Elastomeric Seal With Laser-Ablated Micro-Pillars
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microstructure articles lack effective hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surfaces and precise fluid control capabilities, particularly in small-scale applications, which limits their sealing and fluid management performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of precision-formed elastomeric polymeric articles with extremely small-scale pillars and channels, created using formable materials and techniques like laser ablation or molding, which enhance hydrophobic or superhydrophobic effects and improve sealing and fluid flow precision by creating ordered patterns on surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional microstructure articles are used, then basic structural functions are provided, but hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface effects are not achieved and sealing properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surface is segmented into an array of discrete cylindrical pillars with specific diameters, heights, and pitch distances. This segmentation creates a microstructured surface that generates hydrophobic or superhydrophobic effects while providing effective sealing, resolving the contradiction between basic structural function and enhanced surface properties.
2Reliability
If microstructure articles lack ordered surface patterns, then manufacturing is simpler, but hydrophobic or superhydrophobic effects and sealing properties are not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies specific local qualities to the sealing surface by creating pillars with optimized local dimensions (diameter, height, pitch) that differ from the bulk material structure. This local quality enhancement at the sealing interface provides superior hydrophobic effects and sealing performance without requiring the entire device to have high manufacturing precision.
3Measurement precision
If fluid channels are not precisely controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow precision and response time are insufficient for logic applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar fluidic networks to three-dimensional spatial arrangements by creating multi-plane fluidic networks with channels at different heights and orientations. This dimensional change enables precise fluid flow control and shorter response times for logic applications while managing device complexity through vertical integration rather than horizontal expansion.
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
These articles achieve enhanced sealing properties and precise fluid control, enabling the use of smaller fluid volumes and expanding fluidic control permutations, while maintaining a fluid-tight seal and reducing fluid reaction with the environment.
Implementation Method 1
an applied network of extremely small scale pillars and channels utilized with formable elastomeric polymeric materials
Implementation Method 2
The term 'elastomeric polymeric material' as used herein means a polymer with the property of elasticity
Implementation Method 3
the channels, when ordered into a specific orderly pattern on a surface of a formable elastomeric material, not only increases the hydrophobic or super-hydrophobic effect
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric polymeric seal 10 includes a sealing surface 21 and an adjacent fluid repelling surface 20. The fluid repelling surface 20 is hydrophobic or superhydrophobic and is of substantially greater surface area than sealing surface 21. During manufacture of a silicone wafer 27, sealing surface 21 engages the wafer 27 to seal against leakage of electroplate solution fluid. The repelling surface 20 directs the electroplate solution fluid away from the sealing surface 21 during and after electroplating. The hydrophobic or superhydrophobic repelling surface includes a pattern of micro-pillars 51 and micro-channels between the pillars. The pillars are formed in the base material of the seal by laser ablation of the base material or by molding. Other seals 30 and 90 include a sealing surface and an adjacent hydrophobic or superhydrophobic repelling or stiction reduction surface. A fluidic device 95 includes plates 96 and 97 with micro-channels and micro-pillars.