Fusible Conductive Ink for Microfluidic Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic analytical devices face challenges in controlling small volume fluid samples due to lack of structural integrity in microchannels and fragile electrodes, leading to incomplete electrical connections and spurious signals.
Innovation Solution
The use of fusible conductive inks containing micronised powder, poly(bisphenol A-co-epichlorohydrin)-glycidyl end capped polymer, and a solvent, which provide a robust and secure electrical connection to electrodes and ensure microchannels are liquid and air tight by fusing with insulating substrates and laminate layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional conductive materials are used to create electrodes and traces, then electrical connections can be established, but the connections are incomplete or weak resulting in spurious signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite conductive ink formulation containing silver particles (conductive filler), polymer binder, and solvent. The silver particles provide electrical conductivity while the polymer matrix ensures mechanical adhesion and structural integrity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving both reliable electrical connection and elimination of spurious signals through proper material composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters including silver particle size distribution, particle concentration (solid content), binder ratio, and drying/curing conditions. By controlling these parameters, the conductive traces achieve optimal electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, ensuring complete electrical connections without spurious signals while maintaining reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If microchannels are constructed with small dimensions for microfluidic control, then fluid sample control precision is improved, but structural integrity is compromised making channels not adequately liquid and air tight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thin film laminate structures to seal microchannels while maintaining their small dimensions. The laminate layers provide the necessary structural integrity and sealing capability for liquid and air tightness, enabling precise fluid control in miniaturized channels without compromising structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite laminate materials combining different polymer layers with appropriate adhesive and sealing properties. These composite structures provide both the mechanical strength needed for structural integrity and the sealing capability required for liquid/air tightness in small-dimension microchannels.
3Volume of moving object
If electrodes are made small for microfluidic applications, then device miniaturization is achieved, but the electrodes become fragile and susceptible to incomplete electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates robust yet miniaturized electrodes using conductive ink composites where silver particles embedded in a polymer matrix provide both electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. This composite structure allows electrodes to be small for microfluidic applications while remaining durable and resistant to fragility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local properties of electrodes by controlling particle distribution, trace thickness, and material composition in specific regions. This ensures that miniaturized electrodes have sufficient local strength and conductivity where needed, preventing fragility while maintaining small dimensions.
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
This solution enables reliable fluid sample control and analysis by ensuring secure electrical connections and preventing leaks in microfluidic systems, enhancing the accuracy and precision of analytical results.
Implementation Method 1
the fusible conductive inks are fusible, electrodes and electrically conductive traces formed from the inks can be fused with insulating substrates and laminate layers to aid in the formation of liquid and/or air tight microchannels
Implementation Method 2
electrically conductive traces formed from the inks can be fused with electrically conductive contact pads to provide a secure and robust electrical connection between the electrically conductive contact pads and an electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A fusible conductive ink for use in manufacturing microfluidic analytical systems includes micronised powder containing platinum and carbon, poly(bisphenol A-co-epichlorohydrin)-glycidyl end capped polymer, and a solvent. In addition, the ratio of micronised powder to poly(bisphenol A-co-epichlorohydrin)-glycidyl end capped polymer is in the range of 3:1 to 1:3. The fusible conductive inks can be employed in the manufacturing of microfluidic systems to form electrodes, electrically conductive traces and/or electrically conductive contact pads.