Cellular Fluidics Structures for Reaction Transport Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidics are limited to actively-pumped fluid transport in enclosed microchannels and are restricted to planar configurations, lacking control over chemical reactions and heat/mass transport at interfaces, which hinders advanced applications in chemical and process engineering.
Innovation Solution
Engineered cellular fluidics structures with tessellated cells and interconnected struts formed from curable resin, creating varying porosity and solid-liquid-gas interfaces, enabling passive or active fluid distribution through capillary action in three-dimensional configurations, optimized using additive manufacturing and surface functionalization techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional microfluidics use actively-pumped fluid transport in enclosed microchannels, then fluid can be transported through the structure, but control over chemical reactions and heat/mass transport at interfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar microchannel configurations to three-dimensional open-cell lattice structures. This dimensional change enables complex interfacial areas for chemical reactions and heat/mass transport while maintaining fluid transport capability, resolving the contradiction between operational control and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs porous open-cell lattice structures with controlled porosity to enable enhanced interfacial areas for chemical reactions and transport phenomena. The porous structure provides numerous solid-liquid-gas interfaces while allowing passive or active fluid distribution, improving control over reactions and transport without requiring complex enclosed channel systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If microfluidic structures are restricted to planar configurations, then manufacturing is simpler, but control over interfaces for chemical reactions and transport is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements three-dimensional open-cell lattice structures that provide extensive interfacial areas for chemical reactions and transport phenomena. These 3D structures offer superior adaptability for various chemical and process engineering applications compared to planar configurations, while being manufacturable through additive manufacturing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes additive manufacturing to precisely control structural parameters such as porosity, cell size, and strut dimensions. This enables customization of the lattice structure for specific applications, providing high adaptability for different chemical reactions and transport requirements while maintaining manufacturability through digital design and fabrication
3Ease of operation
If uniform porosity is used in the structure, then manufacturing is easier, but control over fluid flow distribution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform porosity distributions within the open-cell lattice structure, with different cell regions having varying porosity values. This local variation enables controlled fluid flow distribution patterns, directing flow to specific areas as needed for chemical reactions or transport, thereby improving operational control without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision
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
These structures facilitate enhanced control over fluid flow, chemical reactions, and heat/mass transfer at interfaces, enabling new possibilities in microfluidic devices and technologies, such as electrochemical reactors and fuel cells, with improved productivity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
enabling passive or active fluid distribution through capillary action in three-dimensional configurations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an engineered, additively manufactured, microfluidic cellular structure formed from a plurality of cells, wherein the cells are each formed from a plurality of interconnected elements. The cells have voids and each cell is open at upper ends thereof. The cells each communicate at a point below its upper end with a common channel. The cells are each configured to accept a fluid and operate to channel the fluid into the common channel and to hold the fluid received therein for later selective withdrawal from the structure.