Elastic Membrane Slide Valve for Microfluidic Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide valve systems for micro chips face challenges with fluid leakage and contamination due to dead volume generation and clearance issues in membrane and slide gate systems, respectively.
Innovation Solution
A slide valve apparatus with elastic membranes on sliding surfaces, where the membranes are formed on the cut surfaces of the members and have communicating holes to control fluid flow, reducing leakage and contamination by providing a precise sealing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a membrane is deformed to close the fine fluid channel, then fluid flow is blocked, but dead volume is generated causing fluid mixing and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic membrane as a flexible thin film that deforms to control fluid flow. The membrane is positioned to contact the side surface of the fine fluid channel, creating a seal without requiring large deformation spaces. This approach blocks fluid flow effectively while minimizing dead volume generation, as the membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the channel geometry and maintain tight sealing with minimal clearance.
2Reliability
If a membrane is deformed to open the fine fluid channel, then fluid flow is restored, but backward flow occurs making control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic membrane's flexibility allows it to respond precisely to pressure changes, opening or closing the fluid channel as needed. When pressure is applied, the membrane deforms to close the channel; when pressure is released, it returns to its original position, restoring flow. This elastic recovery mechanism provides precise flow control without backward flow issues, as the membrane's inherent elasticity ensures controlled movement in both directions.
3Reliability
If a slide gate is inserted into the fine fluid channel, then fluid flow is blocked, but clearance allows fluid leakage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic membrane provides a continuous flexible seal against the side surface of the fine fluid channel, eliminating clearances that would allow leakage. Unlike a rigid slide gate that requires precise machining to minimize gaps, the membrane conformably contacts the channel surface, creating an effective seal that prevents fluid leakage and contamination without requiring tight tolerances.
4Ease of operation
If space is provided for membrane deformation, then membrane operation is enabled, but dead volume increases in the fine fluid channel
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic membrane is designed to operate with minimal deformation space by contacting the side surface of the fine fluid channel. This positioning allows the membrane to effectively block or open the channel without requiring large clearance volumes. The membrane's thin film structure enables it to achieve effective sealing with minimal displacement, thereby reducing dead volume while maintaining operational capability.
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 apparatus effectively prevents fluid leakage and contamination by ensuring precise control over fluid flow through the use of elastic membranes with optimized thickness and surface roughness, enhancing pressure resistance and reducing dead volume.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic membrane formed on the first surface and having a first communicating hole communicating with the first fluid channel, the second surface and the first elastic membrane sliding relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A slide valve apparatus includes a first member having a first fluid channel for allowing a fluid to flow therethrough, a second member sliding along the first member and having a second fluid channel formed in a manner to communicate with the first fluid channel, and a first elastic membrane formed in the sliding surface along which the second member and the first member slide relative to each other and having a first communicating hole communicating with the first fluid channel. In manufacturing the slide valve apparatus, a gas is spurted from the open edge of the first fluid channel in at least a stage between the start up of the step of forming the elastic membrane and the end of the step of baking the elastic membrane so as to form in the elastic membrane the communicating hole communicating with the first fluid channel.