as the inlet is activated). For example, operation of the pump can shear material from the surface, which can be mixed in the circulating fluid. In some cases, the sheared material can be used to identify the material to be removed. This sampling process can occur when the inlet flow rate and the outlet flow rate are the same or different.

[0071] The stationary mode may be a situation where the working fluid is not easily absorbed by the surrounding environment. For example, if the working fluid is air, after a bubble is formed covering the surface of interest, the external pump essentially stops operating and stops the outlet 110 and inlet 120 flow. The stationary bubble forms an air-liquid boundary around the surface and prevents biomolecules in the ambient liquid from approaching the surface.

[0072] The switching mode quickly switches the relative flow of the outlet 110 and the inlet 120. For example, the switching mode may include a rapid conversion between an injection mode and a sampling mode. As an example, by rapidly switching the relative flow (e.g., between an anti-pollution mode and a sampling mode), environmental conditions can be digitally and serially monitored. As another example, rapid conversion can be used to provide a feedback loop to the device (i.e., to customize the device operation for a specific environment). In some cases, switching between modes (e.g., an anti-pollution mode and a standby mode) can be used to save power. In some cases, the switching mode can be used to form or maintain a bubble layer (e.g., a bubble layer of a working fluid such as a gas or a non-emitting liquid) on a surface. For example, by rapidly switching between an injection mode and a sampling mode, bubbles can be "kept" on the surface in an unstable state by preventing them from agglomerating and leaving the surface.

[0073] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that these are merely examples of the operation of the device and that various changes or substitutions will be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A hole array configuration 200 of an outlet 110 and an inlet 120 is shown. A surface 205 of the device 100 includes regularly spaced outlets 110 and inlets 120. As a non-limiting example, the outlets 110 and inlets 120 may be configured as substantially rectangular lines adjacent to each other. The outlet 110 is disposed on a microchannel 217, and the inlet 120 is disposed on a microchannel 227. A connection 215 of the microchannel 217 from the outlet 110 to the pump 130 may be disposed on one side of the surface 205, and a connection 225 of the microchannel 227 from the inlet 120 to the pump 130 may be disposed on the other side of the surface 205. However, this is merely an example.

[0075] Figure 2AThe top view geometry of the hole array configuration 200 is shown. The holes can be spaced substantially equidistant from each other. Four inlets 120 surround all non-edge outlets 110, and four outlets 110 surround all non-edge inlets 120. By providing substantially equal pressure to the surrounding outlets 110 and inlets 120, all (or substantially all) of the fluid ejected from the outlets 110 will be separated by the surrounding inlets 110.

[0076] The edge outlet 210 and the edge inlet 220 can be angled inwardly toward the center of the surface, and / or the size or shape is designed to be different from the remaining outlets 110 and inlets 120 to limit the edge phenomenon of the fluid dynamic barrier. Various changes (e.g., designed to a certain angle or size) can be determined based on, for example, the surface geometry (e.g., radius of curvature or topography) and / or the surface material of the change. In some cases, the desired degree of protection can be changed on the surface 205, and the configuration and density of the outlet 110 / inlet 120 can be changed on the surface 205 accordingly. In some cases, the edge outlet 210 and the edge inlet 220 can have a relatively less inflow or outflow (e.g., pressure) than the internal outlet 110 and the internal inlet 120. For example, the corner outlet 211 and the corner inlet 221 can have a quarter of the outflow and inflow as the internal outlet 110 and the internal inlet 120, respectively. The remaining edge outlet 210 and the edge inlet 220 can have about half of the outflow and inflow of the internal outlet 110 and the internal inlet 120, respectively. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this is merely an example, and in some cases, uneven pressures may be provided to various outlets and / or inlets to sample the environment, discharge into the environment, or otherwise adjust the fluid dynamic barrier. In certain embodiments, the edge outlet 210 and inlet 220 may be relatively closer to the adjacent inlet 120 and outlet 110. By reducing the outlet to inlet distance on the edge, edge phenomena may be reduced. In an embodiment, the inlet 220 may surround the entire edge of the surface. Therefore, concerns about outlet edge effects (e.g., leaching or diffusion) may be minimized, and only inlet edge effects (e.g., oversampling) may be considered.

[0077] Figure 2BAn enlarged configuration of one outlet 110 and four surrounding inlets 120 is shown. The outlet 110 is spaced apart from each inlet 120 by a distance 231. The inlet 120 is spaced apart from each adjacent inlet 120 by a distance 232. As a non-limiting example, the distance 231 may be about 10 μm, and the distance 232 may be about 10√2 μm. However, this is merely an example, and in some cases, the distance 231 may be about 30 μm, and the distance 232 may be about 30√2 μm. The diameter of the outlet 110 may be 111, and the diameter of the inlet 120 may be 121. The diameter 111 and the diameter 121 may be substantially similar, but this is merely an example. In some cases, the diameter 111 and / or the diameter 121 may be about one-third of the distance 231.

[0078] Figure 2C A perspective view of hole array configuration 200 is shown. As can be seen, microchannel 217 each has a height 218 and a width 219, and microchannel 227 each has a height 228 and a width 229. As a non-limiting example, height 218 and height 228 can be about 50 μm or 60 μm, and width 219 and width 229 can be about 13 μm. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that these are just examples. In some cases, height 218 and height 228 can be increased. The increase in height can increase channel resistance and improve the pressure uniformity of outlet 110 and inlet 120 and the jet flux of blocking device 100.

[0079] Microchannel 217 and microchannel 227 may be separated, for example, by about 1 μm. However, this is merely an example. In some cases, microchannel 217 and microchannel 227 may be separated by a greater distance (eg, 8 μm or more). Such separation may make device 100 easier to manufacture.

[0080] Outlet 110 may have a height 113 and inlet 120 may have a height 123. As non-limiting examples, height 113 and height 123 may be about 20 μm and / or 50 μm. However, this is merely an example. The inventors surprisingly found that increasing height 113 and height 123 resulted in greater pressure uniformity on surface 200.

[0081] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3CA rectangular groove array configuration 300 is shown. The surface 305 of the device 100 includes regularly spaced outlets 110 and inlets 120 formed as grooves. As a non-limiting example, the outlet 110 and the inlet 120 can be configured as substantially rectangular grooves adjacent to each other. The outlet 110 is disposed on a microchannel 317, and the inlet 120 is disposed on a microchannel 378. The end of the microchannel 317 can be disposed on one side of the surface 305 and connected to the pump 130, and the connection end of the microchannel 227 can be disposed on the other side of the surface 305 and connected to the pump 130. However, this is merely an example.

