Capillary-Driven Microfluidic Connection Between Hydrophilic Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging for silicon chips with microfluidic structures lacks a standard method for connecting the chip to fluid inlets and outlets, often requiring bulky solutions and active components like pumps, especially when combining different material platforms, which complicates manufacturing and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A capillary-driven microfluidic system is developed, utilizing substrates with hydrophilic protrusions and cavities that engage passively to facilitate fluid transfer between substrates without the need for pumps or active elements, using capillary forces to drive liquid flow, allowing for reliable fluid transfer even between platforms made of different materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packaging methods with active pumps and connectors are used to connect silicon chips to fluid inlets and outlets, then fluid transfer can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates active pumping components from the fluid transfer system. Instead of using mechanical pumps to drive fluid flow, the invention relies on passive capillary forces generated by the microfluidic channels themselves, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining reliable fluid transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic system is designed to be self-driven through capillary action. The hydrophilic surfaces of the channels automatically generate the necessary forces to move fluid from one substrate to another without external active elements, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complex packaging with pumps and valves
2Adaptability or versatility
If different material platforms are combined using specific connectors and active pumps, then fluid transfer between platforms is enabled, but manufacturing becomes difficult and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface based on capillary coupling that can connect different material platforms (silicon, glass, polymers) without requiring platform-specific connectors or active pumps. The standardized microfluidic interface with hydrophilic surfaces provides universal compatibility across diverse materials, greatly simplifying manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical connectors and active pumping systems with a field-based capillary coupling mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and complex assembly procedures, making it easier to manufacture multi-platform devices with different materials
3Reliability
If active pumps and connectors are used for fluidic connection, then fluid transfer is achieved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes active pumping components and bulky connectors from the device architecture. The fluid transfer function is achieved through passive capillary channels that integrate directly into the substrate, dramatically reducing the overall device volume while maintaining reliable fluidic connections
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic channels are nested within the substrate structure itself, with the fluid transfer pathways integrated into the bulk material rather than requiring external tubing and connectors. This nesting approach minimizes the device footprint while ensuring reliable fluid delivery
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
This solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and compact fluid transfer between substrates, eliminating the need for active components and ensuring reliable fluidic connections, suitable for a wide range of materials and applications, including biosensing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The separation between said surfaces is such that capillary forces are generated on the fluid upon entering inside the space
Implementation Method 2
The at least one protruding element and the at least one cavity comprise at least one hydrophilic surface
Implementation Method 3
For a given liquid and given surfaces with given wetting properties with this liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A capillary driven microfluidic system and a biosensing device including the capillary driven microfluidic system are provided. The capillary driven microfluidic system includes: a first substrate comprising at least one microfluidic channel ending in an opening, and having, adjacent to the opening, a protruding element; and a second substrate comprising at least one open cavity. The at least one protruding element and the at least one cavity include at least one hydrophilic surface. In addition, the at least one protruding element and the at least one cavity may be adapted for engaging with one another for providing transfer of a fluid between the first substrate and the second substrate. A space between the at least one hydrophilic surface of the at least one protruding element and the at least one hydrophilic surface of the at least one cavity is provided, where the separation between said surfaces is such that capillary forces are generated on the fluid upon entering inside the space.