Detection Chip with Interdigital Electrodes for Active Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive chromatography microfluidic chips struggle to accurately control the movement of samples, leading to reduced accuracy, precision, repeatability, and sensitivity in detection processes, especially when dealing with samples with slow flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A detection chip with a base substrate, a flow channel defining layer, and driving electrode groups, where the driving electrodes form an interdigital electrode structure to transmit alternating current signals, actively controlling the movement of liquid within the flow channel structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive chromatography microfluidic chips are used, then the chip structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the control over sample movement is inaccurate leading to reduced detection accuracy and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical chromatography-based sample transport mechanism with an active electrohydrodynamic system. Driving electrodes generate electrohydrodynamic forces that directly control liquid movement in the flow channel, substituting the unreliable passive mechanical flow control with an active electrical field-based control system, thereby achieving accurate sample movement control while maintaining chip simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) applied to the driving electrodes to control the electrohydrodynamic forces. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the system can precisely control the flow rate and movement of samples through the chip, enabling accurate detection without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Reliability
If passive chromatography microfluidic chips are used, then the chip structure is simple, but the flow rate control is poor leading to reduced repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical flow control with active electrohydrodynamic control using driving electrodes. This substitution enables repeatable and reliable flow rate control by using electrical fields to consistently drive liquid through the chip, eliminating the variability inherent in passive chromatography-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic alternating current signals applied to the driving electrodes to generate consistent electrohydrodynamic forces. This periodic electrical action ensures repeatable liquid flow patterns, improving the reliability and repeatability of detection results without requiring complex mechanical flow control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If passive chromatography microfluidic chips are used, then the chip structure is simple, but the detection time is increased due to slow sample flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive diffusion-based transport with active electrohydrodynamic pumping. The driving electrodes generate forces that actively propel samples through the flow channel at controlled speeds, dramatically reducing detection time compared to passive chromatography systems while avoiding the need for complex external pumping equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrohydrodynamic system is self-contained within the chip structure, with driving electrodes integrated directly into the chip to generate the forces needed for sample transport. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external complex pumping systems while achieving fast detection speeds through direct electrical field-driven fluid movement.
4Measurement precision
If passive chromatography microfluidic chips are used, then the chip structure is simple, but the detection sensitivity is reduced due to poor sample control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive sample transport with active electrohydrodynamic control, enabling precise positioning and control of sample volumes. This substitution allows for optimized sample delivery to detection zones, improving detection sensitivity by ensuring consistent and controlled sample presentation without requiring complex external control systems.
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 detection chip enables precise control over fluid volume and flow rate, significantly reducing detection time and cost while improving the accuracy and precision of detection results, thus enhancing the chip's usability in various detection scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
each of the at least one driving electrode group comprises a plurality of driving electrodes, and the plurality of driving electrodes are configured to contact the liquid and drive the liquid to move within the flow channel structure
Implementation Method 2
the first electrode and the second electrode form an interdigital electrode structure to transmit an alternating current signal
Data Source
AI summary
A detection chip and a detection system are provided. The detection chip includes a base substrate, a flow channel defining layer, and at least one driving electrode group. The at least one driving electrode group is on the base substrate, and the flow channel defining layer is on a side of the at least one driving electrode group away from the base substrate, the flow channel defining layer includes a flow channel structure, and the flow channel structure is configured to accommodate liquid; and each of the at least one driving electrode group includes a plurality of driving electrodes, and the plurality of driving electrodes are configured to contact the liquid and drive the liquid to move within the flow channel structure.