A valve mechanism of a microfluidic chip
By designing connecting posts and elastic anti-reverse structures in the microfluidic chip, the problem of valve disc displacement under fluid pressure changes or vibrations is solved, ensuring valve accuracy and smooth fluid switching, and improving the operational controllability of the microfluidic system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU PLUS PLASTIC TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
The valve discs of existing microfluidic chips are prone to displacement under fluid pressure changes or external vibrations, making it difficult to guarantee the accuracy of valve opening or closing, especially in continuous or high-frequency operation where there is a lack of anti-reverse structure.
A valve mechanism for a microfluidic chip was designed. Through the connecting column between the upper valve disc and the lower valve seat and the elastic anti-reverse structure, combined with the arc-shaped drainage cavity and anti-slip groove, the stability and accuracy of the valve disc during rotation are ensured, and deviation is prevented.
It achieves accuracy and repeatability of valve action during opening and closing, reduces flow resistance and pressure fluctuations, and ensures smooth switching and operational controllability of fluid in the microfluidic system.
Smart Images

Figure CN224301404U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical assistive device technology, specifically a valve mechanism for a microfluidic chip. Background Technology
[0002] Microfluidic chips achieve precise control of fluids through microscale channels and microfluidic technology. Their main components include microchannels, microvalves, and micropumps, enabling various functions such as mixing, separation, transport, manipulation, and detection of microfluidics. Due to their advantages of small size, fast response speed, high efficiency, flexible operation, and low cost, microfluidic chips show broad application prospects in many fields. For example, in the biomedical field, they can be used for cell analysis and disease detection; in chemical analysis, they can achieve rapid reactions and detection; and in environmental monitoring, they help achieve rapid on-site detection. Microvalves play a crucial control role in microfluidic chips. They typically consist of a valve disc with a flow channel. By rotating the valve disc, the flow of fluid in the microchannel can be controlled. Specifically, when the valve disc rotates to a specific position, the flow channel connects with the microchannel, allowing fluid to pass through; when the valve disc rotates to another position, the flow channel disconnects from the microchannel, thus achieving the function of opening or closing. Currently, valve discs typically... Controlled by an external driving mechanism (such as a micro motor, magnetic drive, or mechanical drive), ideally, the valve disc should remain stable after rotating to a predetermined position to avoid displacement due to changes in fluid pressure or external vibration. However, during fluid flow, the resistance in the flow channel changes with fluid pressure, viscosity, or external vibration. Fluid pressure fluctuations may cause the valve disc to deviate from the predetermined position. Especially without mechanical backstop, the valve disc is easily pushed by fluid dynamics and produces micro-displacement. In continuous or high-frequency operation, the valve disc without a backstop structure cannot guarantee the accuracy of each opening or closing. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a valve mechanism for a microfluidic chip. The bottom end of the upper valve disc is connected to the lower valve seat via a connecting post. When the upper valve disc and the lower valve seat are driven by an external micro motor to rotate in the microfluidic chip, the arc-shaped drainage cavity in the lower valve seat is connected to the corresponding flow channel in the microfluidic chip. Furthermore, the elastic anti-reverse structure and the anti-slip groove maintain the rotation angle of the upper valve disc and the lower valve seat, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a valve mechanism for a microfluidic chip, comprising an upper valve disc installed inside the microfluidic chip, a plurality of connecting posts integrally formed at the bottom of the upper valve disc, and a lower valve seat integrally formed at the bottom of the plurality of connecting posts. The lower valve seat has a plurality of arc-shaped drainage cavities with both ends extending to the outside of the lower valve seat. The outer wall of the upper valve disc is provided with a plurality of elastic anti-reverse structures installed in a ring at equal intervals. The outer wall of the upper valve disc is also provided with anti-slip grooves.
[0005] Preferably, a hexagonal protrusion extending upward is provided at the center of the top of the upper valve disc, and a triangular recessed hole is provided at the top of the hexagonal protrusion.
[0006] Preferably, a gap is provided between the lower end of the upper valve disc and the upper end of the lower valve seat through a connecting post.
[0007] Preferably, a first rubber ring is embedded at the lower end of the upper valve disc and at the upper edge of the lower valve seat.
[0008] Preferably, a second rubber ring is embedded on the outer wall of the lower valve seat below the arc-shaped drainage cavity.