[0082] Figure 3A The top view geometry of the rectangular groove array configuration 300 is shown. The grooves 110 and grooves 120 can be spaced substantially equidistant from each other, wherein the outlet grooves 110 and the inlet grooves 120 alternate. By providing substantially equal pressure to the surrounding outlets 110 and inlets 120, all (or substantially all) of the fluid ejected from the outlet 110 will be separated by adjacent inlets 110.

[0083] The edge outlet 310 and the edge inlet 320 can be angled inwardly toward the center of the surface to limit the edge phenomenon of the fluid dynamic barrier, and / or designed with different sizes or shapes. In addition, the edge outlet 310 and the edge inlet 320 can have relatively less inflow or outflow (e.g., pressure) than the internal outlet 110 and the internal inlet 120. For example, the edge outlet 310 and the edge inlet 320 can have about half the outflow and inflow of the internal outlet 110 and the internal inlet 120, respectively. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that this is merely an example, and in some cases, uneven pressures can be provided to various outlets and / or inlets to sample the environment, discharge into the environment, or otherwise adjust the fluid dynamic barrier.

[0084] Figure 3B An enlarged configuration of one outlet 110 and one inlet 120 is shown. The outlet 110 is spaced apart from each inlet 120 by a distance 331. As a non-limiting example, the distance 331 may be about 30 μm. The outlet 110 has a length 111 and a width 112, and the inlet 120 has a length 121 and a width 122. The length 111 and the length 121 may be substantially similar, and the width 112 and the width 122 may be substantially similar, but this is merely an example. As an example, the length 111 and / or the length 121 may be about 400 μm, and the width 112 and / or the width 122 may be about 5 μm.

[0085] Figure 3C A perspective view of a rectangular groove array configuration 300 is shown. Microchannels 317 and microchannels 327 may be substantially similar to those described above with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2CThe microchannels 217 and microchannels 227 described herein are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, for the sake of compactness, a detailed description of the geometry and spacing is not repeated. The outlet 110 may have a height 113, and the inlet 120 may have a height 123. As a non-limiting example, the height 113 and the height 123 may be about 20 μm and / or 50 μm. However, this is merely an example. The inventors surprisingly found that increasing the height 113 and the height 123 contributed to greater pressure uniformity on the surface 300.

[0086] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C A trapezoidal groove array configuration 400 is shown. The surface 405 of the device 100 includes regularly spaced outlets 110 and inlets 120 formed as grooves. As a non-limiting example, the outlet 110 and the inlet 120 can be configured as substantially trapezoidal grooves adjacent to each other. The outlet 110 is disposed on a microchannel 417, and the inlet 120 is disposed on a microchannel 427. The end of the microchannel 417 can be disposed on one side of the surface 405 and connected to the pump 130, and the connection end of the microchannel 427 can be disposed on the other side of the surface 405 and connected to the pump 130. However, this is merely an example.

[0087] Figure 4A The top view geometry of the trapezoidal groove array configuration 400 is shown. The grooves 110 and the grooves 120 can be spaced substantially equidistant from each other, wherein the outlet grooves 110 and the inlet grooves 120 alternate. By providing substantially equal pressure to the surrounding outlets 110 and inlets 120, all (or substantially all) fluids ejected from the outlet 110 will be separated by adjacent inlets 110. The edge outlet 410 and the edge inlet 420 can be angled inwardly toward the center of the surface to limit the edge phenomenon of the fluid dynamic barrier, and / or designed with different sizes or shapes. In addition, the edge outlet 410 and the edge inlet 420 can have relatively less inflow or outflow (e.g., pressure) than the internal outlet 110 and the internal inlet 120. For example, the edge outlet 410 and the edge inlet 420 can have about half of the outflow and inflow of the internal outlet 110 and the internal inlet 120, respectively. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this is merely an example, and in some cases, non-uniform pressures may be provided to the various outlets and / or inlets to sample the environment, vent to the environment, or otherwise adjust the fluid dynamic barrier.

[0088] Figure 4BAn enlarged configuration of one outlet 110 and one inlet 120 is shown. The outlet 110 is spaced apart from each inlet 120 by a distance 431. As a non-limiting example, the distance 431 may be about 30 μm. The outlet 110 has a length 111, a first width 112a, and a second width 112b, and the inlet 120 has a length 121, a first width l22a, and a second width L22b. The length 111 and the length 121 may be substantially similar, the width 112a and the width l22a may be substantially similar, and the width 112b and the width l22b may be substantially similar, but this is merely an example. As an example, the length 111 and / or the length 121 may be about 400 μm. The width 112a and / or the width l22a may be about 10 μm. The width 112b and / or the width 122b may be between 4 μm and 6 μm, for example, about 4 μm, 5 μm, 5.5 μm, and / or 6 μm. Width 112b and / or width l22b of about 5.5 μm may be particularly useful. In other embodiments, width 112a and width l22a may be about 20 μm, width 112b and width l22b may be about 11 μm, and length 111 and length 121 may be about 60 μm-420 μm, for example 60 μm, 120 μm and / or 420 μm.

[0089] Figure 4C 4 shows a perspective view of a trapezoidal groove array configuration 400. Microchannels 417 and microchannels 427 may be substantially similar to those described above with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C The microchannels 217 and microchannels 227 described herein are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, for the sake of compactness, a detailed description of the geometry and spacing is not repeated. The outlet 110 may have a height 113, and the inlet 120 may have a height 123. As a non-limiting example, the height 113 and the height 123 may be about 20 μm and / or 50 μm. However, this is merely an example. The inventors were surprised to find that increasing the height 113 and the height 123 facilitates greater pressure uniformity on the surface 300. The inventors were also surprised to find that the use of trapezoidal grooves provides improved fluid flow uniformity over rectangular groove and hole array designs.

[0090] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D A microneedle 510 is shown disposed on the surface 505. The microneedle 510 combines the outlet 110 and the inlet 120 into a single form. Each microneedle 510 can be connected to both the inlet microchannel and the outlet microchannel, for example. Figure 5A, the microneedle has a generally conical structure. The outlet 110 and the inlet 120 are stacked on the front side and the rear side of the microneedle 510. The microneedle 510 may have a height 515, for example 800 μm. However, this is merely an example. In addition, a plurality of microneedles 510 may be applied, wherein each microneedle 510 has a different height and / or arrangement and a different number of outlets 110 and inlets 120.

[0091] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that this is merely an example and that the microneedles may have a variety of shapes and geometries, as well as locations of the outlet 110 and inlet 120. As non-limiting examples, the microneedles may be substantially tetrahedral, pyramidal, or various other polygonal shapes.

