Fluid Capillary Device with Check Valves for Sequence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic capillary devices face issues with diffusion between preprogrammed fluid sequences, leading to altered assay results and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid capillary device with a body comprising a main reservoir, secondary reservoirs, a liquid attraction element, air chamber, and capillary check valves that control fluid flow through valve channels with different capillary pressures, preventing unwanted diffusion by ensuring the second fluid only passes through the main channel after the first fluid has been evacuated, utilizing passive capillary action and geometry to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capillary systems with different pressure zones are used to control microfluid flow, then flow sequence control is achieved, but diffusion between preprogrammed sequences occurs altering assay results
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fluidic path into distinct zones separated by air chambers and check valves. Each zone contains specific reagents or samples, and the segmentation prevents diffusion between adjacent fluid sequences by introducing air barriers and using check valves to control unidirectional flow through valve channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Air chambers serve as intermediary elements between different fluid zones. These air chambers act as physical barriers that prevent direct contact and diffusion between adjacent liquid sequences, while still allowing controlled transfer of fluids through the check valve mechanism when capillary pressure differential permits.
2Ease of operation
If complex capillary systems with multiple pressure zones are implemented, then flow control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes passive capillary action driven by surface tension and wettability differences to generate the necessary pressure differential for fluid flow control. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external pumps, valves, or complex pressure control systems, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise flow sequence control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls fluid flow by changing capillary pressure parameters through geometric modifications of the channels and by altering surface wettability properties. By adjusting channel dimensions, curvature, and surface treatment, the device achieves different capillary pressure zones without requiring complex mechanical or electronic pressure control systems, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 device effectively controls fluid sequences, preventing unwanted mixing and ensuring accurate assay results while reducing manufacturing costs through the use of passive capillary action and hydrophilic materials like PDMS, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of fluidic processes.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid attraction element connected to the main channel that provides an external pressure generating a flow of the fluids through the channels by means of capillary action
Implementation Method 2
at least two valve channels, which connect the air chamber and the main channel, in which the capillary pressure between the valve channels is different enabling the fluids to pass according to a predetermined sequence
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for controlling predetermined fluid sequences, which prevents unwanted diffusions between the same. The device is intended to control the flow of at least two fluids according to a preprogrammed path sequence, comprising a body (1) comprising a main reservoir (2), a main channel (3), at least one second reservoir (4) intended to house a second fluid, at least one secondary channel (5) connected to the second reservoir (4) and a liquid attraction element (6). Additionally, the body (1) comprises an air chamber (7) and at least one capillary check valve (8, 9), intended to retain the second fluid and at least two valve channels (10, 11) that enable the fluids to pass according to a predetermined sequence.