[0009] Preferably, the elastic anti-reverse structure includes a cylindrical cavity disposed on the outer wall of the upper valve disc, a helical spring installed inside the cylindrical cavity, and a rubber bead fixed at one end of the helical spring.
[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The valve mechanism of this microfluidic chip is composed of an upper valve disc, an anti-slip groove, a connecting column, a lower valve seat, multiple arc-shaped drainage cavities, and an elastic anti-reverse structure, which cooperate with each other. The bottom end of the upper valve disc is connected to the lower valve seat through the connecting column. When the upper valve disc and the lower valve seat are driven by an external micro motor to rotate in the microfluidic chip, the arc-shaped drainage cavity in the lower valve seat is connected to the corresponding flow channel in the microfluidic chip, and the elastic anti-reverse structure and the anti-slip groove maintain the rotation angle of the upper valve disc and the lower valve seat. The design of the connecting column ensures that the mechanical connection between the upper valve disc and the lower valve seat is stable and reliable, and the rigidity of the connecting column ensures that the lower valve seat remains synchronized during rotation, avoiding deviation, thereby ensuring the valve's dynamic stability during opening and closing. To ensure accuracy and reduce errors, when the upper valve disc and lower valve seat rotate to a specific position, the arc-shaped drainage cavity connects with the microchannel in the microfluidic chip, achieving smooth fluid switching, reducing flow resistance and pressure fluctuations, and ensuring smoother fluid flow in the microfluidic system. Secondly, the elastic anti-reverse structure provides mechanical restraint after the upper valve disc and lower valve seat reach the preset angle through elastic elements, preventing the valve disc from excessively rotating or deviating when external forces or fluid pressure changes occur, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the valve's opening angle and closing position. The anti-slip groove effectively prevents the valve disc from slipping or deviating due to friction or vibration during rotation, ensuring that each operation achieves the expected state. These designs work together to improve the repeatability and controllability of the valve operation. Attached Figure Description
[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front cross-sectional structure of this utility model;
[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model;
[0013] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;
[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional cross-sectional structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;
[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional cross-sectional structure of the present invention. Figure 2 .
[0016] In the diagram: 1. Upper valve disc; 101. Hexagonal protrusion; 102. Triangular recessed hole; 103. Anti-slip groove; 2. Connecting column; 3. Lower valve seat; 4. Gap; 5. Arc-shaped drainage cavity; 6. Elastic anti-reverse structure; 601. Column cavity; 602. Helical spring; 603. Rubber bead; 7. First rubber ring; 8. Second rubber ring. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0018] Please see Figure 1-5 An embodiment of this utility model is provided: a valve mechanism for a microfluidic chip, including an upper valve plate 1 installed inside the microfluidic chip, a plurality of connecting posts 2 integrally formed at the bottom end of the upper valve plate 1, and a lower valve seat 3 integrally formed at the bottom end of the plurality of connecting posts 2. The lower valve seat 3 is provided with a plurality of arc-shaped drainage cavities 5 with both ends extending to the outside of the lower valve seat 3. A plurality of elastic anti-reverse structures 6 are installed in a ring at equal intervals on the outer wall of the upper valve plate 1. The outer wall of the upper valve plate 1 is also provided with anti-slip grooves 103.
[0019] A hexagonal protrusion 101 extending upward is provided at the center of the top of the upper valve disc 1, and a triangular recessed hole 102 is provided at the top of the hexagonal protrusion 101. The bottom end of the drive shaft of the micro motor is connected to the triangular recessed hole 102 at the top of the hexagonal protrusion 101, thereby driving the upper valve disc 1 and the lower valve seat 3 to rotate stably.
[0020] A gap 4 is provided between the lower end of the upper valve disc 1 and the upper end of the lower valve seat 3 through a connecting column 2;
[0021] A first rubber ring 7 is embedded at the lower end of the upper valve disc 1 and the upper edge of the lower valve seat 3. A second rubber ring 8 is embedded on the outer wall of the lower valve seat 3 below the arc-shaped drainage cavity 5. After the upper valve disc 1 and the lower valve seat 3 are located in the microfluidic chip, the second rubber ring 8 and the first rubber ring 7 form a sealing area at the upper and lower positions of the arc-shaped drainage cavity 5 to prevent fluid from seeping out from the upper and lower positions of the lower valve seat 3 during the process of switching the flow channel.
