Dielectric Layer Integration in Micro Total Analysis System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro total analysis systems face challenges in integrating microfluidic devices and detection devices within the same chip due to the large size of detection devices, preventing their combination in a compact format.
Innovation Solution
A micro total analysis system is developed, incorporating a microfluidic device with a dielectric layer that drives droplets based on voltage and functions as an acoustic wave detection device, allowing for integration of both functions within the same chip by utilizing a dielectric layer connected to electrodes for both driving and detecting purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a detection device is integrated into a microfluidic device, then the analysis system becomes more compact and portable, but the detection device size becomes too large to fit within the same chip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the microfluidic device and detection device into a single integrated chip structure. The microfluidic device includes channels and chambers for fluid manipulation, while the detection device with light source and sensor is combined on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs microfluidic operations (pumping, mixing, separation) and optical detection within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the system to replace multiple separate instruments, achieving compactness without sacrificing detection capabilities.
2Device complexity
If the dielectric layer is used for both droplet driving and acoustic wave generation, then device complexity is reduced, but the functional integration requires precise voltage control timing
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric layer is designed to perform dual functions: serving as the driving layer for droplet manipulation through electrowetting and as the acoustic wave generation layer through piezoelectric effects. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components while enabling integrated control of droplet movement and acoustic excitation through coordinated voltage signals.
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 integration enables efficient movement and detection of droplets with improved detection accuracy and reduced power consumption, achieving the goal of a compact, portable analysis system.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric layer connected to each other, where the dielectric layer is configured to drive, based on a voltage of the first electrode, a to-be-measured droplet to move
Implementation Method 2
the dielectric layer is further used as a transducer of the acoustic wave detection device, and is configured to generate an acoustic wave toward the to-be-measured droplet based on a voltage of the second electrode
Implementation Method 3
generate a detection result corresponding to the to-be-measured droplet based on a received acoustic wave
Data Source
AI summary
A micro total analysis system, operating method and manufacturing method thereof are provided. The micro total analysis system includes at least one micro total analysis unit each including: microfluidic device including first electrode and dielectric layer connected to each other, where the dielectric layer drives to-be-measured droplet to move based on voltage of the first electrode; and acoustic wave detection device including second electrode connected to the dielectric layer, where the dielectric layer is also used as transducer of the acoustic wave detection device, and configured to generate acoustic wave toward the droplet based on voltage of the second electrode, and generate a detection result corresponding to the droplet based on received acoustic wave. The micro total analysis system, the operating method and the manufacturing method thereof enables the microfluidic device and the acoustic wave detection device to be integrated in the same chip.