[0092] Figure 5B Shown is a cross section of a microneedle 510. A single outlet channel 512 is connected to all outlets 110, and a single inlet channel 514 is connected to all inlets 120, but this is merely an example. Figure 5C and Figure 5D A simulation of a hydrodynamic barrier 590 created by a pump 130 operating a microneedle 510 is shown. The hydrodynamic barrier separates the microneedle from external water.

[0093] Figure 5E and Fig. 5F The operation of the microneedle 510 according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 5E and Fig. 5F In 550e-1 / 550f-1, the microneedle 510 is immersed in blood and fibrinogen (coagulant). In 550e-1 / 550f-1, the microneedle 510 is operating. Very little fibrinogen is attached to the surface of the microneedle 510. In 550e-2 / 550f-2, the microneedle 510 stops operating. Once the fluid dynamic barrier stops, the fibrinogen 599 adheres to the microneedle 510. In 550e-3 / 550f-3, the microneedle 510 resumes operation, and the flow of fluid cleans the microneedle 510.

[0094] In some cases, the novel microneedle 510 design can prevent substantially all fluids (eg, detergents or other cleaning agents) from escaping into the surrounding environment.

[0095] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the outlet 110 / inlet 120 geometries and locations discussed herein are merely examples. It should be understood that the outlet 110 / inlet 120 geometries may be adjusted beyond those explicitly described to ensure desired (e.g., balanced) inflow and outflow across the entire surface.

[0096] Although various devices have been described by discussing inlet arrangements / outlet arrangements and / or microneedles, those of ordinary skill in the art based on the present disclosure will recognize that the inlet and / or outlet can be formed into various geometric structures, shapes, and objects. In some cases, the surface of an object can have embedded outlets 110 and inlets 120, so that the fluid dynamic barrier can be set on any geometric structure, and is shown by microneedle 510.

[0097] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The operation of the blocking device 100 according to the embodiment is shown. It should be understood that the blocking device 100 may include the above reference Figures 2A to 5F One or more of the configurations discussed, and / or alternative configurations as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure. Fig. 6A The barrier device 100 is shown establishing a hydrodynamic barrier. In 600a-1, the barrier device 100 is open after being closed for an extended period of time, such that there is no hydrodynamic barrier and particles 698 are generally dispersed around the barrier device 100. In 600a-2, the hydrodynamic barrier is being established and particles 698 are moving from the surface of the barrier device 100. In 600a-3, the hydrodynamic barrier has been established, thereby separating the barrier device 100 from the particles 698 in the surrounding fluid. Figure 6B A hydrodynamic barrier is shown preventing the flow from impacting. At 600b-1, the flow is released. At 600b-2, 600b-3, and 600b-4, the flow advances over the device 100. However, the hydrodynamic barrier prevents the flow from impacting the surface. Figure 6C The velocity field of the flow and the hydrodynamic barrier is shown according to an example embodiment.

[0098] In some embodiments, magnetic field and / or electrostatic field can be used as driving force (for example, instead of pump 130). Magnetic field / electric field can produce patterned field lines similar to the fluid generating fluid power layer. In the field of magnetic / electric field, this can be referred to as the magnetic field / electrostatic field of surface limitation. In some cases, magnetic particles and / or metal particles can be applied on or near the surface and made into a circle on or near the surface. For example, magnetic beads (micron particles / nanoparticles) can be made to circulate near the surface by the magnetic field of surface constraint. This cyclic motion of beads can physically scrape and dissolve any fouling biomaterial on the surface, and constant motion minimizes attachment. The field can be induced by alternating permanent magnet (NSNSNS...) field or by electromagnetic (for example, AC) field. In some cases, electromagnets can be used to make magnetic particles "turn" across the surface (for example, by quickly changing and / or moving the magnetic source).

[0099] In some embodiments, fluid power barrier can be used for the surface characteristics of local change surface.For example, blocking device 100 can produce fluid power air / fluid barrier, to change the apparent surface friction of the following surface.For example, air barrier can be moved through water more easily than typical hull surface.By producing fluid barrier (for example, fluid power or bubble), the apparent surface roughness of surrounding environment can be reduced.Therefore, in some cases, the energy requirement (for example, fuel consumption) that makes object move through environment can be reduced.Such system can be applied to any type of mobile surface, such as automobile, airplane, ship, spacecraft, tire and / or propeller.As an example, this process can be considered to be similar to forming barrier between the surface of air hockey puck and air hockey table.

[0100] Figure 7 700 is a flowchart of a method of operating the blocking device 100 according to an example embodiment. The blocking device 100 can be operated according to the flowchart 700. Figure 7 , the blocking device 100 performs 710, that is, outputs the working fluid from a plurality of outlets (e.g., outlet 110). For example, the pump 130 (e.g., under the control of the controller 150) can pump the working fluid from the reservoir 140 through the microchannel 217 / microchannel 317 / microchannel 417 to the outlet 110. In some cases, the controller 150 can further select the reservoir 140 from the plurality of reservoirs, select a specific fluid and / or fluid mixture as the working fluid, and select and control the pump 130 to pump the corresponding fluid.

[0101] The blocking device 100 can also perform 720, that is, generate an inflow at a plurality of inlets (e.g., inlet 120). For example, the pump 130 (e.g., under the control of the controller 150) can drive the fluid from the microchannel 227 / microchannel 327 / microchannel 427 to the inlet 120. In some cases, the pump 130 can simultaneously drive the working fluid to the outlet 110 and form an inflow at the inlet 120.

[0102] The blocking device 100 performs 730, that is, manages the relative flow of the outlet 110 and the inlet 120 according to the operating mode. In the anti-fouling mode or cleaning mode (740), the flow through each of the outlets 110 is substantially similar to the flow through each of the inlets 120; therefore, the working fluid discharged by the outlet 110 is substantially collected by the inlet 120, and a fluid dynamic barrier is formed on the surface. In the injection mode (750), the output from the outlet 110 is greater than the flow of the inlet 120, thereby discharging the fluid to the outside of the device. In the sampling mode (760), the flow of the inlet 120 is greater than the flow of the outlet, thereby collecting fluid from the surrounding environment. In the static mode (770), after the formation of bubbles covering the surface of interest, the external pump substantially stops operating and stops the flow of the outlet 110 and the inlet 120.

[0103] The blocking device 100 performs 780, i.e., detects a change in the operating mode, and the blocking device 100 performs 730, i.e., manages the relative flow of the outlet 110 and the inlet 120 according to the changed operating mode. If a change in mode is not detected, the blocking device 100 may perform 790, i.e., finally determines that the operation will stop and stops managing the flow.

[0104] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9G 1 shows the fabrication of the microchannel and groove casting 930 of the barrier device 100 according to an embodiment. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that FIG. 9A to FIG. 9G The use of photolithography is represented as an example, not a limiting fabrication technique. In some cases, microchannels 217 / microchannels 227 and outlets 110 / inlet 120 may be fabricated in a variety of ways, such as 3D photolithography, 3D printing, and UV curable materials.

