Fluid Handling Device Laplace Pressure Control for Biofunctional Chip Flow Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In biofunctional chips, it is unclear how to ensure that a fluid introduced into a specific flow path also flows into a connection flow path branching from it, necessitating a clear understanding of the conditions required for fluid flow between these paths.
Innovation Solution
A fluid handling device is designed with specific conditions for flow paths, including a main flow path, first flow path, and connection flow path, where the Laplace pressure at the interface between fluids satisfies PC > PL1, with PL1 being the Laplace pressure set to a value less than π, ensuring fluid flow into the connection flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid is introduced into a specific flow path, then the fluid fills the specific flow path, but the fluid does not necessarily flow into the connection flow path branching from it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the Laplace pressure at the interface between the introduced fluid and the fluid already in the connection flow path. By adjusting the Laplace pressure parameter (PL1) to be less than the internal pressure (PC) at the branching portion, the patent ensures reliable fluid flow into the connection flow path while maintaining simple fluid introduction operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the Laplace pressure is increased to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid control precision improves, but fluid flow into connection flow path becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by precisely controlling the Laplace pressure parameter. By setting PL1 < PC at the branching portion, the patent achieves both precise fluid interface control (preventing leakage) and efficient fluid filling (enabling flow into connection paths). This parameter control allows the fluid to advance into connection flow paths without uncontrolled leakage.
3Device complexity
If the flow path structure is simplified, then device complexity reduces, but fluid flow control between paths becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains simple flow path structure while ensuring reliable fluid distribution by controlling the Laplace pressure parameter at branching portions. The condition PL1 < PC provides a clear criterion for predictable fluid flow into connection paths, eliminating the need for complex flow control mechanisms while maintaining reliability.
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 allows the fluid to fill both the main and connection flow paths, facilitating reactions and interactions between blood vessel models and cancer cell masses, enhancing the functionality of biofunctional chips.
Implementation Method 1
a Laplace pressure PL1 acting at an interface between the fluid A and a fluid B filling the first connection flow path in advance
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluid handling device in which a fluid can fill not only a specific flow path but also a connection flow path branching from the specific flow path. The fluid handling device includes a main flow path, a first flow path, and a first connection flow path connecting the main flow path to the first flow path. The main flow path is a flow path into which a fluid A is introduced to fill the main flow path and the first connection flow path, and when the fluid A introduced into the main flow path flows from the main flow path into the first connection flow path, a Laplace pressure PL1 acting at an interface between the fluid A and a fluid B filling the first connection flow path in advance satisfies Condition 1. Condition 1 is PC>PL1, where PC is the internal pressure in a branching portion of the main flow path branching to the connection flow path, and PL1 is the Laplace pressure when the dynamic contact angle θ of the fluid A introduced from the main flow path into the connection flow path relative to an inner wall of the connection flow path is set to a value less than π.