Biochip Pillar Structure with Smooth Substrate Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing biochip pillar structures suffer from image distortion and reduced optical precision due to concave grooves on the substrate surface, leading to light refraction and increased risk of surface scratches when biochips are stacked.
Innovation Solution
A biochip pillar structure with smooth surface forming portions on the substrate surface, forming flat and smooth cylindrical grooves around the pillar portions to prevent light refraction and scratches, enhancing optical precision and measurement reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the substrate portion is made flat and smooth to prevent scratches during stacking, then the reliability of sample protection is improved, but the injection molding process becomes more difficult due to the need for additional smooth surface forming portions
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate portion is segmented into functional zones: a flat smooth surface area for scratch prevention during stacking, and a recessed groove area for pillar formation. This segmentation allows the mold to create distinct regions with different surface properties, enabling both scratch protection and proper pillar formation through injection molding by using a mold with corresponding segmented cavity structures
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface qualities are applied to different regions of the substrate portion. The flat smooth surface forming portion provides a scratch-resistant surface for stacking, while the groove forming portion provides the necessary texture and structure for pillar formation. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring each region has the optimal surface properties for its specific function
2Manufacturing precision
If grooves are formed in the substrate portion to support pillar structures, then the manufacturing precision of pillar positioning is improved, but light refraction occurs causing image distortion that reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the optical measurement function to a different dimension by using the side surface of the pillar portion rather than looking through the substrate. The groove structure supports the pillar vertically, while optical measurement is performed laterally through the pillar side, eliminating light refraction through the substrate while maintaining precise pillar positioning through the groove structure
Solution Approach 2:
The pillar portion acts as an intermediary structure that connects the groove-based positioning system with the optical measurement system. The groove provides precise positioning, the pillar transmits this positioning accuracy, and the pillar side surface enables optical measurement without requiring the light to pass through the grooved substrate portion
3Strength
If the pillar portion thickness is increased to improve structural strength, then the strength of the pillar is improved, but light loss increases due to increased absorption and refraction
Solution Approach 1:
The solution replaces the traditional approach of increasing pillar thickness for strength with a groove-based support system in the substrate. The groove structure provides mechanical support and positioning stability, allowing the pillar to maintain optimal thickness for light transmission while deriving structural strength from the groove constraints rather than pillar bulk
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The smooth surface forming portions effectively prevent image distortion and scratches, improving measurement reliability and optical precision by allowing unobstructed light penetration and reducing surface damage during biochip stacking.
Implementation Method 1
the biochip enables the sample to be measured by a microscope through the pillar portion 12 through which light penetrates
Implementation Method 2
the smooth surface forming portions forming flat and smooth surfaces... such that the cylindrical groove shape is formed... effectively prevent image distortion... by allowing unobstructed light penetration
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a pillar structure for a biochip, the pillar structure including: a substrate portion which has a plate-shaped structure; multiple pillar portions which protrude from one surface of the substrate portion and each of which has an end portion on which a sample is disposed; and smooth surface forming portions which are formed on the other surface of the substrate portion that defines the plate-shaped structure together with the one surface of the substrate portion, the smooth surface forming portions forming smooth surfaces each having a relatively concave groove shape at a portion corresponding to a circumferential surface of each of the pillar portions.