Fluid Handling Device Rotary Valve Washing Sequence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In channel chips with multiple valves, the rotation of a rotary member can lead to unintentional mixing of fluids due to improper sequencing of valve opening and closing, resulting in unintended fluid flow into common channels.
Innovation Solution
A fluid handling device with a rotary member and a washing solution valve control mechanism that opens the washing solution valve before rotating to open another introduction valve, ensuring the common channel is washed with a washing solution to prevent mixing, even when unintended valves are temporarily opened during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary member with arc-like protrusion is used to control multiple valves, then the device can switch between different fluid paths, but unintended fluid mixing occurs during rotation transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The washing solution valve is opened in advance before the rotary member completes its rotation to the target position. This preliminary action ensures that the common channel is filled with washing solution before any unintended fluid from temporarily opened valves can enter, preventing contamination while maintaining the versatility of the rotary switching mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The washing solution acts as an intermediary substance that prevents direct contact between fluids from different introduction channels. By introducing this intermediate fluid into the common channel beforehand, the system blocks potential contamination paths without requiring perfect timing or positioning of the rotary member
2Productivity
If the rotary member rotates to open the next valve, then fluid flow can be switched to the next channel, but temporary opening of unintended valves causes fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by opening the washing solution valve before the rotary member reaches the position where unintended valves might temporarily open. This creates a protective fluid barrier in advance, counteracting the potential harmful effect of temporary valve misalignment during high-speed rotation
3Device complexity
If multiple valves are controlled by a single rotary member, then the device structure is simplified, but precise control of each valve becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The washing solution serves as a mediator that compensates for imprecise valve timing. Even when the rotary member does not precisely align with individual valve positions, the pre-introduced washing solution prevents fluid leakage, allowing the use of a simple single rotary member without sacrificing control 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
Prevents unintentional mixing of fluids in the common channel by washing the channel with a washing solution before opening the intended valve, ensuring precise control over fluid flow and preventing cross-contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the washing solution valve is opened to cause washing solution to flow in the common channel
Data Source
AI summary
A flow channel chip has: a common flow channel; introduction flow channels that are respectively connected to the common flow channel; introduction valves that are respectively disposed in the introduction flow channels; a cleaning liquid flow channel that is connected to the common flow channel; and a cleaning liquid valve that is disposed in the cleaning liquid flow channel. This fluid handling device has: a rotary member for controlling opening/closing of the introduction valves; and a cleaning liquid valve control unit for controlling opening/closing of the cleaning liquid valve. After the rotary member is rotated so as to open/close one of the introduction valves, the cleaning liquid valve control unit causes the cleaning liquid valve to open and causes the cleaning liquid to flow in the common flow channel before the rotary member is rotated so as to open/close another of the introduction valves.