Liquid Channel Device with Pressing Sections for Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid channel devices require separate devices for inducing flow and lack the ability to easily open or close liquid channels, making them inconvenient for detecting and analyzing target components.

Innovation Solution

A liquid channel device with a base plate and cover plate configuration, featuring opening and closing sections that allow for easy manipulation of liquid flow without external devices, utilizing convex sections and spacers to control channel access and a production method involving lamination of layers to form the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional liquid channel devices are used, then liquid flow can be maintained, but separate micropump devices are required to induce flow through the channel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidflow control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flow induction function directly into the channel device by forming pressing sections that integrate the micropump functionality into the device structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external micropump devices while maintaining effective liquid flow control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-service by incorporating pressing sections that can be externally pressed to induce flow, allowing the device to generate its own flow control mechanism without requiring separate control systems or additional external devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If conventional liquid channel devices are used, then channel flow can be maintained, but separate devices are required for rotation or flow induction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidflow control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple flow control capabilities (opening, closing, and flow induction) into a single device structure with pressing sections that can perform different operations depending on their positioning and pressing action, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional liquid channel devices are used, then basic channel function is maintained, but opening and closing of liquid channels is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel controlVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple functional sections including opening sections with first convex sections, closing sections with second convex sections, and liquid transport sections, allowing independent control of different channel portions through targeted pressing actions on the cover plate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables low-cost, efficient, and smooth liquid flow control, allowing for easy opening and closing of liquid channels, facilitating accurate detection and analysis without the need for additional flow induction devices.

Implementation Method 1

the cover plate have a first base layer which forms the surface of the cover plate, a strongly adhered layer which is formed to the inside of the first base layer, a second base layer which is formed to the inside of the strongly adhered layer, and a weakly adhered layer which is formed to the inside of the second base layer and is adhered to the channel formation surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the liquid transport section is operated by external pressing on a floor of the liquid chamber or to the cover plate in the area corresponding to the liquid chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a liquid transport section for transporting the liquid from the inside to the outside of the liquid chamber, and the liquid transport section is operated by external pressing on a floor of the liquid chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure Gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2352036B1Liquid flow path device
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 FUJIKURA KASEI CO LTD
  • EP2352036B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2352036B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2352036B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a liquid channel device capable of easily opening the liquid channel from the closed mode, including a base plate in which a liquid channel, through which a liquid containing at least one of a sample and a reagent, flows, and a metering chamber for holding the liquid, are formed to at least one side thereof, the metering chamber has a liquid transport section for transporting the liquid inside the chamber downstream, and this liquid transport section is operated by means of external pressing on a cover plate in the area opposite the metering chamber.