Capillary Liquid Sampling Device with Converging Channel and Flow Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sampling devices face issues with liquid overflow and contamination due to open ends, difficulty in achieving homogeneous reagent deposition, and the formation of air bubbles, which affect analysis accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A capillary sampling device with a channel having internal walls that converge towards the bottom, featuring blocking and anchoring means to control liquid flow, allowing for efficient confinement and homogeneous reagent deposition, while minimizing air bubble formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fluid microchannel is open at both ends to enable liquid flow, then liquid sampling is facilitated, but liquid overflow and contamination occur due to inertia force
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the microchannel into distinct functional zones: a sampling zone with the first opening for liquid intake, a reaction zone for chemical reactions, and a waste zone with a second opening for controlled discharge. This segmentation allows liquid to be sampled efficiently while containing it within defined boundaries to prevent unwanted overflow and contamination of surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The microchannel structure implements local quality by creating different functional regions along the channel length. The sampling zone has specific geometric properties optimized for liquid uptake, the reaction zone provides controlled environment for chemical reactions, and the waste zone manages liquid discharge. Each zone has tailored characteristics that address specific functional requirements while collectively preventing contamination.
2Reliability
If the microchannel is narrow and deep to confine liquid, then liquid containment is improved, but homogeneous reagent deposition becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a purely two-dimensional narrow channel to a three-dimensional structure with vertical depth. The microchannel has controlled depth variations along its length, creating pockets and expansion zones that provide additional volume for liquid containment while increasing the surface area available for reagent deposition. This dimensional change allows simultaneous achievement of liquid confinement and improved reagent distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The microchannel structure incorporates nested functional zones where reaction zones are positioned within or adjacent to the main channel flow path. This nesting allows reagents to be deposited on channel walls and surfaces that are accessible to the flowing liquid, ensuring homogeneous mixing and reaction while maintaining effective liquid containment within the narrow channel geometry.
3Productivity
If the microchannel generatrix form is optimized for flow, then liquid sampling efficiency is improved, but air bubble formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates preliminary air removal features such as air vents positioned at strategic locations along the microchannel, particularly at high points where air bubbles would naturally accumulate. These vents provide escape paths for air bubbles before they can form large obstructions, allowing continuous liquid flow and maintaining sampling efficiency without the harmful effects of large air bubble formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The microchannel generatrix incorporates smooth curved transitions rather than sharp angles or abrupt changes in cross-section. These curved geometries promote laminar flow patterns that reduce turbulence-induced air bubble formation while maintaining efficient liquid transport. The smooth transitions allow air bubbles to move along the channel walls without coalescing into large obstructive bubbles.
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 device effectively prevents liquid overflow and contamination, ensures homogeneous reagent distribution, and reduces air bubble formation, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of liquid sampling and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a channel (2) for flow of the liquid (L) delimited by two internal walls (3, 4) between which a channel bottom (5) extends, so as to enable the liquid (L) to flow by capillarity along the channel bottom (5) from the first end (6) towards the second end (7)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for taking a sample of liquid by capillarity, including a channel for flow of the liquid delimited by two internal walls of the device between which a channel bottom extends, the distance separating the two internal walls decreasing in the direction of the channel bottom, the channel extending between a first collecting end, open onto outside of the device and configured to receive the liquid, and a second end, to enable the liquid to flow by capillarity along the channel bottom from the first end towards the second end. The channel includes, at the second end, a blocking structure to block the flow of liquid in the channel from the first end towards the second end.