Flow Path Device Liquid Filling via Controlled Vacuum Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow path devices face challenges in efficiently filling relatively narrow flow paths with liquid as preparation for use, due to air trapped within these paths, which hinders the flow of liquids and leads to incomplete separation of particles.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing a flow path device that involves connecting a liquid feeder to an inlet hole and a liquid suction unit to an outlet hole, and then using these components to feed and suck liquid through the flow paths at controlled rates, ensuring that both the main flow path and branch flow paths are filled with liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid is fed through narrow flow paths in existing flow path devices, then particle separation can be achieved, but air trapped within the paths hinders liquid flow and causes incomplete filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing vacuum treatment before liquid feeding to remove trapped air from the flow paths. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure to suction air out of the narrow flow paths and reservoir, ensuring complete liquid filling before particle separation begins. This preliminary air removal step prevents air from hindering liquid flow during the actual separation process.
2Reliability
If complex devices and strict time management are used to ensure complete filling, then particle separation effectiveness improves, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a preparation process where the flow path device itself performs the air removal and liquid filling functions. The vacuum pump connected to the reservoir automatically suctions air and feeds liquid through the flow paths without requiring external complex equipment or strict manual time management. The system self-regulates the filling process through controlled vacuum pressure and liquid flow rate.
3Loss of time
If liquid is fed at high rate to fill flow paths quickly, then preparation time is reduced, but air bubbles are trapped and flow uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the liquid flow rate and vacuum pressure parameters during the preparation process. Instead of using high flow rates that trap air, the system uses controlled low-to-moderate flow rates combined with vacuum suction to achieve complete filling without air bubbles. The liquid feeder and vacuum pump coordinates their parameters to ensure uniform liquid distribution throughout the flow paths while maintaining efficient preparation time.
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
This method allows for the effective filling of narrow flow paths with liquid, facilitating the separation of particles by ensuring uniform flow and reducing the need for complex devices or strict time management.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid suction unit sucks the liquid from the first flow path through the plurality of second flow paths and the second outlet hole
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a flow path device includes a first process and a second process. The flow path device includes a flow path portion and a plurality of holes each being continuous with the flow path portion. The flow path portion includes a first flow path and a plurality of second flow paths. In the first process, a liquid feeder is connected to a first inlet hole, and a liquid suction unit is connected to a second outlet hole. In the second process, a liquid is sucked, with the liquid suction unit, from the first flow path through the plurality of second flow paths and the second outlet hole at a first suction rate being lower than or equal to a first feed rate while the liquid is being fed, with the liquid feeder, toward the first flow path through the first inlet hole at the first feed rate.