Flow Path Device Reinforcement for Alignment Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow path devices, used for separating and collecting microparticles in fluids, face challenges in accurately and easily aligning and joining components due to the flexibility of resin-molded products like PDMS, which can bend and deform, making precise manufacturing and alignment difficult.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a flow path device design with integral reinforcement structures, such as protrusions and specific-shaped portions, that enhance rigidity and facilitate alignment, allowing for accurate and easy manufacturing by resin molding and surface modification for joining without adhesives, ensuring precise alignment and positioning of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If resin molding is used to manufacture flow path devices, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to flexibility and deformation of the resin components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite structures combining resin components with rigid components. The resin portions provide ease of molding and flexibility, while the rigid components (such as those made from metals, ceramics, or rigid plastics) provide dimensional stability and precision. This composite approach allows the flow path device to be manufactured using resin molding techniques while maintaining precise alignment and structural integrity throughout the device lifecycle.
2Manufacturing precision
If integral structures are used to enhance rigidity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the flow path device into distinct resin portions and rigid components rather than creating a single complex integral structure. The rigid components are designed as separate elements with specific functions (alignment, support, structural integrity) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled with the resin portions. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the rigidity needed for manufacturing precision.
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 approach enables the accurate and efficient manufacturing of flow path devices that can effectively separate and collect microparticles, improving handling and alignment, and enhancing the durability and precision of the flow path devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first body includes a first reinforcement being harder than the first body... The second body includes a second reinforcement being harder than the second body
Implementation Method 2
The first reinforcement includes one or more first protrusions protruding from the first body... The one or more first protrusions include a first specific-shaped portion and a second specific-shaped portion at different positions
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path device includes a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion includes a resin first body and a first reinforcement. In the first body, a first connector connects a first outer portion and a first joint having a groove pattern defining a first flow path. The first reinforcement is between and bonded to the first outer portion and the first joint, and includes first protrusions protruding from the first body and including two specific-shaped portions. The second portion includes a resin second body and a second reinforcement. In the second body, a second connector connects a second outer portion and a second joint, and through-holes connect to the first flow path. The second reinforcement is between and bonded to the second outer portion and the second joint, and includes second protrusions protruding from the second body and including two specific-shaped portions.