Fluid Inspection Device Capillary Step Structure Bubble Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid inspection devices face challenges with bubble formation and trapping in channels, which affects accuracy and requires high-cost, unstable micro-pumps and centrifugation, leading to sample degradation and misjudgments, especially when dealing with limited human biological or chemical samples.
Innovation Solution
A fluid inspection device with a channel and chamber design that utilizes a capillary force to prevent bubble formation by creating a step structure between the channel and chamber surfaces, allowing for efficient fluid flow and minimizing sample volume, eliminating the need for driving forces and reducing human error through multi-channel configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If micro-pump or centrifugal force is used to drive fluid flow, then fluid can be driven through channels, but cost increases and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical driving systems (micro-pumps, centrifugal force) with capillary force, which is a surface tension-based phenomenon. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, reducing cost and improving reliability while maintaining fluid flow capability through properly designed channel geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid flow is driven by capillary force inherent to the channel structure itself, without requiring external power sources or control systems. The channel walls provide the driving force through surface tension effects, making the system self-powered and more reliable
2Speed
If centrifugal force is used to drive fluid, then fluid flow is achieved, but heat is generated which degrades the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces centrifugal force (which generates heat through mechanical rotation) with capillary force, a surface tension phenomenon that drives fluid flow without mechanical motion. This eliminates heat generation while maintaining fluid transport capability
3Speed
If conventional channel design is used, then fluid flows through channel, but bubbles form and are trapped in chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different regions of the channel system. Hydrophilic coatings are applied to channel walls to enhance capillary action, while the chamber surface is designed to be hydrophobic or have specific energy characteristics that repel bubbles. This local differentiation of surface properties prevents bubble adhesion and trapping in the chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the surface tension effect that could potentially trap bubbles into a beneficial force that drives fluid flow through capillary action. By carefully designing the channel geometry and surface properties, the same capillary force that moves fluid also prevents bubble formation by maintaining continuous liquid contact with channel walls
4Volume of stationary object
If large amount of tested fluid is used, then complete filling of chamber is achieved, but cost increases and optical focusing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the chamber, specifically the spacing between top and bottom surfaces in the fluid-filling area. By reducing this spacing to create a narrow gap, the chamber can be completely filled with a small volume of fluid, enabling both cost reduction and improved optical focusing due to the thin sample layer
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 prevents bubble interference, reduces sample volume, and enhances inspection accuracy by using capillary forces to draw and constrain fluid within a specific area, improving time efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes a capillary force to prevent bubble formation by creating a step structure between the channel and chamber surfaces
Implementation Method 2
creating a step structure between the channel and chamber surfaces, allowing for efficient fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fluid inspection device comprising at least one channel including a top channel surface and a bottom channel surface, and a first spacing formed therebetween; at least one chamber communicating with the at least one channel from which a fluid flows into the at least one chamber and including a top chamber surface, a bottom chamber surface and a fluid-filling area and a through opening communicating with the at least one chamber and the outside. A second spacing is formed between the top chamber surface of at least one portion of the fluid-filling area and a corresponding bottom chamber surface thereof, wherein the second spacing is smaller than the first spacing. The fluid inspection device prevents bubbles from producing in the chamber and obstructing the inspection and further allows less required fluid amount in the chamber.