Capillary Valve for Microfluidic Septum Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic sample processing devices face challenges in reliable and efficient fluid management, particularly in preventing fluid collection adjacent to valving structures, which can interfere with the opening process and reduce the effectiveness of valving operations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a capillary valve in series with a septum valve on a microfluidic sample processing device, where the capillary valve inhibits fluid collection adjacent to the septum, allowing for controlled fluid movement by balancing capillary forces with centrifugal forces and using electromagnetic energy to open the septum valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a septum valve is used to control fluid flow, then precise control of fluid movement is achieved, but fluid collection adjacent to the valve interferes with the opening process
Solution Approach 1:
A capillary valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the septum valve. This capillary valve acts as a mediator that prevents fluid from reaching the septum valve by using capillary forces to hold the fluid back, thereby eliminating the harmful fluid interference during the septum valve opening process while maintaining precise fluid control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary valve performs preliminary fluid management by preventing fluid collection adjacent to the septum valve before the opening process occurs. This preliminary action of blocking fluid movement ensures that when the septum valve needs to open, no fluid interference is present, thus improving reliability without compromising control precision
2Productivity
If centrifugal force is used to move fluid through capillary channels, then fluid transport is achieved, but high power and time are required to open the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical parameters of fluid transport by using capillary forces instead of relying solely on centrifugal force. The capillary valve creates a pressure differential through surface tension effects, allowing fluid to be moved with lower centrifugal force requirements, thereby reducing the power and time needed to operate the valve while maintaining transport efficiency
3Measurement precision
If capillary forces are used to inhibit fluid movement, then fluid control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary valve utilizes the inherent capillary properties of narrow channels to automatically control fluid movement without requiring external actuation mechanisms. The structure serves itself by using surface tension and capillary pressure to prevent fluid leakage, achieving precise fluid control while avoiding additional complex mechanical or electronic components that would increase device complexity
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 configuration enhances the reliability and effectiveness of valving by preventing fluid interference during the opening process, allowing for precise control of fluid flow and reducing the power and time required to open the septum valve, thereby improving the overall fluid management and processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the capillary valve inhibits fluid collection adjacent to the septum
Implementation Method 2
allowing for controlled fluid movement by balancing capillary forces with centrifugal forces
Implementation Method 3
using electromagnetic energy to open the septum valve
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for valving on a sample processing device. The system can include a valve chamber (134,234), a process chamber (150,250), and a valve septum (132,232) located between the valve chamber and the process chamber. The system can further include a fluid pathway (128,228) in fluid communication with an inlet of the valve chamber, wherein the fluid pathway is configured to inhibit a liquid from entering the valve chamber and collecting adjacent the valve septum when the valve septum is in a closed configuration. The method can include rotating the sample processing device to exert a first force on the liquid that is insufficient to move the liquid into the valve chamber; forming an opening in the valve septum; and rotating the sample processing device to exert a second force on the liquid to move the liquid into the valve chamber.