Fluidic Device Quantification via Stacked Substrates and Triangular Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-total analysis systems (μ-TAS) face challenges in efficiently mixing and quantifying solutions within their flow paths, particularly in preventing air bubbles and ensuring accurate measurement.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic device with a stacked substrate configuration, featuring a flow path with quantification parts having merging/branching portions in the shape of equilateral triangles and connection portions, along with valves at strategic apex positions to regulate fluid flow and prevent air bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow paths are used in μ-TAS, then device simplicity is maintained, but air bubbles are generated during solution mixing and quantification accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into distinct functional regions: a quantification region with controlled volume for accurate measurement, and a mixing region for solution blending. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its specific function while preventing air bubble generation through proper flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path transitions from two-dimensional planar structures to three-dimensional stacked substrate configurations. Multiple substrates are stacked in the thickness direction to create complex flow paths including quantification parts and mixing parts, enabling precise solution control and air bubble prevention through vertical layering.
2Manufacturing precision
If simple flow paths are used, then manufacturing is easier, but solution mixing efficiency and quantification precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into a quantification part with precise volume control and a mixing part for efficient solution blending. This segmentation enables high-precision quantification while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular design of stacked substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
Stacked substrates are used to create three-dimensional flow paths that provide precise quantification volumes and efficient mixing chambers. The vertical stacking approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving complex flow path functionality for high-precision applications.
3Reliability
If conventional mixing methods are used in flow paths, then device structure is simple, but air bubbles are generated and measurement reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into a quantification region for accurate measurement and a separate mixing region for solution blending. This separation prevents air bubble generation by controlling flow dynamics in each region independently, thereby improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple substrates are stacked in the thickness direction to create three-dimensional flow paths with distinct quantification and mixing parts. This vertical layering enables controlled solution mixing and quantification while preventing air bubble formation through optimized flow path geometry.
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 enables high-accuracy solution quantification and mixing while effectively preventing air bubbles, thereby enhancing the reliability of measurements in μ-TAS systems.
Implementation Method 1
a valve which regulates a fluid flow in the flow path is provided at the apex position in the merging/branching portion at which the connection portion is not arranged
Implementation Method 2
the flow path includes a quantification part that is able to quantify a solution to a predetermined amount
Implementation Method 3
by injecting a plurality of solutions into the flow path and operating the pump, the plurality of solutions are mixed in the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a fluidic device in which a solution can be introduced into a flow path and be quantified while preventing air bubbles from being generated.A pair of substrates are provided which are stacked in a thickness direction and in which one substrate includes a flow path constituted by being covered by another substrate. The flow path includes a quantification part that is able to quantify a solution to a predetermined amount. The quantification part includes: a pair of merging/branching portions each of which is surrounded by a contour that matches each of line segments connecting apex positions of an equilateral triangle in a view of the thickness direction or a contour parallel to each of the line segments and at which merging or branching of the solution is performed; and a connection portion that connects the pair of merging/branching portions via one of the apex positions of the equilateral triangle of the merging/branching portion. A valve which regulates a fluid flow in the flow path is provided at the apex position in the merging/branching portion at which the connection portion is not arranged.