Integrated Flow Channel Structure for Compact Liquid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
HPLC devices face challenges in minimizing size and sensitivity due to separate installation of photometric systems, leading to difficulties in handling failures like liquid leakage, which hinders their adoption for point-of-care testing.
Innovation Solution
A flow channel structure with an integrated detection unit that minimizes the volume of the flow channel connecting the separation and detection units, eliminating the need for external connections and reducing the risk of liquid leakage, allowing for smaller device size and enhanced sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the photometric system is installed separately from the analysis unit, then the device can be assembled with independent functional units, but the device size cannot be reduced and the flow channel volume cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the photometric system and the analysis unit into a single integrated device. The photometric unit is positioned adjacent to the analysis unit with direct optical access through the separation element, eliminating the need for separate external connections and minimizing the flow channel volume between components.
2Device complexity
If the photometric system is installed separately from the analysis unit, then functional units can be independently assembled, but sensitivity is reduced due to larger flow channel volume
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the photometric system with the analysis unit, the patent minimizes the flow channel volume to a minimum necessary for sample separation, thereby reducing dead volume and improving measurement sensitivity while maintaining independent functional capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If functional units are assembled separately, then the device can be manufactured in parts, but liquid leakage failures occur and are difficult to handle without technical knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the photometric system and analysis unit into a single device with minimized external connections, thereby reducing potential leakage points. The integrated design maintains modular manufacturing benefits while significantly improving reliability by eliminating complex external fluid connections.
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 integrated flow channel structure enables reduced device size, increased sensitivity in measuring liquid composition, and facilitates easier recovery from failures, making it suitable for point-of-care testing.
Implementation Method 1
a separation element accommodating unit that accommodates a separation element that separates a plurality of components included in the measurement target liquid
Implementation Method 2
an incident part that is provided at an end of the measurement flow channel part and that guides the measuring light toward inside the measurement flow channel part
Implementation Method 3
an emission part that is provided at the other end of the measurement flow channel part and that derives the measuring light from the measurement flow channel part, wherein measuring light for measuring information about the plurality of components is to be irradiated onto the measurement target liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
As a flow channel structure that facilitates to reduce a size of a measuring device in which the flow channel structure is embedded, there is provided a flow channel structure that includes a substrate including a supply flow channel that guides a measurement target liquid toward inside; a separation element accommodating unit that accommodates a separation element that separates a plurality of components included in the measurement target liquid, the measurement target liquid being guided by the supply flow channel; and a detector that guides the measurement target liquid that passes through the separation element accommodating unit, wherein measuring light for measuring information about the plurality of components is to be irradiated onto the measurement target liquid, wherein the detector includes a measurement flow channel part that guides the measurement target liquid, an incident part that is provided at an end of the measurement flow channel part and that guides the measuring light toward inside the measurement flow channel part, and an emission part that is provided at the other end of the measurement flow channel part and that guides the measuring light from the measurement flow channel part.