Laser Diode Wax Valve Control in Centrifugal Separation Disks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional disk devices for separating target cells, such as circulating tumor cells, face challenges with inaccurate and uneven operation of valves made of wax due to inadequate heat transmission, which can lead to errors in cell separation.

Innovation Solution

A target material separation control device utilizing a laser diode to accurately and smoothly open and close valves by increasing the wax temperature, integrated with a printed circuit board assembly and a coupling portion for precise alignment and heat transfer, allowing for wireless communication-controlled operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a valve made of wax is used in conventional disk devices, then the valve can be actuated by heat, but the heat is not properly transmitted to the valve, resulting in inaccurate operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve operation accuracyVSAvoidheat transmission to valve

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a heat transmission member (such as a metal plate or heat-conductive structure) as an intermediary between the heat source and the wax valve. This intermediary efficiently conducts and directs heat to the valve, ensuring reliable actuation while maintaining the advantage of using wax as the valve material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical valve actuation mechanisms with a thermal actuation system using a laser diode as the heat source. This substitution enables precise control of the valve through optical energy conversion to thermal energy, improving accuracy while eliminating complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If heat is applied to the wax valve, then the valve can open and close, but the heat transmission is inadequate, causing operational errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve opening and closingVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies heat locally and precisely to the wax valve using a focused laser diode beam. The heat is concentrated at the specific location of the valve rather than being distributed throughout the entire system, enabling reliable actuation while minimizing energy consumption and avoiding unwanted thermal effects in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical valve control with optical-thermal actuation using a laser diode. This substitution provides precise control of valve opening and closing through non-contact heating, improving both ease of operation and reliability by eliminating mechanical wear and positioning errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional heating methods are used, then the valve can be actuated, but the heat is not properly transmitted, leading to separation errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell separation accuracyVSAvoidheat transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a heat transmission member as an intermediary that efficiently couples the laser diode heat source to the wax valve. This intermediary ensures optimal heat transfer, enabling precise control of the valve actuation timing and position, which directly improves cell separation accuracy while maintaining efficient energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a laser diode that can precisely control the temperature parameter of the wax valve through variable power output. By adjusting the laser power, pulse duration, and duty cycle, the system achieves precise control over valve actuation, thereby improving cell separation precision while optimizing heat transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures accurate and efficient separation of target cells by ensuring precise heat application to the valve, enhancing the performance of the separation process and reducing operational limitations related to rotation speed and direction.

Implementation Method 1

a laser diode that opens and closes the valve in the channel by emitting laser to the valve to generate heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

emitting laser to the valve to generate heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a separation disk configured to separate a target material from a sample by centrifugal force generated by rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240365470A1Target material separation control device using laser diode

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 CTCELLS INC

AI summary

A target material separation control device using a laser diode includes a plurality of chambers and a channel connecting the plurality of chambers to each other, a separation disk configured to separate a target material from a sample by centrifugal force generated by rotation, a printed circuit board assembly detachably coupled to the separation disk and including the laser diode that opens and closes the valve in the channel by emitting laser to the valve to generate heat, and a coupling portion provided to penetrate the printed circuit board assembly and fixing a printed circuit board to the separation disk.