Check-valve for Microchemical Chip Using Stacked Flexible Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microchemical chips face challenges in miniaturization due to complex valve structures requiring motive power sources like pumps or piezoelectric elements, which hinder smooth fluid flow and quick analysis in microanalysis applications.
Innovation Solution
A check-valve with a simple structure comprising overlapping valve chamber forming members and a flexible partition sheet with a through-pass part, allowing fluid flow without the need for external motive power, effectively controlling normal and reverse flows by flexing the inner flange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a micro valve with a large volume valve chamber is used to provide check-valve function, then the check-valve function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a conventional single-chamber valve structure to a multi-layer stacked structure with flow-in and flow-out valve chambers arranged in different spatial dimensions. This dimensional reorganization allows the valve to achieve check-valve functionality through the interaction between multiple chambers at different levels, enabling compact design without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve chamber is segmented into multiple independent chambers (flow-in valve chamber and flow-out valve chamber) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows each chamber to have optimized volume and structure for its specific function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining effective check-valve operation
2Reliability
If a large volume valve chamber is used, then check-valve function is achieved, but miniaturization of the microchemical chip becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging valve chambers in a stacked multi-layer configuration rather than using a single large chamber, the invention achieves the required valve functionality within a smaller overall volume. The vertical stacking allows efficient use of space, enabling miniaturization of the microchemical chip while maintaining reliable check-valve operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-in and flow-out valve chambers are nested in a stacked arrangement where one chamber is positioned above the other, sharing common structural elements. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and reduces the total volume required for the valve assembly, facilitating chip miniaturization
3Reliability
If a large volume valve chamber is used, then check-valve function is achieved, but smooth flow and quick analysis of liquid specimen become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the valve system into separate flow-in and flow-out chambers with optimized individual volumes reduces dead volume in each chamber. This segmentation allows for smaller, more efficient chamber sizes that facilitate smoother fluid flow and faster analysis compared to a single large chamber
Solution Approach 2:
Each valve chamber is designed with locally optimized characteristics - the flow-in chamber and flow-out chamber have different volume allocations tailored to their specific functions. This local optimization ensures efficient fluid dynamics in each region, improving overall flow efficiency and analysis speed
4Ease of operation
If motive power sources like pump or piezoelectric element are used to open and close valve, then valve control is achieved, but structure becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system operates autonomously by utilizing the inherent pressure differential between the flow-in and flow-out chambers. The flexible partition automatically moves in response to pressure changes, opening or closing the valve without requiring external motive power sources. This self-service mechanism eliminates complex control systems and reduces costs
5Ease of operation
If motive power sources like pump or piezoelectric element are used to pressurize valve chamber, then valve opening and closing is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve utilizes the natural pressure differential created during fluid flow to automatically control opening and closing. This passive operation eliminates the need for expensive pumps or piezoelectric actuators, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the motive power source component from the valve system, replacing it with a passive pressure-driven mechanism. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the overall system and reduces manufacturing costs
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 check-valve enables compact, cost-effective production, smooth normal flow, and reliable stopping of reverse flows, facilitating efficient fluid control and mixing in microchemical chips for applications like PCR amplification.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible inner flange in cavities of the flow-in valve chamber and the flow-out valve chamber, in which the flexible inner flange does not close the flow-out valve chamber by flexing toward the flow-out valve chamber in a normal flow, and closes the flow-in valve chamber by flexing toward the flow-in valve chamber in a reverse flow
Implementation Method 2
a through-pass part which penetrates the inner flange
Data Source
AI summary
A check-valve comprises: a thin sheet and a thick sheet; flow paths for flowing fluid which are formed by penetrating the thin sheet and the thick sheet; a flow-in chamber and a flow-out chamber which are connected to the flow paths; a partition sheet which is bonded to the thin sheet and the thick sheet while being sandwiched therebetween, and has a flexible inner flange which projects in cavities of the flow-in chamber and the flow-out chamber and does not close the flow-out valve chamber by flexing toward the flow-out valve chamber in a normal flow, and closes the flow-in valve chamber by flexing toward the flow-in valve chamber in a reverse flow; and a through-pass hole which is opened at the partition sheet and connects the both valve chambers.