Micro-channel chip fixing clamp
By designing a microchannel chip fixing fixture, the problem of not being able to observe electrochemical reactors in real time on hot and cold stages was solved, enabling real-time observation and operation of electrochemical reactions under a microscope, which facilitates electrochemical experiments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrochemical reactors are too large to be set up on narrow hot and cold stages and observed in real time under a microscope.
Design a microchannel chip fixture, including a clamping part, a first electrode and a second electrode, and an observation window to allow observation of the microchannel chip. The fixture is equipped with terminals for electrical connection to an electrochemical workstation. The clamping part consists of a detachable upper clamp and a lower clamp. The fluid inlet and outlet channels are connected to the microchannel. The electrode material is an ITO conductive film, and the microchannel chip material is glass or quartz.
It enables real-time observation of electrochemical reaction processes under a microscope, has a simple structure, occupies little space, and is easy to operate in experiments.
Smart Images
Figure CN121819975A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrochemical technology, and more specifically to a microchannel chip fixing fixture. Background Technology
[0002] Microfluidics is a technology that enables sample preparation, transformation, separation, and detection in biological, chemical, and medical analytical processes using microchannel chips. In electrosynthesis research, microfluidics can reduce ion transport distances and increase electrode surface area, thus achieving efficient, continuous, and easily scalable electrosynthesis techniques. However, electrochemical reactions often involve gas generation, and in microchannels, bubbles introduce significant resistance. Therefore, studying the evolution and flow patterns of bubbles in microchannels is of great importance.
[0003] The tiny droplets and bubbles in electrochemical microfluidic reactions range in size from micrometers to sub-millimeters, requiring microscopic observation. To precisely control the temperature of these microreactions, researchers often use hot-cold stages. However, due to the extremely confined space and significant temperature variations within these stages, reliable clamping devices are needed to secure and seal the microchannels without obstructing microscopic observation, ensuring they are unaffected by stress changes in the microchannel material during rapid temperature variations. Current electrochemical reaction processes primarily involve introducing liquid into an electrochemical reactor for reaction, followed by liquid discharge and monitoring of dielectric content. However, these reactors are large, exceeding the internal dimensions of the hot-cold stage, and cannot be observed under a microscope, resulting in complex structures.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose solutions to the problem that existing electrochemical reactors are too large to be set up on narrow hot and cold stages and observed in real time under a microscope. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problem that existing electrochemical reactors are too large to be placed on narrow hot and cold stages and observed in real time under a microscope.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a microchannel chip fixing fixture, including a clamping part for clamping and fixing a microchannel chip, and a first electrode and a second electrode installed in the clamping part and respectively attached to both sides of the microchannel chip. The clamping part is provided with terminals for electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode to an electrochemical workstation, and the clamping part is provided with an observation window, and the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to allow observation of the microchannel chip through the observation window.
[0007] In some embodiments, the clamping part includes an upper clamping plate and a lower clamping plate that are detachably connected to each other, and a receiving space for mounting the microchannel chip is formed between the upper clamping plate and the lower clamping plate.
[0008] In some embodiments, the upper clamping plate and the lower clamping plate are connected by bolts.
[0009] In some embodiments, the upper clamping plate has multiple fluid inlet and outlet channels, and the microchannel chip has multiple microchannels engraved inside, with the fluid inlet and outlet channels communicating with the microchannels.
[0010] In some embodiments, the microchannel chip has multiple connecting holes, including an inlet hole communicating with the microchannel inlet and an outlet hole communicating with the microchannel outlet. The fluid inlet / outlet channel includes an inlet channel communicating with the inlet hole and an outlet channel communicating with the outlet hole.
[0011] In some embodiments, a needle-shaped connector is also included, passing through the fluid inlet / outlet channel and communicating with the connecting hole.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first electrode has multiple through holes, and the through holes are aligned with the connecting holes.
[0013] In some embodiments, the upper clamping plate has multiple openings on the side opposite to the microchannel chip, and the openings are connected to the side wall of the pin connector.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode are made of ITO conductive film.
[0015] In some embodiments, the microchannel chip is made of glass or quartz.
[0016] In the above technical solution, a clamping part is used to clamp and fix the microchannel chip, and the first electrode and the second electrode are respectively attached to both sides of the microchannel chip. A terminal post is provided on the clamping part so that the first electrode and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the electrochemical workstation through the terminal post, thereby facilitating electrochemical reactions. An observation window is provided on the clamping part so that the influence of different droplets and bubbles on the potential in the microchannel chip during the specific electrochemical reaction process can be observed in real time. The structure is simple, occupies little space, and is easy to observe. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the microchannel chip fixing fixture disclosed in this invention, which holds a microchannel chip.
