Disposable Flow Velocity Sensor With Porous Film Bubble Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid flow velocity measuring devices are expensive, limited in measurable flow velocity range, and prone to performance degradation due to air bubbles in micro-channels, which affect the efficiency of functions like PCR, cell culture, and fluid sensors.

Innovation Solution

A disposable flow velocity measuring device using a first panel with micro protrusion patterns and a second panel separated by a porous ultra-thin film, along with a negative pressure forming unit, to remove micro air bubbles and maintain structural stability, ensuring consistent sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an integrated structure with heater and measurement sensors is used, then flow velocity measurement capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and device cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate components: a reusable main body containing the heater and measurement sensors, and a disposable cover containing the microchannel. This segmentation allows the expensive sensing components to be reused while only the cheaper cover is discarded after single use, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If micro bubbles are present in the channel, then device function degrades, but continuous operation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoiddevice function

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable cover is pre-designed with bubble removal structures (protrusions and channels) that actively remove air bubbles before they can enter and block the microchannel. This preliminary action prevents bubble-related performance degradation and enables continuous reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If disposable structure is used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but structural stability under heat and pressure may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable cover utilizes thin film structures that are sufficiently stable to maintain structural integrity under the heat and pressure conditions of flow velocity measurement, while remaining cost-effective for single-use disposal. The thin film design provides the necessary stability without requiring expensive robust materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Device complexity

If channel cross-sectional area is fixed, then device structure is simple, but measurable flow velocity range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidmeasurable flow velocity range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable cover incorporates local variations in channel geometry (different cross-sectional areas at different locations) to enable measurement of a broader range of flow velocities. This local quality variation allows the device to adapt to different flow conditions while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device effectively removes micro air bubbles in real-time, maintaining structural integrity and sensitivity, reducing costs by allowing reuse, and enhancing the efficiency of functions like analysis, separation, and measurement.

Implementation Method 1

a porous ultra-thin film which is attached on a lower surface of the microfluidic channel to be integrated with the upper panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

a negative pressure forming unit which applies a negative pressure to adsorb the first panel and the second panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250258191A1Disposable flow velocity measuring device having predetermined sensitivity to pressure change by using various types of ultra-thin films, and microfluidic device capable of removing micro bubbles inside channel by using support patterns protruding from porous ultra-thin film and manufacturing method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 INJE UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION

AI summary

A disposable flow velocity measuring device including: a first panel having a flow velocity measuring structure, and having additional micro protrusion patterns formed around the flow velocity measuring structure; a second panel separated from the first panel, and including a fluid channel through which a sample passes; a porous ultra-thin film formed on a portion, at which the first panel and the second panel come in contact with each other, so that the sample passing through the fluid channel does not directly come in contact with the flow velocity measuring structure, thereby separating the first panel and the second panel and removing micro-air bubbles included in the fluid passing through the fluid channel; a non-porous ultra-thin film formed in a partial region of the porous ultra-thin film; and a negative pressure forming means for applying negative pressure in order to adsorb the first panel and the second panel.