Microfluidic Jet Injection System Using Laser-Induced Boiling

The patent utilizes phase transition of liquid to vapor through controlled heating. A meniscus is formed in a capillary tube, and rapid vaporization of liquid beneath the meniscus creates a shock front that propels the jet forward. This phase transition mechanism enables high jet velocity while controlling energy consumption through localized heating rather than bulk vaporization.

The patent employs thermal expansion of liquid to generate pressure for jet ejection. Heating causes the liquid to expand rapidly, creating a shock wave that moves the meniscus forward and generates the jet. This thermal expansion mechanism provides an alternative to mechanical pumping systems, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining jet velocity.

The patent uses phase transition of liquid to vapor to generate a shock front that propels the jet. This creates a more controlled pressure distribution compared to direct mechanical pressurization, reducing peak pressures that cause tissue damage while maintaining sufficient jet velocity for effective injection.

The meniscus acts as an intermediary between the heated liquid and the jet ejection process. It converts the thermal energy and pressure from localized heating into a controlled shock front, mediating the energy transfer to achieve high jet velocity without the harmful side effects of uncontrolled high-pressure application.

The patent replaces mechanical pumping systems with a thermal field-based approach. Instead of using mechanical components to generate pressure and eject the jet, the system uses localized heating to induce phase transition and thermal expansion, which naturally generates the pressure needed for jet ejection. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical parts and reduces device fragility.

The system uses the liquid's own thermal expansion and phase transition properties to generate the pressure needed for ejection. The heated liquid self-generates the shock front and pressure wave required for jet formation, eliminating the need for external mechanical pumping systems and simplifying the overall device architecture.

The patent uses phase transition as a natural control mechanism. The meniscus formation and subsequent vaporization create a self-regulating process where the phase change itself controls the jet formation. This natural physical phenomenon provides consistent jet properties without requiring complex electronic control systems or sensors.

The patent controls jet properties by managing thermal parameters (heating rate, temperature distribution) rather than mechanical parameters. By controlling the heating process and thermal diffusion, the system achieves consistent jet velocity, diameter, and stability through thermal field management, which is simpler than mechanical control systems.