Fluid Handling Device Electrode Formation via Mold Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid handling devices face challenges in accurately forming electrodes with small intervals and high aspect ratio recesses, which complicates the manufacturing process and affects the precision of electric field application.
Innovation Solution
A fluid handling device design featuring a substrate with a first recess for fluid flow and a film with second recesses for electrode formation, allowing for precise placement and high accuracy in electrode formation, even through a wet process, by joining the film to the substrate such that the electrodes are disposed within the film's recesses to apply an electric field to the substrate's recess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electrode is formed by printing with composition having fluidity, then the electrode can be formed by a simple process, but the composition flows and the electrode cannot be accurately formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mold as an intermediary object between the printing process and the final electrode. The mold receives the printed composition and defines its final shape, preventing flow while maintaining the simplicity of printing application. The mold acts as a mediator that transforms the fluid composition into a precisely shaped electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by preparing the mold before applying the composition. The mold is positioned and ready to receive the printed material, ensuring that the composition is immediately constrained to the desired shape upon application, preventing flow and ensuring accuracy from the start of the forming process.
2Reliability
If a sufficient distance is maintained between the pair of electrodes to prevent contact, then the electrodes can be reliably formed, but the electrodes cannot be disposed at a small interval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar electrode arrangement to three-dimensional arrangement by introducing vertical depth through the mold. Electrodes can be positioned close together horizontally while maintaining reliable separation vertically through the mold structure, effectively using the depth dimension to resolve the contradiction between small interval and sufficient separation distance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the end portion of the electrode is disposed near the inside of the channel in the thickness direction, then electric field application is improved, but a recess with high aspect ratio is required increasing manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode structure into multiple components formed by the mold: the electrode material itself, the mold cavity that defines its shape, and the supporting film structure. This segmentation allows the electrode to achieve precise positioning for electric field application without requiring a single complex high aspect ratio recess, as the mold provides the necessary structural support separately.
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 enables the formation of electrodes with high dimensional precision, allowing for accurate sorting of droplets and improved electric field application within the device, reducing manufacturing complexity and increasing the device's accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Droplet 1 having passed through the electric field in channel 11 moves in different directions depending on whether the target material is present. Liquid handling device 10 disclosed in PTL 1 can sort droplet 1 which contains a target material and droplet 1 which does not contain a target material by utilizing dielectric migration.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid handling device includes: a substrate including a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other, wherein a first recess which allows fluid to flow therethrough is formed on the first surface; a film including a third surface and a fourth surface which are opposite to each other, wherein at least a pair of second recesses is formed on the third surface; and at least a pair of electrodes whose shape is defined by the second recesses, the electrodes being disposed in the second recesses and configured to apply an electric field to an inside of the first recess, the film being joined to the substrate such that the first surface and the fourth surface face each other.