[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a microchannel chip holder holding a microchannel chip, as disclosed in the paper;
[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of the microchannel chip fixture disclosed in the paper.
[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0021] 1. Clamping part 11. Upper clamping plate
[0022] 12 Lower clamp plate 2 terminal block
[0023] 3 Microchannel chip 4 First electrode
[0024] 41 Through hole 5 Second electrode
[0025] 6. Observation window; 7. Lower recess.
[0026] 8 Bolts 9 Fluid inlet / outlet channels
[0027] 91 Import Channel 92 Export Channel
[0028] 10 Connecting Hole 101 Inlet Hole
[0029] 102 Outlet hole 13 Pin connector
[0030] 14 Openings Detailed Implementation
[0031] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this design and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this design.
[0033] In the description of this design, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this design based on the specific circumstances.
[0034] Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0035] To overcome the limitations of existing electrochemical reactors, which are large in size and cannot be placed on narrow hot and cold stages for real-time microscopic observation, this paper refers to... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a microchannel chip fixing fixture, including a clamping part 1 for clamping and fixing a microchannel chip 3, and a first electrode 4 and a second electrode 5 installed in the clamping part 1 and respectively attached to both sides of the microchannel chip 3. The clamping part 1 is provided with terminals 2 for electrically connecting the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 to an electrochemical workstation, and the clamping part 1 is provided with an observation window 6, and the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 are configured to allow observation of the microchannel chip 3 through the observation window 6.
[0036] Specifically, refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 are connected to the electrochemical workstation via the terminal 2, and the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 are attached to both sides of the microchannel chip 3 so that the required power supply voltage can be provided by the electrochemical workstation and the experiment can be recorded. At the same time, an observation window 6 can be provided on the clamping part 1. The observation window 6 matches the size of the first electrode 4 and the microchannel chip 3, and the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 are set to allow observation of the microchannel chip 3 through the observation window 6 so that the experimental process can be observed completely through a microscope and visual blind spots can be avoided.
[0037] In the above technical solution, the microchannel chip 3 is clamped and fixed by the clamping part 1, and the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 are respectively attached to both sides of the microchannel chip 3. The clamping part 1 is provided with a terminal 2 so that the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 can be electrically connected to the electrochemical workstation through the terminal 2, thereby facilitating the electrochemical reaction. An observation window 6 is provided on the clamping part 1 so that the influence of different droplets and bubbles on the potential in the microchannel chip 3 during the specific electrochemical reaction process can be observed in real time. The structure is simple, occupies little space and is easy to observe.
[0038] In some implementation methods, such as Figure 1As shown, the clamping part 1 includes an upper clamping plate 11 and a lower clamping plate 12 that are detachably connected to each other, and a receiving space for mounting the microchannel chip 3 is formed between the upper clamping plate 11 and the lower clamping plate 12.
[0039] Specifically, the upper clamping plate 11 and the lower clamping plate 12 are connected in a sealed manner to form a closed area. The microchannel chip 3 can be placed in this closed area, combined with... Figure 1 As shown, an upper groove is formed on the side of the upper clamping plate 11 facing the lower clamping plate 12, and a lower groove 7 is formed on the side of the lower clamping plate 12 facing the upper clamping plate 11. When the upper clamping plate 11 and the lower clamping plate 12 are sealed together, the upper groove and the lower groove 7 limit the formation of a receiving space to limit and fix the microchannel chip 3 and the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 that are attached to the microchannel chip 3, so as to avoid misalignment and movement between the microchannel chip 3 and the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, which would cause errors.
[0040] Furthermore, combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the upper clamping plate 11 and the lower clamping plate 12 are connected by bolts 8, which facilitates installation and disassembly, so that the microchannel chip 3 can be taken out at any time. The structure is simple.
[0041] In some implementation methods, combined with Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the upper clamping plate 11 has multiple fluid inlet and outlet channels 9, and the microchannel chip 3 has multiple microchannels engraved inside, with the fluid inlet and outlet channels 9 connected to the microchannels.
[0042] Specifically, in combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the fluid inlet / outlet channel 9 is interconnected with the microchannel of the microchannel chip 3. The liquid required for the experiment can be transported into the microchannel through the fluid inlet / outlet channel 9, or the waste liquid in the microchannel chip 3 can be discharged through the fluid inlet / outlet channel 9.
[0043] Furthermore, combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the microchannel chip 3 has multiple connecting holes 10, including an inlet hole 101 connected to the microchannel inlet and an outlet hole 102 connected to the microchannel outlet. The fluid inlet / outlet channel 9 includes an inlet channel 91 connected to the inlet hole 101 and an outlet channel 92 connected to the outlet hole 102.
