Meandering Fluidic Reservoir for Bubble-Free Solution Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-Total Analysis Systems (μ-TAS) face challenges in maintaining a continuous solution flow due to surface tension and gravitational forces, leading to bubble formation and uneven solution distribution, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
The fluidic device incorporates a meandering flow path and detour flow path design with specific geometric configurations, including linear recesses and perpendicular arrangements, to manage surface tension and gravitational forces, ensuring a stationary solution state and preventing bubble precedence during solution supply to the flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flow path is used, then the device structure is simple, but surface tension and gravitational forces cause bubble formation and uneven solution distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is designed with meandering curved sections instead of straight lines. The meandering flow path includes multiple bends that create centrifugal forces to counteract surface tension and gravitational effects, preventing bubble formation and ensuring continuous solution flow throughout the reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path extends in multiple directions rather than a single linear path. By creating a multi-dimensional meandering pattern that winds through the reservoir, the design increases the effective flow path length and distributes solution more evenly across different regions, preventing stagnation and bubble formation.
2Quantity of substance
If the flow path length is increased to hold more solution, then the solution supply capacity is improved, but gravitational forces cause uneven distribution and bubble formation
Solution Approach 1:
The meandering flow path uses curved sections to distribute solution evenly. The curved geometry creates centrifugal effects that counteract gravitational settling, allowing the reservoir to hold larger volumes of solution while maintaining uniform distribution and preventing bubble formation throughout the extended flow path.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple reservoir design is used, then the manufacturing is easier, but bubble formation occurs due to surface tension and gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The meandering flow path design with curved sections prevents bubble formation by creating centrifugal forces that counteract surface tension and gravitational effects. This geometric solution can be manufactured using standard microfabrication techniques, maintaining ease of production while eliminating the harmful bubble formation effect.
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
This design effectively holds a large amount of solution in a stationary state, preventing bubble formation and ensuring accurate solution supply, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of sample analysis in μ-TAS devices.
Implementation Method 1
a relationship L≤(γ×Wp×(cos α−cos β))/(ρ×A×G) is satisfied
Implementation Method 2
an acceleration which includes a gravity and which is applied to the solution is G (m/s2)
Implementation Method 3
a relationship L≤(γ×Wp×(cos α−cos β))/(ρ×A×G) is satisfied
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims at providing a fluidic device that can hold a large amount of solutions in a reservoir without depending on an attitude. The reservoir includes a meandering flow path including: a plurality of first flow paths that extend linearly along a first direction and that are arranged to be spaced in a second direction crossing the first direction; and a second flow path that extends linearly along the second direction such that a connection between first end sides of the adjacent first flow paths and a connection between second end sides of the adjacent first flow paths are alternately switched along the second direction for each first flow path, wherein the meandering flow path meanders along the second direction. When the length of each of the first flow path and the second flow path is L, a surface tension is γ, the density of the solution is ρ, the acceleration which includes a gravity and which is applied to the solution is G, the wetted perimeter length of the first flow path and the second flow path is Wp, a cross-sectional area of the first flow path and the second flow path is A, a receding contact angle is α, and an advancing contact angle is β, a relationship L≤(γ×Wp×(cos α−cos β))/(ρ×A×G) is satisfied.