Conductive Gasket Spacer for Multi-Connection Microfluidic Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices face challenges in achieving complex circuit configurations and efficient electrical measurements due to the difficulty in creating multiple independent electrical connections between the top and bottom substrates, especially when the number of connections becomes numerous, making it challenging to use techniques like solder paste blobs.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a gasket that serves as both a spacer and a conductive path between circuit elements on the top and bottom substrates, allowing for multiple independent electrically conductive paths and enabling more complex electrical measurements and droplet manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent electrical connections are created between top and bottom substrates using traditional methods (e.g., solder paste blobs), then electrical connectivity is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the gasket structure by integrating conductive paths directly into the gasket material. This allows multiple independent electrical connections to be established between top and bottom substrates through the gasket itself, eliminating the need for separate soldering operations and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical spacing between substrates, sealing the device, and establishing multiple independent electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving complex circuit configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electrical connections between substrates increases, then more complex electrical measurements and droplet manipulation are enabled, but manufacturing difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive paths are pre-integrated into the gasket structure during gasket fabrication, before assembly with the substrates. This preliminary action allows multiple electrical connections to be established in a single manufacturing step rather than requiring multiple subsequent connection operations, significantly reducing manufacturing time and complexity while enabling versatile electrical measurements.
3Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used, then electrical paths are established, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient for numerous connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical connection functions into a single integrated gasket component. By embedding conductive paths within the gasket material, the system establishes multiple reliable electrical paths simultaneously during a single assembly operation, dramatically improving manufacturing productivity compared to traditional methods that would require separate connection operations for each electrical path.
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 gasket facilitates efficient droplet pre-charging and positioning, enhances droplet dispensing, and allows for precise electrical measurements and sensing, overcoming the limitations of traditional connection methods.
Implementation Method 1
the gasket is configured to provide multiple independent electrically conductive paths extending at least in a plane of the gasket, each conductive path extending between a respective circuit element and a respective associated terminal
Implementation Method 2
The AM-EWOD device 10 has a lower substrate 12 with thin film electronics 14 disposed upon the lower substrate 12; a reference electrode (not shown) is incorporated into an upper substrate 16
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A microfluidic device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate, a gasket spacing the first substrate from the second substrate to define a fluid chamber between the first substrate and the second substrate, and at least one port for introducing a fluid sample into the fluid chamber. An inner edge face of the gasket defines a lateral boundary of the fluid chamber. A plurality of independently addressable array elements are provided on a surface of the first substrate facing the fluid chamber, and at least one circuit element is disposed on a surface of the second substrate facing the fluid chamber. The gasket is configured to provide a conductive path between a circuit element disposed on a surface of the second substrate facing the fluid chamber and an associated terminal.