Fluid Device Gas-Liquid Separating Filter for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-total analysis systems (μ-TAS) face challenges in efficiently managing the flow and mixing of multiple solutions within their flow paths, particularly in preventing liquid leakage while allowing gas introduction, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A fluid device with a gas-liquid separating filter integrated into the air introduction hole, allowing gas passage while preventing liquid flow, combined with a solution supply system using negative or positive pressure to move solutions from reservoirs to the flow path, ensuring precise control and minimizing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump is operated to inject multiple solutions into the flow path, then the solutions are mixed and delivered efficiently, but liquid leakage may occur and pressure control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump from the system entirely, replacing it with a passive fluid delivery mechanism using reservoirs, flow paths, and pressure differential control. This extraction of the active pumping component eliminates the source of liquid leakage while maintaining solution delivery capability through gravitational and pressure-driven flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary gas phase (air introduction hole) that mediates between the liquid reservoir and the flow path. This gas intermediary allows for pressure equalization and controlled liquid ejection without direct mechanical pumping, preventing liquid leakage while enabling efficient solution mixing and delivery.
2Ease of operation
If air is introduced through the injection hole to move solution, then solution can be delivered without pump, but liquid may leak through the same hole
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fluid pathway by providing separate dedicated holes: an air introduction hole for gas flow and an injection hole for liquid ejection. This segmentation prevents liquid leakage through the air introduction hole while maintaining pump-free operation, as each hole serves its specific function without cross-contamination of fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas phase introduced through the air introduction hole acts as an intermediary that pushes the liquid solution through the injection hole without direct contact between the air introduction pathway and liquid ejection pathway. This intermediary mechanism enables pump-free operation while preventing liquid leakage through the air introduction hole.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple solutions are injected sequentially, then mixing occurs in the flow path, but pressure loss increases and delivery speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple reservoirs with different solutions in the device, allowing rapid sequential injection without the need for complex pumping operations. The solutions are ready to be delivered immediately when pressure is applied, maintaining high delivery speed while achieving thorough mixing in the flow path through the sequential introduction of different solutions.
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 configuration enhances the efficiency and accuracy of solution delivery and mixing within the μ-TAS, reducing pressure loss and enabling quick, reliable introduction of solutions into the flow path, thus improving the overall performance of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-liquid separating filter disposed partway along a path of the air introduction hole, allowing passage of a gas flowing through the air introduction hole, and inhibiting passage of a liquid flowing through the air introduction hole
Implementation Method 2
a negative pressure applying device configured to make the inside of the flow path have a negative pressure, wherein a solution previously filled into the reservoir is moved to the flow path from the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a positive pressure applying device configured to apply a positive pressure to the reservoir via the air introduction hole, wherein the solution previously filled into the reservoir is moved to the flow path from the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid device includes a substrate and a gas-liquid separating filter, the substrate has a flow path through which a solution flows, a reservoir, in which the solution is accommodated, connected to the flow path, an injection hole configured to connect the reservoir to the outside, and an air introduction hole branched off from the injection hole and connected to the outside, and the gas-liquid separating filter is disposed in a path of the air introduction hole, allows passage of a gas flowing through the air introduction hole, and prevents passage of a liquid flowing through the air introduction hole.