[0105] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Shown are a top view and a cross-sectional view of a microchannel mold 910. The mold 910 can be fabricated, for example, using soft lithography on a silicon wafer. Fig. 9C A microchannel casting 915 is shown, which may be formed from a microchannel mold 910, for example, by coating the mold 910 with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (eg, spin coating) and curing the PDMS.

[0106] Fig.9D and Fig.9E A top view and a cross-sectional view of an outlet / inlet mold 920 are shown. The mold 920 can be fabricated, for example, using soft lithography on a silicon wafer. Although the mold 920 is shown for an array of grooves, this is merely an example. Fig.9FAn outlet / inlet casting 925 is shown formed from an outlet / inlet mold 920, i.e., for example, by coating the mold 920 with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (e.g., spin coating) and curing the PDMS. The microchannel casting 915 is aligned and bonded to the outlet / inlet casting 925 (e.g., by treating the microchannel casting 915 and / or the outlet / inlet mold 925 with corona plasma and a few drops of ethanol to prevent irreversible bonding during alignment). A combined microchannel and groove casting 930 ( Figure 9G ), and microchannels and grooves for the blocking device 100 can be produced.

[0107] Fig.10 is a block diagram of a blocking device 1000 according to an embodiment. Fig.10 , the blocking device 1000 includes an outlet 110, an inlet 120, a pump 130, a reservoir 140 and a controller 150. As can be seen, in addition to Fig.10 The blocking device 1000 includes only a single outlet 110 and a single inlet 120. Fig.10 The blocking device 1000 is substantially similar to Figure 1 The blocking device 100 shown. The outlet 110, the inlet 120, the pump 130, the reservoir 140 and the controller 150 can be substantially similar to those described above with reference to Figure 1 Therefore, the detailed description will not be repeated.

[0108] Fig.11 is a block diagram of a blocking device 1000 according to an embodiment. Fig.11 , the blocking device 1000 includes a plurality of outlets 110, a plurality of inlets 120, a passive driver 1130 (eg, an energy harvester), and a reservoir 140. The outlets 110, the inlets 120, and the reservoir 140 may be substantially similar to those described above with reference to Figure 1 The blocking device 1000 includes a passive driver 1130. The passive driver 1130 can be configured to collect energy from the surrounding environment to control the working fluid to flow into the inlet 120 from the outlet 110. As a non-limiting example, the passive driver 1130 can be configured to harvest mechanical energy by the relative motion of the blocking device and the surrounding environment (for example, moving ships) to drive the inlet and outlet and thus circulate the working fluid. In some cases, the passive driver 1130 can drive the outlet 110 and the inlet 120 to produce a fluid power barrier together with the ambient fluid from the surrounding environment.

[0109] Fig.12 is a block diagram of a blocking device 1200 according to an embodiment. Fig.12, the barrier device 1200 includes a porous material 1250 (e.g., a natural porous material such as a hydrogel), a pump 130, a reservoir 140, and a controller 150. The pump 130, the reservoir 140, and the controller 150 may be substantially similar to those described above with reference to Figure 1 The blocking device 1200 includes a porous material 1250. The porous material 1250 can be used as an outlet 110, an inlet 120 and / or both the outlet 110 and the inlet 120. As a non-limiting example, the porous material 1250 can be disposed on a surface and fluidically connected to a pump 130. The pump 130 can pump the working fluid out of the porous material 1250 and / or the ambient fluid can be drawn into the porous material 1250. In some cases, the pump 130 can keep a working fluid layer (e.g., a bubble layer) on the surface of the porous material 1250. For example, the pump 130 can quickly switch from pumping out to pumping in to generate and maintain a protective layer of the working fluid on the surface.

[0110] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a blocking device 1300 according to an embodiment. Fig.13 , the blocking device 1300 includes a porous material 1250, an auxiliary hole 1360, a pump 130, a reservoir 140, and a controller 150. The pump 130, the reservoir 140, and the controller 150 may be substantially similar to those described above with reference to Figure 1 The blocking device 1300 includes a porous material 1250, which can be substantially similar to the porous material 1250 described in reference. Therefore, a detailed description of these elements will not be repeated herein. Fig.12 The porous material 1250 described herein can be used as the outlet 110, the inlet 120, and / or both the outlet 110 and the inlet 120. The blocking device 1300 also includes an auxiliary hole 1360, which can also be used as the outlet 110, the inlet 120, and / or both the outlet 110 and the inlet 120. For example, the auxiliary hole 1360 can be operated as the outlet 110, and the porous material 1250 can be operated as the inlet 120, so that the fluid dynamic barrier is maintained on the surface. However, this is merely an example, and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and / or modifications of the operation can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0111] Although the present disclosure generally refers to blocking device 100 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that similar features, discussions, and examples may apply to blocking device 1000 , blocking device 1100 , blocking device 1200 , and blocking device 1300 , in accordance with the present disclosure, unless expressly disclaimed or inherently incompatible.

[0112] Aspects of the disclosed technology may be used Figure 8 At least some of the components shown in the computing device architecture 800 of FIG. 8 may be implemented. For example, the controller 150 may be implemented with Figure 8 800 is implemented by one or more of the components depicted in . As shown, the computing device architecture 800 includes: a central processing unit (CPU) 802, in which computer instructions are processed; and a display interface 804, which is used as a communication interface and provides functions for rendering video, graphics, images and text on a display. In some example embodiments of the disclosed technology, the display interface 804 can be directly connected to a local display, such as a touch screen display associated with a mobile computing device. In another example embodiment, the display interface 804 can be configured to provide data, images and other information for an external / remote display that does not have to be physically connected to a mobile computing device. For example, a desktop monitor can be used to mirror graphics and other information presented on a mobile computing device. In some example embodiments, the display interface 804 can be wirelessly communicated to an external / remote display, such as via a Wi-Fi channel or other available network connection interface 812.

[0113] In an example embodiment, the network connection interface 812 can be configured as a communication interface, and can provide a function for rendering video, graphics, images, text, other information or any combination thereof on a display. In one example, the communication interface can include a serial port, a parallel port, a general input and output (GPIO) port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB), a micro USB port, a high-definition multimedia (HDMI) port, a video port, an audio port, a Bluetooth port, a near-field communication (NFC) port, another similar communication interface or any combination thereof. In one example, the display interface 804 can be coupled to a local display (for example, the local display is a touch screen display associated with a mobile device) in an operable manner. In another example, the display interface 804 can be configured to be an external / remote display that is not necessarily connected to a mobile computing device, to provide video, graphics, images, text, other information or any combination thereof. In one example, a desktop monitor can be used to mirror or expand the graphical information that can be presented on a mobile device. In another example, the display interface 804 can communicate wirelessly with an external / remote display, for example, via a network connection interface 812 such as a Wi-Fi transceiver.

