Channel Chip Auxiliary Branch Length Gradient Design
Solution Overview
Problem
The design of channel chips for separating specific cells from blood is complicated due to the need to accurately set channel resistance values for each branch channel, which involves calculating lengths and widths of different portions of the channels.
Innovation Solution
A channel chip design that includes a main channel and auxiliary channels with fixed channel widths, where the lengths of the auxiliary channels become shorter towards the downstream side, simplifying the design by reducing the number of parameters required and eliminating the need to satisfy specific restriction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the channel width is varied along the length of auxiliary channels to control channel resistance, then the channel resistance value can be accurately controlled, but the design complexity increases due to needing to calculate and set different lengths and widths for different portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter control approach from varying channel width (which requires complex multi-parameter optimization) to varying channel length only. By fixing the channel width and adjusting only the length parameter, the design complexity is reduced while maintaining the ability to control channel resistance values for each auxiliary channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different channel lengths to different auxiliary channels based on their position (upstream vs downstream), while maintaining uniform width. This local differentiation in only one parameter (length) achieves the desired resistance control without the complexity of varying multiple parameters throughout the channel structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the channel width is varied along the length of auxiliary channels, then the channel resistance can be controlled, but the number of design parameters and restriction conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of design parameters by fixing the channel width and varying only the channel length. This parameter simplification eliminates the need to satisfy multiple restriction conditions related to width-length coordination, making the design process easier while maintaining precise resistance control.
3Manufacturing precision
If auxiliary channels have different widths in different portions, then channel resistance can be adjusted, but material usage and production costs increase due to complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent standardizes the channel width across all auxiliary channels and adjusts only the length parameter. This uniform width design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces material waste from complex fabrication, and lowers production costs while achieving the required resistance adjustment through length variation alone.
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 design simplifies the channel design process, reduces material usage, and lowers production costs while maintaining effective separation of particles, such as cancer cells from blood.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode causes dielectrophoresis of dielectric particles contained in the liquid passing through the downstream side channel
Data Source
AI summary
A channel chip includes a main channel and a plurality of auxiliary channels. A liquid containing particles flows through the main channel. The plurality of auxiliary channels branch from the main channel. A channel width in each of the plurality of auxiliary channels is fixed. Lengths of the plurality of auxiliary channels become shorter toward the downstream side in a flow direction of the liquid flowing through the main channel.