Magnetic Microvalve for Precise Fluid Control in Microfluidic Chips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic chips face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow and reagent addition, which affects the overall efficiency and yield of fluid control in these systems.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip with a magnetic valve core and a microvalve system that includes a valve core movement channel, adapter openings, and a magnetic control device, allowing for precise control of fluid flow through the chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microvalve system with magnetic valve core is used to control fluid flow, then fluid control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve actuation mechanisms with a magnetic control system. The magnetic control device generates magnetic fields to move the magnetic valve core along the valve core movement channel, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, or direct mechanical actuators within the microfluidic chip. This substitution achieves precise fluid control while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the control device and the valve core. The magnetic control device does not directly contact the magnetic valve core; instead, it uses magnetic field interaction to transmit force and control valve position. This intermediary approach enables precise control without mechanical contact, reducing wear and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapter openings are provided in the valve core movement channel, then fluid path versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid control function into multiple adapter openings (first adapter opening, second adapter opening, etc.) along the valve core movement channel. Each adapter opening can connect to different fluid channels, allowing the single valve core to control multiple fluid paths independently. This segmentation enables versatile fluid path configuration while maintaining a relatively simple overall valve structure that can be manufactured using standard microfabrication techniques.
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 enhances fluid control efficiency and yield by enabling precise switching and regulation of fluid paths within the microfluidic chip, improving the integrated one-stop detection service.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic control device is located outside the valve core movement channel, and is configured to move along the valve core movement channel to drive the magnetic valve core to move in the valve core movement channel
Implementation Method 2
the positioning magnetic body is located at each adapter opening, and is configured to position the magnetic valve core through a magnetic force when the magnetic valve core reaches the each adapter opening
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic chip and a detection system. The microfluidic chip comprises fluid inlet channels (21) and a microvalve (1), and the microvalve (1) comprises a magnetic valve core (12), a valve core movement channel (11) and a magnetic control device (13); the valve core movement channel (11) is provided with at least two adapter openings (111), and at least one adapter opening (111) is connected to the fluid inlet channels (21); the magnetic valve core (12) is located in the valve core movement channel (11) and may move in the valve core movement channel (11), and the radial size of the magnetic valve core (12) is greater than that of each adapter opening (111); and the magnetic control device (13) is located outside the valve core movement channel (11), and is configured to move along the valve core movement channel (11) so as to drive the magnetic valve core (12) to move in the valve core movement channel (11).