Fluidic Bubble Traps with Transverse Chamber Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluidic devices face issues with air bubbles forming or being introduced, which can clog channels and hinder sensor performance by blocking fluid flow and contact with sensing regions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of barriers within fluid flow paths to inhibit and trap air bubbles, including transverse beams and chambers with specific cross-sectional areas to prevent bubble propagation, coupled with cover layers to seal the substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barriers are added to the fluidic device to trap bubbles, then bubble removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional zones: a first channel for fluid input, a chamber with multiple transverse barriers to trap bubbles, and a second channel for bubble-free fluid output. This segmentation allows bubbles to be isolated and trapped in the chamber while maintaining continuous fluid flow through the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber acts as an intermediary element between the first channel and second channel. It provides a transition zone where bubbles can be separated from the fluid using transverse barriers, allowing the fluid to pass through to the second channel while bubbles are trapped and removed.
2Reliability
If the chamber cross-sectional area is increased to improve bubble trapping, then bubble trapping capacity is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber has a locally enlarged cross-sectional area compared to the channels, creating a confined expansion zone specifically for bubble trapping. The chamber dimensions are optimized to provide sufficient trapping capacity while maintaining a compact overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber provides an additional spatial dimension for bubble trapping by expanding in the vertical direction (height) while maintaining compact horizontal dimensions. This allows increased trapping capacity without proportionally increasing the device footprint.
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
Effectively blocks and traps air bubbles, ensuring reliable and repeatable fluid flow and sensor measurements by preventing bubble interference.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of barriers adjacent to a top of the chamber to inhibit bubbles in the fluid from entering the second channel
Implementation Method 2
If the dimensions of a channel are sufficiently small such that capillary forces dominate fluid flow, then the channel could be considered a microchannel
Data Source
AI summary
Fluidic devices that include bubble traps are provided. A substrate for a fluidic device includes a first channel to carry a fluid; a chamber, coupled to the first channel, to receive the fluid from the first channel, the chamber having a top and a bottom; a second channel, coupled to the chamber, to receive the fluid from the chamber; and a plurality of barriers adjacent to the top of the chamber. The plurality of barriers inhibit bubbles in the fluid from entering the second channel. Methods for manufacturing and using fluidic devices that include bubble traps are also provided.