Flow Path Device Bonding Segmentation for Capillary Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing flow path devices, the introduction of a liquid into the measurement flow path can lead to unintended capillary action through non-bonded portions, causing the liquid to reach the second hole prematurely, which can result in inaccurate measurements and sample purity issues.
Innovation Solution
The flow path device incorporates a design with a bonded portion where the bonding protruding portion is spaced away from the measurement flow path, creating a non-bonded portion with a microscopic space. This design prevents the liquid from reaching the second hole through capillary action, maintaining a consistent sample concentration and preventing bubbles from forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the first plate and second plate are bonded together with a protruding portion and recessed portion design, then the bonding strength is improved, but liquid can still reach the second hole through capillary action in the non-bonded portion
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding interface is segmented into multiple regions: a bonded portion with protruding and recessed portions for strong adhesion, and a non-bonded portion that acts as a capillary barrier. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve strong bonding where needed and liquid blocking where needed, resolving the contradiction between bonding strength and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bonding interface have different properties: the bonded portion has high adhesion strength for structural integrity, while the non-bonded portion has air-filled microscopic spaces that prevent capillary action. This local differentiation of properties allows the same bonding structure to serve dual functions: strong bonding and liquid blocking.
2Strength
If the protruding portion is placed close to the measurement flow path for strong bonding, then bonding strength is improved, but liquid can prematurely reach the second hole causing inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The non-bonded portion acts as an intermediary element between the bonded portion and the measurement flow path. It provides a capillary barrier that prevents liquid from the measurement flow path from reaching the second hole, while allowing the bonded portion to maintain strong adhesion. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by decoupling the bonding function from the liquid containment function.
3Ease of manufacture
If the bonding structure is simplified without the protruding and recessed portions, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but bonding strength and liquid blocking capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding structure merges two functions into a single integrated component: the protruding and recessed portions simultaneously provide mechanical bonding strength and create the non-bonded region that blocks capillary action. This merging eliminates the need for separate bonding elements and barrier structures, achieving both strong bonding and reliable liquid blocking without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 proposed solution effectively reduces the likelihood of liquid reaching the second hole unintendedly, thereby maintaining accurate particle counting and sample purity during measurement processes.
Implementation Method 1
the introduction of a liquid into the measurement flow path can lead to unintended capillary action through non-bonded portions, causing the liquid to reach the second hole prematurely
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path device includes a first plate including first and second surfaces, a second plate including third and fourth surfaces, a first flow path between the second and third surfaces, a first hole continuous with a first end area of the first flow path, a second hole continuous with a second end area of the first flow path, a bonded portion in which a protruding portion is bonded to a recessed portion between the second and third surfaces with the first flow path between portions of the bonded portion in a width direction, a non-bonded portion between the protruding portion and the first flow path with the first flow path between portions of the non-bonded portion in the width direction, and a pair of dividers dividing the non-bonded portion in a longitudinal direction with the first flow path between the pair of dividers in the width direction.