[0022] The elastic anti-reverse structure 6 includes a cylindrical cavity 601 disposed on the outer wall of the upper valve disc 1, a helical spring 602 installed inside the cylindrical cavity 601, and a rubber bead 603 fixed at one end of the helical spring 602. The helical spring 602 in the cylindrical cavity 601 causes the rubber bead 603 to be continuously pushed out, so as to form an anti-reverse friction force between the upper valve disc 1 and the microfluidic chip, thereby improving the stability of the upper valve disc 1 and the lower valve seat 3 after rotation stops.
[0023] In this embodiment, the drive shaft of the micro motor is first inserted into the center of the top of the upper valve disc 1. When the control part of the microfluidic chip issues an opening command, the micro motor starts and drives the upper valve disc 1, connecting post 2, and lower valve seat 3 to rotate along a predetermined trajectory. The connecting post 2 serves as a mechanical connector to ensure that the rotation of the upper valve disc 1 and the lower valve seat 3 is synchronized with the movement of the drive shaft of the micro motor, avoiding deviation. As the upper valve disc 1 and the lower valve seat 3 rotate, the arc-shaped drainage cavity 5 inside the lower valve seat 3 aligns with the flow channel in the microfluidic chip, forming a connecting path. At this time, the elastic element of the elastic anti-reverse structure provides a certain resistance to ensure that the valve disc will not continue to rotate after reaching the preset opening angle, thereby ensuring the stability of the opening position. During the valve opening process, multiple arc-shaped drainage cavities 5 play a guiding role, guiding the fluid to pass smoothly through the valve area and reducing pressure fluctuations and oscillations of the fluid during the switching process.
[0024] When the valve needs to be closed, the micro motor drives in the reverse direction, causing the upper valve disc 1 and the lower valve seat 3 to rotate counterclockwise or along a predetermined path. This causes the lower valve seat 3 to gradually deviate from the flow channel. At this time, the elastic anti-reverse structure 6 plays a role, providing mechanical restraint to ensure that the upper valve disc 1 and the lower valve seat 3 do not rotate excessively or deviate from the predetermined closing position. The design of the anti-slip grooves also plays a key role in this process. They are set on the edge of the upper valve disc 1 to increase friction and prevent the valve disc from slipping or vibrating during rotation, thereby ensuring that the closing angle is consistent each time and ensuring the sealing and repeatability of the valve. During the closing process, the arc-shaped drainage cavity 5 gradually disconnects from the flow channel of the microfluidic chip, the fluid is blocked, and the pressure in the microfluidic chip is restored.
[0025] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A valve mechanism for a microfluidic chip, characterized in that: The device includes an upper valve disc (1) installed inside the microfluidic chip, several connecting posts (2) integrally formed at the bottom of the upper valve disc (1), and a lower valve seat (3) integrally formed at the bottom of the connecting posts (2). The lower valve seat (3) has several arc-shaped drainage cavities (5) with both ends extending to the outside of the lower valve seat (3). Several elastic anti-reverse structures (6) are installed in a ring at equal intervals on the outer wall of the upper valve disc (1). The outer wall of the upper valve disc (1) is also provided with anti-slip grooves (103).
2. The valve mechanism of a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper valve disc (1) has an upwardly extending hexagonal protrusion (101) at the center of its top end, and the top end of the hexagonal protrusion (101) has a triangular recessed hole (102).
3. The valve mechanism of a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gap (4) is provided between the lower end of the upper valve disc (1) and the upper end of the lower valve seat (3) through a connecting column (2).
4. The valve mechanism of a microfluidic chip according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lower end of the upper valve disc (1) and the upper edge of the lower valve seat (3) are both inlaid with a first rubber ring (7).
5. The valve mechanism of a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second rubber ring (8) is embedded on the outer wall of the lower valve seat (3) below the arc-shaped drainage cavity (5).
6. The valve mechanism of a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic anti-reverse structure (6) includes a cylindrical cavity (601) disposed on the outer wall of the upper valve disc (1), a helical spring (602) installed inside the cylindrical cavity (601), and a rubber bead (603) fixed at one end of the helical spring (602).