Fluidic Chip Patterned Layer for High-Pressure Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluidic chip devices face challenges in accurately controlling and measuring high-pressure applications, such as in liquid chromatography systems, where precise pressure control and measurement are crucial for proper system operation.

Innovation Solution

A fluidic chip device with a laminated structure comprising a patterned section of alternating bars and fluidic channels that is displaceable under pressure, integrated with a pressure detector to generate a detector signal indicative of pressure values, allowing for accurate pressure measurement and control, including differential pressure measurement between fluidic channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high pressure is applied for liquid chromatography operation, then separation efficiency is improved, but pressure measurement and control accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid pressureVSAvoidpressure measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible patterned layer with alternating bars and channels that deforms under pressure. This thin film structure translates high pressure into measurable displacement, enabling accurate pressure detection even in high-pressure liquid chromatography applications where traditional measurement methods fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces direct mechanical pressure measurement with an optical detection system. The flexible patterned layer's displacement under pressure is detected optically, converting a mechanical high-pressure measurement problem into an optical measurement that maintains accuracy across the full pressure range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If high pressure is applied for liquid chromatography operation, then separation efficiency is improved, but system control reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid pressureVSAvoidsystem control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pressure detector continuously monitors the actual pressure in the fluidic channels and provides this information to the control system. This enables real-time adjustments to maintain desired pressure levels, ensuring reliable system control even during high-pressure operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible patterned layer serves dual functions: it acts as both the fluidic channel structure and the pressure sensing element. The structure itself provides the measurement signal, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems that could fail under high pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If pressure detector is integrated within laminated layers, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure complexityVSAvoidlayer lamination precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the patterned layer: it serves as both the fluidic channel structure and the pressure sensing element. The alternating bars and channels are patterned directly into the layer material, merging structural and sensing functions, which reduces overall device complexity while the layering process inherently provides the necessary precision through material deposition control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables precise control and measurement of high-pressure applications, enhancing the operational accuracy and reliability of fluidic chip devices, particularly in liquid chromatography systems, by accurately detecting pressure values and pressure differences, thus ensuring proper system functioning.

Implementation Method 1

the patterned section being configured for being displaceable in response to the pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-induced displacement: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS9671375B2Fluidic chip with displacable patterned layer for detecting fluid pressure

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A fluidic chip device configured for processing a fluid, wherein the fluidic chip device comprises a plurality of layers laminated to one another, wherein at least a part of the layers comprises a patterned section of an alternating sequence of bars and fluidic channels for conducting the fluid under pressure, the patterned section being configured for being displaceable in response to the pressure, and a pressure detector responding to the displacement of the patterned section by generating a detector signal being indicative of a value of the pressure.