[0114] The computing device architecture 800 may include a keyboard interface 806 that provides a communication interface to a keyboard. In an example embodiment, the computing device architecture 800 may include a presence-sensitive display interface 808 for connecting to a presence-sensitive display 807. According to certain example embodiments of the disclosed technology, the presence-sensitive display interface 808 may provide a communication interface to various devices such as a pointing device, a touch screen, a depth camera, etc., which may or may not be associated with a display.

[0115] The computing device architecture 800 can be configured to use input devices via one or more of the input / output interfaces (e.g., keyboard interface 806, display interface 804, presence-sensitive display interface 808, network connection interface 812, camera interface 814, sound interface 816, etc.) to allow a user to capture information into the computing device architecture 800. The input devices may include a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a touch-validation trackpad, a presence-sensitive trackpad, a presence-sensitive display, a scroll wheel, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a webcam, a microphone, a sensor, a smart card, etc. Additionally, the input devices may be integrated with the computing device architecture 800 or may be separate devices. For example, the input devices may be accelerometers, magnetometers, digital cameras, microphones, and optical sensors.

[0116] An example embodiment of the computing device architecture 800 may include: an antenna interface 810, which provides a communication interface to an antenna; and a network connection interface 812, which provides a communication interface to a network. As described above, the display interface 804 can communicate with the network connection interface 812, for example, to provide information for display on a remote display that is not directly connected or attached to the system. In some embodiments, a camera interface 814 is provided, which serves as a communication interface and provides a function for capturing digital images from a camera. In some embodiments, a sound interface 816 is provided as a communication interface for converting sound into electrical signals using a microphone and for converting electrical signals into sound using a speaker. According to an example embodiment, a random access memory (RAM) 818 is provided, in which computer instructions and data can be stored in a volatile memory device for processing by the CPU 802.

[0117] According to an example embodiment, the computing device architecture 800 includes a read-only memory (ROM) 820 in which unchanging low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input and output (I / O), booting, or receiving keystrokes from a keyboard are stored in a non-volatile memory device. According to an example embodiment, the computing device architecture 800 includes a storage medium 822 or other suitable type of memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disk, optical disk, floppy disk, hard disk, removable cartridge, flash drive), wherein files include an operating system 824, application programs 826 (e.g., including a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine, and / or other applications (if desired) and data files 828, and the operating system 824, application programs 826 and data files 828 are stored in the storage medium 822 or other suitable type of memory. According to an example embodiment, the computing device architecture 800 includes a power supply 830 that provides appropriate alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) to the power supply components.

[0118] According to an exemplary embodiment, the computing device architecture 800 includes a telephony subsystem 832 that allows the device 800 to transmit and receive voice over a telephone network. The constituent devices and the CPU 802 communicate with each other via a bus 834.

[0119] According to an example embodiment, the CPU 802 has a suitable structure to be a computer processor. In one arrangement, the CPU 802 may include more than one processing unit. The RAM 818 interfaces with the computer bus 834 to provide fast RAM storage to the CPU 802 during the execution of software programs such as operating system applications and device drivers. More specifically, the CPU 802 loads computer executable processing steps from the storage medium 822 or other media into the fields of the RAM 818 to execute the software program. Data can be stored in the RAM 818, and the computer CPU 802 can access the data during execution. In an example configuration, the device architecture 800 includes at least 88MB of RAM and 256MB of flash memory.

[0120] The storage medium 822 itself may include multiple physical drive units, such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a floppy disk drive, a flash memory, a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, a thumb drive, a pen drive, a key drive, a high density digital versatile disk (HD-DVD) optical drive, an internal hard drive, a Blu-ray optical drive, or a holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical drive, an external micro dual in-line memory module (DIMM) synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), or an external micro DIMM SDRAM. Such computer readable storage media allow a computing device to access computer executable process steps, applications, etc. stored on removable and non-removable storage media to offload data from the device or upload data to the device. A computer program product, such as a computer program product utilizing a communication system, may be tangibly embodied in the storage medium 822, which may include a machine readable storage medium.

[0121] According to an example embodiment, the term computing device as used herein may be a CPU, or conceptualized as a CPU (e.g., Figure 8 802). In this example embodiment, the computing device (CPU) may be coupled, connected, and / or in communication with one or more peripheral devices, such as a display. In another example embodiment, as used herein, the term computing device may refer to a mobile computing device, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, or a smart watch. In this example implementation, the computing device may output content to its local display and / or speaker(s). In another example embodiment, the computing device may output content to an external display device, such as a TV or an external computing system (e.g., via Wi-Fi).

[0122] In the example embodiments of the disclosed technology, the computing device may include any number of hardware and / or software applications that are executed to facilitate any operation. In the example embodiments, one or more I / O interfaces may facilitate the communication between the computing device and one or more input devices / output devices. For example, a universal serial bus port, a serial port, a disk drive, a CD-ROM drive and / or one or more user interface devices such as a display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a control panel, a touch screen display, a microphone, etc. may facilitate the interaction of a user with the computing device. One or more I / O interfaces may be used to receive or collect data and / or user instructions from a variety of input devices. The received data may be processed by one or more computer processors and / or stored in one or more memory devices as desired in the various embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0123] The one or more network interfaces may facilitate connection of the input and output of the computing device to one or more suitable networks and / or connections, such as connections to facilitate communication with any number of sensors associated with the system. The one or more network interfaces may further facilitate connection to one or more suitable networks for communicating with external devices and / or systems, such as a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, a cellular network, a radio frequency network, a Bluetooth-enabled network, a Wi-Fi-enabled network, a satellite-based network, any wired network, any wireless network, etc.

[0124] Although certain embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described throughout this specification and drawings in conjunction with what is currently considered to be the most practical content and various embodiments, it should be understood that the disclosed technology is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, the disclosed technology is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, these specific terms are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation.

[0125] In the foregoing description, many specific details are set forth. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the disclosed technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other examples, well-known methods, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of the description. References to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," "various embodiments," etc. indicate that the (one or more) embodiments of the disclosed technology described in this manner may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment must include specific features, structures, or characteristics. In addition, although the phrase "in one embodiment" may be used repeatedly, it does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0126] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms should be interpreted as at least adopting the meaning clearly associated herein. The term "connection" refers to a function, feature, structure or characteristic that is directly connected to another function, feature, structure or characteristic or communicates with another function, feature, structure or characteristic. The term "coupling" refers to a function, feature, structure or characteristic that is directly or indirectly connected to another function, feature, structure or characteristic or communicates with another function, feature, structure or characteristic. The term "or" is intended to represent an inclusive "or". In addition, the terms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to represent one or more, unless otherwise specified or clearly pointed to the singular form from the context.

