Annular Microfluidic Mixing Layout for Precise Solution Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-total analysis systems (μ-TAS) face challenges in efficiently mixing and diluting solutions with precise control over concentration ratios, particularly when dealing with small sample volumes and expensive reagents, due to limitations in valve technology and flow path design.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic device with stacked substrates and annular-shaped flow paths, featuring shared and non-shared volume ratios in second flow paths, and a system that supplies forces to adjust valves independently or collectively, enabling precise mixing and dilution of solutions by switching between shared and non-shared flow path segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pump and valve systems are used for solution mixing, then flow control is achievable, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes pumps and valves from the system entirely, extracting the active control components and replacing them with a passive flow path design where mixing is achieved through geometric configuration rather than mechanical actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path design enables self-mixing through its geometric structure, where the serpentine configuration and channel dimensions automatically create the desired mixing effect without requiring external control mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate flow paths are used for different concentration ratios, then mixing precision is improved, but device area and structure become larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is designed with multiple functional zones within a single continuous structure, where different segments serve different mixing ratios through geometric variation rather than requiring separate dedicated channels for each concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path employs a serpentine nested configuration where channels wind through the device in a compact pattern, allowing multiple mixing stages to be embedded within a small footprint area
3Quantity of substance
If conventional mixing methods are used, then mixing can be achieved, but sample and reagent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into multiple discrete mixing segments with different geometric characteristics, allowing precise control over mixing ratios at each segment while using minimal sample volumes throughout the process
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fluidic device in which solutions of different concentrations can be easily obtained. The fluidic device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate which are stacked in a thickness direction; an undiluted solution introduction flow path which has an undiluted solution introduction port and which is constituted of a groove part provided on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate; a first circulation flow path which is constituted of a groove part having an annular shape and having a shared part that shares part of a flow path with the undiluted solution introduction flow path and a non-shared part which is not shared with the undiluted solution introduction flow path and which is connected to a diluting solution introduction port; a second circulation flow path which is provided independently of the first circulation flow path and which is constituted of a groove part having an annular shape and having a shared part that shares some flow path with the undiluted solution introduction flow path and a non-shared part which is not shared with the undiluted solution introduction flow path and which is connected to a diluting solution introduction port; and/or a third circulation flow path which is constituted of a groove part having an annular shape and having a shared flow path that shares part of a flow path with the first circulation flow path and a non-shared flow path which is not shared with the first circulation flow path and which is connected to a diluting solution introduction port, wherein the undiluted solution introduction flow path includes a valve at both ends of the shared part.