[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the connecting holes on the microchannel chip 3 are either the inlet hole 101 or the outlet hole 102 of the internal microchannel. The diameter of the inlet hole 101 or the outlet hole 102 is the same as the diameter of the fluid inlet / outlet channel 9, so that the liquid required for the experiment can be completely delivered into the microchannel through the fluid inlet / outlet channel 9, avoiding overflow or spillage, which would cause experimental errors.
[0045] Furthermore, combined Figure 1and Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a needle connector 13 that passes through the fluid inlet / outlet channel 9 and is connected to the connecting hole 10.
[0046] Specifically, in combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the needle connector 13 can be inserted through the fluid inlet / outlet channel 9, and the needle connector 13 is bent, with its port bent toward the microchannel chip 3, so that it can be directly connected to the connecting hole 10. Liquid is added to the inlet of the needle connector 13 by a pump, and the liquid can flow directly into the microchannel, which is convenient for adding or discharging liquid.
[0047] In some implementation methods, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first electrode 4 has multiple through holes 41, which are aligned with the connecting holes 10. It can be understood that the first electrode 4 is attached to the microchannel chip 3, and the through holes 41 aligned with the connecting holes 10 on the first electrode 4 facilitate the needle connector 13 to pass through the first electrode 4 and connect to the connecting holes 10.
[0048] In some implementation methods, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the upper clamping plate 11 has multiple openings 14 on the side opposite to the microchannel chip 3, and the openings 14 are connected to the side wall of the needle connector 13. It can be understood that through these openings 14, it is possible to directly observe whether the liquid in the needle connector 13 is being successfully delivered into the microchannel, avoiding the failure to detect blockages in the needle connector 13 in a timely manner, thus preventing experimental errors.
[0049] In some embodiments, the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 are made of ITO conductive film, which is transparent and facilitates real-time observation of the reaction using a microscope.
[0050] In some embodiments, the microchannel chip 3 can be made of light-transmitting materials such as glass or quartz to allow observation of the reaction process under a microscope, and can withstand temperature changes on a hot-cold stage to avoid damage. Since the microchannels are etched onto the microchannel chip 3, in other embodiments, the microchannel chip 3 can also be made of materials such as PTFE, PFA, or FEP, which also allow observation of the reaction process under a microscope, and have high-temperature resistance, making it easy to install on a hot-cold stage for experimental research.
[0051] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Within the scope of the inventive concept, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention. This includes combining various specific technical features in any suitable manner. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not further describe the various possible combinations. However, these simple modifications and combinations should also be considered as part of the content disclosed in this invention and are all within the protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A microchannel chip fixing fixture, characterized in that, The device includes a clamping part (1) for clamping and fixing a microchannel chip (3) and a first electrode (4) and a second electrode (5) installed in the clamping part (1) and respectively attached to both sides of the microchannel chip (3). The clamping part (1) is provided with terminals (2) for electrically connecting the first electrode (4) and the second electrode (5) to an electrochemical workstation. The clamping part (1) is provided with an observation window (6), and the first electrode (4) and the second electrode (5) are configured to allow observation of the microchannel chip (3) through the observation window (6).
2. The microchannel chip fixing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping part (1) includes an upper clamping plate (11) and a lower clamping plate (12) that are detachably connected to each other, and a receiving space for mounting the microchannel chip (3) is formed between the upper clamping plate (11) and the lower clamping plate (12).
3. The microchannel chip fixing fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper clamping plate (11) and the lower clamping plate (12) are connected by bolts (8).
4. The microchannel chip fixing fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper clamp (11) has multiple fluid inlet and outlet channels (9), and the microchannel chip (3) has multiple microchannels engraved inside. The fluid inlet and outlet channels (9) are connected to the microchannels.
5. The microchannel chip fixing fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that, The microchannel chip (3) has a plurality of connecting holes (10), the plurality of connecting holes (10) including an inlet hole (101) communicating with the microchannel inlet in the microchannel chip (3) and an outlet hole (102) communicating with the microchannel outlet. The fluid inlet / outlet channel (9) includes an inlet channel (91) communicating with the inlet hole (101) and an outlet channel (92) communicating with the outlet hole (102).
6. The microchannel chip fixing fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a needle connector (13) passing through the fluid inlet / outlet channel (9), the needle connector (13) being connected to the connecting hole (10).
7. The microchannel chip fixing fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first electrode (4) has a plurality of through holes (41) and the through holes (41) are aligned with the connecting hole (10).
8. The microchannel chip fixing fixture according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper clamp (11) has multiple openings (14) on the side opposite to the microchannel chip (3), and the openings (14) are connected to the side wall of the pin connector (13).
9. The microchannel chip fixing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode (4) and the second electrode (5) are made of ITO conductive film.
10. The microchannel chip fixing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microchannel chip (3) is made of glass or quartz.