Capillary Nozzle for Fine Particle Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fine particle collection methods face challenges in reliably suctioning particles due to blocked air flow at the contact point between the capillary and the measuring chip, leading to incomplete collection of desired particles.
Innovation Solution
A collection method and system that utilize a structure with communication portions and support layers to create a flow of intake air that engulfs fine particles, ensuring reliable suction by using substrates with concave portions and communication holes or through-holes, and optionally a coating layer to prevent foreign substance intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tip of the capillary and the upper surface of the measuring chip are brought into contact with each other, then the suction operation can be performed, but the flow of intake air is blocked and fine particles cannot be reliably suctioned
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary is divided into two functional sections: a contact portion that touches the measuring chip surface to define the suction opening, and a suction portion that extends into the well to collect particles. This segmentation allows the capillary to simultaneously maintain contact for flow generation while avoiding complete blockage of air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary has different properties at different locations: the contact portion has a specific outer diameter matched to the well opening to create an annular suction opening, while the suction portion has a smaller inner diameter to allow particle collection. This local differentiation enables both contact-based flow generation and reliable particle suction.
2Measurement precision
If the distances between the capillary and the wells are set to be smaller than the diameters of the fine particles, then accurate suction operation can be realized, but the air flow may be blocked at the contact portion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a point-contact or surface-contact model to a volumetric annular opening model. By creating an annular suction opening between the capillary contact portion and the well rim, the system utilizes the radial dimension to maintain open flow paths while keeping the capillary tip in contact with the well opening edge.
3Reliability
If a through-hole structure is used to store fine particles, then air flow can pass through, but foreign substances may intrude and contaminate the collection
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary is inserted into the through-hole, with the capillary contact portion positioned at the first surface and the suction portion extending through to the second surface. This nested arrangement allows the capillary to utilize the through-hole for particle access while the capillary walls themselves act as a barrier against foreign substance intrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary serves as an intermediary structure between the through-hole and the external environment. It provides a controlled passage for particle collection while blocking direct access for foreign substances, thus mediating between the need for open flow and contamination prevention.
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 method and system enable reliable suction and collection of fine particles by maintaining air flow and preventing particle passage through communication holes, while minimizing contamination and reducing suction power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a collection method for fine particles which are suctioned and collected using a nozzle in a state in which an interval between a tip portion of the nozzle and a front surface of the substrate is smaller than sizes of the fine particles
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to produce the flow of intake air which has engulfed a fine particle between the concave portion and the communication hole in the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A method for collecting a fine particle stored in a structure by suctioning the fine particle using a nozzle, in which, as the structure, a structure in which at least one communication portion that communicates a space storing the fine particle with one surface side and the other surface side of the structure is formed is used.