Elastic Sealing Plug Structure for Easy Microfluidic Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing devices for microfluidic devices are inconvenient to install and disassemble, often requiring tight plugging that damages hands and is difficult due to small aperture sizes.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with an inner core and elastic components that can be elastically deformed, featuring cantilever and connecting pieces to form a strong static friction with the device cavity, allowing easy insertion and removal without detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber plugs or glass plugs are used for sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience in disassembly and high impact on hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the sealing components by using elastic materials with specific elasticity parameters. The elastic components can deform under compression to provide sealing force, then recover to allow easy removal, transforming the sealing mechanism from permanent (rubber/glass plugs) to reversible (elastic deformation).
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device is divided into separate functional components: an inner core for structural support and at least two elastic components for sealing and friction engagement. This segmentation allows the elastic components to independently deform and engage with the cavity wall, providing both sealing and easy removal capabilities.
2Reliability
If plugs are plugged more tightly to ensure sealing performance, then sealing performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic components transition from a static sealing force (tight plugging) to a dynamic system where the components can elastically deform during insertion, maintain sealing pressure during use, and then recover to facilitate removal. The elasticity allows the sealing force to be applied only when needed during insertion and maintenance during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in elastic deformation parameters to control the sealing force. When inserted, the elastic components compress and deform to engage with the cavity wall, providing both sealing and friction force. During removal, the elastic recovery reduces the engagement force, enabling easy detachment without damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic components are deformed to fit smaller cavity structures, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic components that function as flexible elements capable of deforming to match different cavity dimensions. These elastic components can be compressed and shaped during insertion to fit various cavity sizes, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized sealing devices for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic components serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing sealing contact with the cavity wall, generating friction force to prevent detachment, and adapting to different cavity sizes through elastic deformation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 provides secure sealing with easy installation and disassembly, ensuring effective prevention of gas entry into the microfluidic device while minimizing hand damage.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic components can be fully or partially elastically deformed in a direction toward the inner core
Implementation Method 2
the elastic components and the inner wall of the cavity structure are squeezed against each other, which forms a large static friction force
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a sealing device and a sealing system, which belongs to the field of machinery, the sealing device provided by this application comprises an inner core and at least two elastic components spaced apart on a side wall of the inner core; an end of the inner core is provided with a sealing component. The sealing system provided by this application comprises a sealing device, a sealed piece and a position limiting device that allows the sealing device to be inserted or pulled out. The sealing component provided by this application is easy to install and disassemble, can be employed to block the opening of the component to be sealed, and the arrangement of the elastic components can prevent the sealing device from being detached from the component to be sealed to a certain extent, the sealing performance is good, it is not easy to detach.