Flow Cell With Radial Suction Pump For Extended Measurement Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capillary pumps in measurement chips have limited pump capacity and measurement time due to fixed component positions, making it cumbersome to set up measurement mechanisms and often resulting in insufficient measurement time.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell design featuring a fluidic channel at the center of a plate-like member with a suction pump formed around it, utilizing capillary action to increase pump capacity and measurement time by allowing reliable liquid flow and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If components are formed in line in a measurement chip using conventional capillary pumps, then the measurement chip can be fabricated, but the pump capacity is limited and measurement time is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear one-dimensional arrangement of components to a two-dimensional planar configuration. The fluidic channel is positioned at the center of the plate-like member while the pump surrounds it, creating a radial flow path that increases the effective pump capacity and measurement time without increasing the linear footprint of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic flow system where liquid can circulate multiple times through the measurement region. The pump is designed to continuously draw liquid through the fluidic channel and return it to the reservoir, enabling repeated measurement cycles and extending the effective measurement time beyond what is possible with linear component arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement mechanism is arranged to focus on a predetermined position, then measurement can be performed, but changing the position of the fluidic channel requires cumbersome reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement platform where the central fluidic channel configuration can accommodate various measurement mechanisms and positions. The pump's radial arrangement around the central channel allows the system to maintain functionality regardless of where the measurement mechanism is positioned, eliminating the need for reconfiguration when adapting to different measurement requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If a linear arrangement of inlet port, fluidic channel, and pump is used, then the chip can be fabricated, but the pump capacity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes two-dimensional spatial arrangement where the pump surrounds the fluidic channel in a radial configuration. This dimensional change from linear to radial arrangement increases the pump's effective capacity by allowing multiple flow paths to converge on the central measurement region, thereby increasing the quantity of liquid that can be processed simultaneously.
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 flow cell enables more reliable measurement of liquids with increased pump capacity and prolonged measurement time, simplifying the setup of measurement mechanisms by positioning the measurement region at the fluidic channel's center.
Implementation Method 1
a pump which is formed in the plate-like member, connected to the other end of the fluidic channel, and sucks, by a surface tension, the liquid flowing from the inlet port through the fluidic channel
Implementation Method 2
a pump which is formed in the plate-like member, connected to the other end of the fluidic channel, and sucks, by a surface tension, the liquid flowing from the inlet port through the fluidic channel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A measurement fluidic channel (17) is formed at almost the center of a flow cell (1). In general, the measurement region of a measurement apparatus is set to focus on almost the center of a measurement chip. When the flow cell (1) is mounted in the measurement apparatus, the focus of the measurement region is positioned just above the measurement fluidic channel (17). The measurement apparatus can more reliably measure a sample solution flowing through the measurement fluidic channel (17). A suction pump (18) is formed in regions around the measurement fluidic channel (17). When the flow cell has the same planar shape as a conventional one, the amount of sample solution which can be supplied can be increased, compared to a conventional structure in which components are formed in line. The time during which a sample solution flows through the fluidic channel can be prolonged, the amount of sample solution can be increased, and the measurement time can also be prolonged. A sample solution flowing through the fluidic channel can be measured more reliably.