Miniaturized Electrothermal Flow Micropump for Self-Regulated Drug Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pumps lack the ability to self-regulate flow rates effectively, particularly in miniaturized applications requiring precise control of high concentration drugs and high flow rates, which can lead to inefficiencies in drug delivery and fluid infusion.
Innovation Solution
A self-regulated Electrothermal Flow (ETF) micropump that utilizes Laser-Induced Fluorescence Photobleaching Anemometry (LIFPA) or Flow Induced Differential Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (FI-DEIS) for flow rate monitoring, coupled with a power supply controller to maintain constant or pre-programmed flow rates, employing a traveling wave ETF mechanism with phase-shifted electrodes to enhance flow rates and head pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional electrokinetic pumps are used, then the device can be miniaturized, but the flow rates and head pressures are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrokinetic mechanisms (electroosmosis, electrophoresis) with electrothermal flow mechanisms. This substitution enables the pump to generate significantly higher flow rates and head pressures while maintaining miniaturization, as electrothermal flow scales more favorably with device size reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using electrothermal flow which scales with the fourth power of applied voltage, compared to the linear or quadratic scaling of electrokinetic pumps. This parameter change allows miniaturized pumps to achieve clinically relevant flow rates and pressures
2Device complexity
If infusion pumps lack self-regulation, then the device structure is simpler, but the flow rate control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where flow rate sensors continuously monitor the actual flow rate and feed this information back to a control circuit. The control circuit adjusts the voltage applied to the electrothermal electrodes to maintain the desired flow rate, achieving precise control without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The self-regulating capability allows the pump to automatically adjust its own operation based on real-time flow conditions. The integrated sensors and control circuitry enable the device to self-correct flow rate deviations without external intervention, maintaining precision while keeping the control system compact
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 ETF micropump achieves higher flow rates and head pressures than traditional electrokinetic pumps, with flow rates increasing with the fourth power of applied voltage, enabling precise and efficient drug delivery and fluid infusion, while the self-regulation ensures consistent and controlled infusion patterns.
Implementation Method 1
Miniaturized electrothermal pumps to move fluids through microfluidic devices are known and employ a variety of electrothermal phenomena
Implementation Method 2
The micropump monitors flow rates using Laser-Induced Fluorescence Photobleaching Anemometry (LIFPA)
Implementation Method 3
impedance anemometry, or other flow measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
A micropump that pumps liquid using electrothermally-induced flow is described, along with a corresponding self-regulating pump and infusion pump. The micropump has applications in microfluidic systems, such as biochips. The self-regulating infusion pump is useful for administration of large and small volumes of liquids such as drugs to patients and can be designed for a wide range of flow rates by combining multiple micropumps in one infusion pump system. The micropump uses electrode sequences on opposing surfaces of a flow chamber that are staggered with respect to each other. The opposing surfaces include staggered electrodes that have the same phase and same electrode sequence. As such electrodes with the same phase are staggered and not eclipsed.