Hydraulic Particle Separation Paths for Precise Low-Damage Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lab-on-a-chip particle separation systems have complex structures and low separation precision, often causing damage to particles during the separation process.
Innovation Solution
A particle separation device with an inflow path, discharge paths, and a branch flow path that separates particles by size using controlled fluid movement, minimizing hydraulic resistance and physical contact to reduce damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional lab-on-a-chip particle separation systems are used, then particles can be separated, but the structure becomes complex and separation precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the flow path into distinct regions: an inflow path for particle introduction, multiple discharge paths for size-based separation, and a branch flow path for fluid control. This segmentation enables simple yet effective particle separation by directing different sized particles to different discharge paths based on their movement characteristics in the fluid flow
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by controlling fluid flow through the device to achieve particle separation. By adjusting flow rates through the inflow path and branch flow path, particles are separated based on their size-dependent movement characteristics in the fluid, eliminating the need for complex mechanical or electronic separation mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional particle separation methods are used, then separation can be achieved, but particles suffer damage during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical separation mechanisms with a fluid dynamics-based system. Particles are separated passively by their natural movement characteristics in controlled fluid flow, eliminating the need for mechanical forces that could damage particles. The separation is achieved through hydrodynamic effects rather than physical contact or mechanical stress
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid acts as an intermediary medium between the particles and the separation mechanism. By controlling fluid flow through the inflow path and branch flow path, particles are separated based on their size-dependent interaction with the fluid, minimizing direct particle-particle or particle-surface interactions that could cause damage
3Manufacturing precision
If separation time is extended to maintain high separation quality, then dispersion and diffusion increase, reducing separation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic flow control through the branch flow path to optimize separation efficiency. By adjusting flow rates in real-time, the system maintains optimal conditions for particle separation, achieving high separation quality in minimal time. The dynamic fluid flow prevents particle dispersion and diffusion while ensuring complete separation
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 efficiently separates particles of different sizes, including nanoparticles and microparticles, with high separation efficiency and minimal damage, using a simple structure and reducing the need for complex devices.
Implementation Method 1
the particle separation device has a hydraulic resistance (R) of 6 to 10E+12 Ns/m 5 (wherein, R represents the hydraulic resistance, h represents the height of the discharge path, w represents the sum of the widths of the discharge paths, μ represents the dynamic viscosity of the first fluid, and L represents the length of the path through which the particle passes, respectively.)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a particle separation device and a particle separation method, which can minimize damage to particles during particle separation process and enable separation of particles according to their size without using complex devices. The present invention provides the particle separation device including: a first inflow path through which a first fluid including a plurality of particles of different sizes is introduced; a second inflow path through which a second fluid not including the particles is introduced; a connecting flow path of which one end is connected to the first inflow path and the second inflow path such that a third fluid in which the first fluid and the second fluid are mixed moves therein; a plurality of discharge paths through which the plurality of particles exiting through the other end of the connecting flow path are separated and discharged according to their sizes; and a branch flow path through which at least a part of the third fluid exiting through the other end of the connecting flow path is discharged, wherein the sum of the widths of the plurality of discharge paths is 500 to 1000 µm.