Instrumented Device with Deformable Portion for Fluidic Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic devices for biological applications face challenges in cost-effectiveness and modularity when integrating sensors, as well as practicality due to mismatched architectures between external sensors and fluidic components.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic system with a fluidic component featuring apertures for instrumented devices, where deformable portions with actuators or effectors, such as electrodes or optical sensors, are integrated using conductive ink and flexible substrates to interact with the internal volume, allowing for easy fitting and adaptation to the component's shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are integrated into layers of the fluidic component, then measurement functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrumented device is segmented into separate elements (first element, second element, deformable portion) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled onto the fluidic component. This allows the fluidic component to be manufactured using standard processes while the instrumented device is manufactured separately with its own optimization, resolving the contradiction between achieving measurement functionality and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external devices are used for measurement, then modularity is improved, but architectural mismatch makes measurements impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The instrumented device is designed with specific local qualities that match the fluidic component's architecture - the first and second elements are configured to close specific apertures at specific locations, and the deformable portion is shaped to conform to the component's geometry. This localized adaptation maintains modularity while ensuring practical measurement capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid structure is used for the instrumented device, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different fluidic component shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable portion of the instrumented device is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing it to dynamically conform to different shapes of fluidic components. This dynamic characteristic enables the same instrumented device to be adapted to various component geometries while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable portion utilizes flexible materials and thin-film structures that can bend and conform to the contours of different fluidic components. This flexible construction allows the instrumented device to maintain structural integrity and manufacturing precision while adapting to various shapes.
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 solution enables a cost-effective, modular, and user-friendly system that ensures seal-tightness and efficient interaction with the fluidic circuit, facilitating measurements while being adaptable to various fluidic component shapes.
Implementation Method 1
each electrical conductor and each electrical connection point are produced in the form of a conductive ink
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic system including a fluidic component in which is produced a fluidic circuit that includes at least a first aperture and a second aperture opening onto two separate regions of the component, and an instrumented device fitted on the fluidic component, the instrumented device including a first element fastened to the fluidic component to close the first aperture and a second element fastened to the fluidic component to close the second aperture, a deformable portion joining the first element to the second element, the first element and/or the second element being instrumented with at least one actuator and/or an effector arranged to interact with an internal volume of the fluidic circuit.