[0127] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives "first," "second," "third," etc. to describe common objects merely indicates that different instances of the same object are referenced, and different instances of the same object are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given order in time, space, hierarchy, or in any other manner.

[0128] This written description uses examples to disclose certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, including the best mode, and also to enable a person skilled in the art to practice certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain embodiments of the disclosed technology is defined in the claims and their equivalents, and may include other examples that occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0129] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented according to at least the following contents:

[0130] Item 1: A barrier device comprising: at least one outlet disposed on a surface; and at least one inlet disposed on the surface.

[0131] Clause 2: The device of clause 1, comprising a plurality of outlets disposed on the surface; and a plurality of inlets dispersed between the plurality of outlets and disposed on the surface.

[0132] Clause 3: The device of clause 1 or 2, further comprising at least one pump in fluid communication with the at least one outlet and the at least one inlet.

[0133] Clause 4: The device of clause 3, wherein the at least one pump is configured to simultaneously pump working fluid out of the plurality of outlets and pull the working fluid back through the plurality of inlets to create a hydrodynamic barrier on the surface.

[0134] Clause 5: The device of clause 1 or 2, further comprising an energy harvesting device configured to extract energy from the relative movement of the surface relative to the surrounding environment to circulate the working fluid out of the at least one outlet and draw the working fluid back through the at least one inlet.

[0135] Item 6: A blocking device comprising: a plurality of pores (e.g., outlets and / or inlets) disposed on a surface; at least one pump connected to the fluid of the plurality of pores, the at least one pump being configured to rapidly switch between pumping a working fluid out of the plurality of pores and pulling the working fluid back through the plurality of pores to maintain a barrier to the working fluid on the surface.

[0136] Clause 7: The apparatus of any of clauses 4 to 6, further comprising at least one reservoir configured to store at least a portion of the working fluid.

[0137] Clause 8: The device of any of clauses 4 to 7, wherein the working fluid comprises air and the barrier comprises air bubbles.

[0138] Clause 9: The device of any one of clauses 3, 4, and 6 to 8, further comprising a controller configured to control the pump to operate according to at least one of a plurality of operating modes.

[0139] Item 10: An apparatus according to Item 9, wherein the multiple operating modes include at least one of the following modes: an anti-pollution mode, configured to maintain the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets substantially equal to the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets; an injection mode, configured to maintain the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets greater than the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets, so that a portion of the working fluid is released into the surrounding environment; a sampling mode, configured to maintain the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets less than the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets, so that a portion of the ambient fluid is drawn from the surrounding environment into the multiple inlets; and a switching mode, configured to modify at least one of the flow rates of the working fluid through the multiple outlets and the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets over time.

[0140] Clause 11: The apparatus of clause 10, wherein the switching mode is configured to switch between the injection mode and the sampling mode.

[0141] Clause 12: The device of any one of clauses 4 to 11, wherein the working fluid comprises at least one of a sprayable fluid, a hydrophobic fluid, microbeads, metal shavings, a magnetic material, a sterile solution, a solvent, and a cleaning solution.

[0142] Clause 13: The device of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the at least one outlet comprises an array of outlet holes disposed on the surface, and the at least one inlet comprises an array of inlet holes disposed on the surface and offset from the array of outlet holes.

[0143] Clause 14: An apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the at least one outlet comprises at least one substantially rectangular outlet groove disposed on the surface, and the at least one inlet comprises at least one substantially rectangular inlet groove disposed on the surface, the inlet groove and the outlet groove being disposed in an alternating pattern.

[0144] Clause 15: An apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the at least one outlet comprises at least one substantially trapezoidal outlet groove disposed on the surface, and the at least one inlet comprises at least one substantially trapezoidal inlet groove disposed on the surface, the inlet groove and the outlet groove being disposed in an alternating pattern.

[0145] Clause 16: The device of any one of clauses 1 to 15, further comprising at least one microneedle disposed on the surface.

[0146] Clause 17: The device of clause 16, wherein the at least one outlet and the at least one inlet are formed in the at least one microneedle.

[0147] Clause 18: The device of clause 16 or 17, wherein the at least one microneedle is substantially conical in shape.

[0148] Clause 19: The device of any one of clauses 16 to 18, wherein each microneedle of the at least one microneedle comprises a plurality of outlets and a plurality of inlets.

[0149] Clause 20: The device of any one of clauses 3, 4, and 6 to 19, wherein the at least one pump comprises at least one of a peristaltic pump, a syringe pump, and a pneumatic pump.

[0150] Clause 21: The apparatus of any one of clauses 3 to 20, wherein the working fluid is obtained from the environment surrounding the surface.

[0151] Clause 22: The device of any one of clauses 1 to 21, wherein at least one outlet and / or at least one inlet comprises pores in a porous material disposed on the surface.

[0152] Clause 23: The device of clause 22, wherein the porous material comprises a hydrogel.

[0153] Clause 24: The device of any one of clauses 1 to 23, wherein each outlet of the plurality of outlets is surrounded by a plurality of the plurality of inlets.

[0154] Clause 25: The device of any one of clauses 3 to 24, wherein the hydrodynamic barrier and / or the barrier locally changes a surface property of the surface.

[0155] Clause 26: The device of clause 25, wherein the surface property comprises an apparent friction with the surrounding environment.

[0156] Clause 27: The device of any one of clauses 1 to 26, arranged on a vehicle, a watercraft or an aircraft.

[0157] Clause 28: The device of any one of clauses 3, 4, and 6 to 27, configured to clean the surface by movement of the working fluid.

[0158] Clause 29: The device of any one of clauses 1 to 28, wherein the outlets and / or inlets provided on the edge are angled towards the center of the surface.

[0159] Clause 30: The device of any of clauses 1 to 29, wherein the outlets and / or inlets disposed on the edge are distinguishable by at least one of a change in geometry and by a relatively reduced spacing from adjacent outlets / inlets.

[0160] Clause 31: A method comprising: outputting a working fluid through at least one outlet disposed on a surface; and extracting the working fluid through at least one inlet disposed on the surface.

[0161] Clause 32: The method of clause 31, comprising delivering through a plurality of outlets disposed on the surface; and extracting through a plurality of inlets dispersed between the plurality of outlets and disposed on the surface.

[0162] Clause 33: The method of clause 31 or 32, wherein said outputting and said extracting are substantially simultaneous.

[0163] Clause 34: The method of clauses 31 to 33, wherein said outputting and said extracting utilizes said working fluid to form a barrier on said surface.

[0164] Clause 35: The method of clauses 31 to 34, wherein said outputting and said extracting form a hydrodynamic barrier on said surface through movement of said working fluid.

[0165] Clause 36: The method of clauses 31 to 35, further comprising: harvesting energy from relative motion of the surface to the surrounding environment to drive the output and the extraction.

[0166] Clause 37: The method of clauses 31 to 36, wherein said outputting and said extracting maintain a barrier to said working fluid on said surface.

[0167] Item 38: The method according to items 31 to 37, the method also includes: selecting a working fluid from a plurality of working fluids, the plurality of working fluids including one or more of a sprayable fluid, a hydrophobic fluid, microbeads, metal chips, magnetic materials, a sterile solution, a solvent and a cleaning solution; and outputting the selected working fluid.

[0168] Clause 39: The method of any of clauses 31 to 38, wherein the working fluid comprises air and the barrier comprises air bubbles.

[0169] Clause 40: The method of clauses 31 to 39, further comprising: selecting an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes; and maintaining relative flow rates between the plurality of outlets and the plurality of inlets based on the selected operating mode.

[0170] Item 41: A method according to item 40, wherein the multiple operating modes include at least one of the following modes: an anti-pollution mode, comprising maintaining the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets substantially equal to the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets; an injection mode, comprising maintaining the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets greater than the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets, so that a portion of the working fluid is released into the surrounding environment; a sampling mode, comprising maintaining the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple outlets less than the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets, so that a portion of the ambient fluid is extracted from the surrounding environment; and a switching mode, configured to modify at least one of the flow rates of the working fluid through the multiple outlets and the flow rate of the working fluid through the multiple inlets over time.

[0171] Clause 42: The method of clause 41, wherein the switching mode is configured to switch between the injection mode and the sampling mode.

[0172] Clause 43: The method of any one of clauses 31 to 42, wherein the working fluid comprises at least one of a sprayable fluid, a hydrophobic fluid, microbeads, metal shavings, a magnetic material, a sterile solution, a solvent, and a cleaning solution.

[0173] Clause 44: The method of any of clauses 31 to 43, further comprising cleaning the surface by varying at least one of a working fluid, a flow rate of the plurality of outlets, and a flow rate of the plurality of inlets.

[0174] Clause 45: The method of any one of clauses 31 to 44, wherein the at least one outlet comprises an array of outlet holes disposed on the surface, and the at least one inlet comprises an array of inlet holes disposed on the surface and offset from the array of outlet holes.

[0175] Clause 46: A method according to any one of clauses 31 to 45, wherein the at least one outlet includes a plurality of outlet grooves arranged on the surface, the at least one inlet includes a plurality of inlet grooves arranged on the surface, the inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are arranged in an alternating pattern, and the plurality of outlet grooves and the plurality of inlet grooves are approximately rectangular or approximately trapezoidal.

[0176] Clause 48: The method of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the at least one outlet and the at least one inlet are formed in a plurality of microneedles disposed on the surface.

[0177] Clause 49: The device of clause 48, wherein at least one microneedle is substantially conical.

[0178] Clause 50: The device of clause 48 or 49, wherein each microneedle of the at least one microneedle comprises a plurality of outlets and a plurality of inlets.

[0179] Clause 51: The method of any one of clauses 31 to 50, further comprising obtaining the working fluid from an environment surrounding the surface.

[0180] Clause 52: The method of any of clauses 31 to 51, wherein at least one outlet and / or at least one inlet comprises pores in a porous material disposed on the surface.

[0181] Clause 53: The method of clause 52, wherein the porous material comprises a hydrogel.

[0182] Clause 54: The method of any of clauses 31 to 53, wherein the barrier locally changes a surface property of the surface.

[0183] Clause 55: The device of clause 54, wherein the surface property comprises an apparent friction with the surrounding environment.

[0184] Clause 56: A method according to any one of clauses 31 to 55, said method being performed on a surface of a vehicle, a vessel or an aircraft.

[0185] Clause 57: The method of any one of clauses 31 to 56, further comprising cleaning the surface by movement of the working fluid.

Claims

1. A fluid dynamic blocking device, comprising: an outlet disposed on a surface exposed to an ambient fluid; inlets dispersed between the outlets and disposed on the surface; a pump in fluid communication with the outlet and the inlet; as well as A microneedle, disposed on the surface, comprising the outlet and the inlet; Wherein, the pump is configured to form a surface-retaining fluid dynamic barrier having an outer surface and a relative environmental surface by simultaneously pumping the working fluid out of at least a portion of the outlet and pulling the working fluid back through at least a portion of the inlet, wherein the surface-retaining fluid dynamic barrier is confined on the surface of the fluid dynamic blocking device, during which the environmental surface is exposed to the ambient fluid. 2 . The fluid dynamic blocking device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one reservoir configured to store at least a portion of the working fluid.

3. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a controller configured to control the pump to operate in a plurality of operation modes.

4. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of operation modes include at least one of the following modes: an injection mode configured to maintain an outlet flow rate of the working fluid through the outlet greater than an inlet flow rate of the working fluid through the inlet so that the working fluid is released into the surrounding environment; or A sampling mode is configured to maintain a flow rate through the outlet less than a flow rate through the inlet so that ambient fluid is drawn from the surrounding environment into the inlet.

5. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 4, wherein: Another operating mode is a switching mode; and Wherein, the switching mode is configured to switch between the injection mode and the sampling mode.

6. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 4, wherein: The working fluid includes at least one of a sprayable fluid, a hydrophobic fluid, microbeads, metal chips, a magnetic material, a sterile solution, a solvent, and a cleaning solution.

7. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The outlet comprises an array of outlet holes disposed on the surface; and The inlet includes an array of inlet holes disposed on the surface and offset from the array of outlet holes.

8. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The outlet comprises a generally rectangular outlet groove disposed on the surface; The inlet comprises a generally rectangular inlet groove disposed on the surface; and The inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are arranged in an alternating pattern.

9. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The outlet includes a generally trapezoidal outlet groove disposed on the surface; The inlet comprises a plurality of generally trapezoidal inlet grooves disposed on the surface; and The inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are arranged in an alternating pattern.

10. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 1, wherein: The microneedle is approximately conical in shape.

11. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pump is selected from the group consisting of a peristaltic pump, a syringe pump and a pneumatic pump.

12. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The working fluid is obtained from the environment surrounding the surface.

13. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The outlet, the inlet, or both the outlet and the inlet comprise pores in a porous material disposed on the surface.

14. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 13, wherein: The porous material includes a hydrogel.

15. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of outlets is surrounded by the inlet.

16. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the inlet being selected from the group consisting of a generally rectangular inlet groove disposed on the surface and a generally trapezoidal inlet groove disposed on the surface; The outlet is selected from the group consisting of a generally rectangular outlet groove disposed on the surface and a generally trapezoidal outlet groove disposed on the surface; and The inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are arranged in an alternating pattern.

17. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 16, further comprising microneedles disposed on the surface; in, The microneedle is approximately conical in shape.

18. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 16, further comprising microneedles disposed on the surface; in, Each of the microneedles includes a portion of the outlet channel and a portion of the inlet channel.

19. A method for generating a surface retaining fluid dynamic barrier for a working fluid on a surface exposed to an ambient fluid, applied to the fluid dynamic barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising: outputting the working fluid through an outlet on the surface; while outputting, drawing the working fluid through an inlet disposed on the surface, thereby creating a surface-retaining hydrodynamic barrier on the surface as movement of the working fluid is restricted; wherein the working fluid surface retaining fluid dynamic barrier has an outer surface and an opposite environmental surface; wherein utilizing the movement of the working fluid to produce a surface-retaining fluid dynamic barrier constrained on the surface comprises exposing the ambient surface to the ambient fluid while the outer surface is in contact with the surface fluid; wherein the outlet comprises a plurality of substantially trapezoidal outlet grooves disposed on the surface; and Wherein, the inlet comprises a plurality of substantially trapezoidal inlet grooves arranged on the surface, and the inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are arranged in an alternating pattern.

20. A method comprising: A surface retaining hydrodynamic barrier is created on the surface by: outputting the working fluid through an outlet disposed on the surface exposed to the ambient fluid; as well as Simultaneously with the output, extracting the working fluid through an inlet on the surface; Selecting an operating mode from among a plurality of operating modes; maintaining a relative flow rate between the outlet and the inlet based on the selected operating mode; wherein the surface retaining fluid dynamic barrier has an outer surface and an opposing environmental surface; wherein generating a surface-retaining fluid dynamic barrier confined to said surface comprises exposing said ambient surface to said ambient fluid while said outer surface is in contact with said surface fluid; The multiple operation modes include at least: an anti-fouling mode, comprising maintaining an outlet flow rate of the working fluid through the outlet substantially equal to an inlet flow rate of the working fluid through the inlet; an injection mode, comprising maintaining an outlet flow rate of the outlet greater than the inlet flow rate so that at least a portion of the working fluid is released into the surrounding environment; or a sampling mode comprising maintaining a flow rate through the outlet less than a flow rate through the inlet such that at least a portion of ambient fluid is drawn from the surrounding environment into at least a portion of the inlet; and Wherein, the outlet and the inlet are formed in a plurality of microneedles arranged on the surface.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The working fluid includes one or more of a sprayable fluid, a hydrophobic fluid, microbeads, metal chips, magnetic materials, a sterile solution, a solvent, and a cleaning solution.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The plurality of operating modes also includes a switching mode configured to modify at least one of the outlet flow rate and the inlet flow rate over time.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The switching mode is further configured to switch between the injection mode and the sampling mode.

24. The method of claim 20 or 21, further comprising cleaning the surface by changing at least one of the working fluid, the outlet flow rate, and the inlet flow rate.

25. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The outlet comprises an array of outlet holes disposed on the surface; and The inlet includes an array of inlet holes disposed on the surface and offset from the array of outlet holes.

26. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The outlet comprises an outlet groove disposed on the surface, The inlet comprises inlet grooves disposed on the surface, the inlet grooves and the outlet grooves being disposed in an alternating pattern; and Each of the outlet groove and the inlet groove has a substantially rectangular shape or a substantially trapezoidal shape.

27. A fluid dynamic blocking device comprising: an outlet disposed on a surface exposed to an ambient fluid; inlets dispersed between the outlets and disposed on the surface; a pump in fluid communication with at least a portion of the outlet and at least a portion of the inlet; a microneedle disposed on the surface and comprising the outlet and the inlet; as well as a controller configured to control the pump to operate in an operating mode; wherein the pump is configured to restrict the formation of a surface-retaining hydrodynamic barrier on the surface by simultaneously pumping the working fluid out of at least a portion of the outlet and drawing the working fluid back through at least a portion of the inlet; wherein the surface retaining hydrodynamic barrier of said working fluid on said surface has an outer surface and an opposing environmental surface; wherein the surface of the working fluid maintains the hydrodynamic barrier confined to the surface of the hydrodynamic barrier device, during which the outer surface is in contact with the surface fluid of the hydrodynamic barrier device, while the ambient surface is exposed to the ambient fluid; and The operation mode includes at least one of the following: an anti-fouling mode configured to maintain an outlet flow rate of the working fluid through the outlet substantially equal to an inlet flow rate of the working fluid through the inlet; an injection mode configured to maintain the outlet flow rate greater than the inlet flow rate so that at least a portion of the working fluid is released into the surrounding environment; a sampling mode configured to maintain a flow rate through the outlet less than a flow rate through the inlet such that at least a portion of ambient fluid is drawn from the surrounding environment into at least a portion of the inlet; or A switching mode is configured to modify at least one of the outlet flow rate and the inlet flow rate over time.

28. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 27, wherein: The switching mode is further configured to switch between the injection mode and the sampling mode.

29. The fluid dynamic blocking device of claim 27 or 28, further comprising a reservoir configured to store at least a portion of the working fluid.

30. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The working fluid includes at least one of a sprayable fluid, a hydrophobic fluid, microbeads, metal chips, a magnetic material, a sterile solution, a solvent, and a cleaning solution.

31. A fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The outlet comprises an array of outlet holes disposed on the surface; and The inlet includes an array of inlet holes disposed on the surface and offset from the array of outlet holes.

32. A fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The outlet comprises a generally rectangular outlet groove disposed on the surface; The inlet comprises a generally rectangular inlet groove disposed on the surface; and The inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are arranged in an alternating pattern.

33. A fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The outlet includes a generally trapezoidal outlet groove disposed on the surface; The inlet comprises a plurality of generally trapezoidal inlet grooves disposed on the surface; and The inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are arranged in an alternating pattern.

34. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 27, wherein: The microneedle is approximately conical in shape.

35. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The pump is selected from the group consisting of a peristaltic pump, a syringe pump and a pneumatic pump.

36. A fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The working fluid is obtained from the environment surrounding the surface.

37. A fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The outlet, the inlet, or both the outlet and the inlet comprise pores in a porous material disposed on the surface.

38. The fluid dynamic blocking device according to claim 37, wherein: The porous material includes a hydrogel.

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