Micro Channel Pillar and Bottleneck Design for Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzing chips face issues with substrate adhesion, sample drying, and bubble formation due to micro-channel deflection and flow rate differences, which hinder stable measurement and analysis, especially with small sample volumes.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzing chip design featuring a micro channel with micro pillars to maintain height, a bubble prevention channel, and bottleneck structures at the inlet and outlet to control flow and prevent drying, ensuring stable sample flow and observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the channel height is reduced to observe targets, then the channel may sag and upper and lower substrates may adhere to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure is segmented by introducing support pillars that divide the continuous substrate space into discrete supported regions. These pillars are positioned at specific locations to provide localized support where deflection occurs, maintaining channel height without requiring the entire substrate to be rigid or thick.
Solution Approach 2:
Support pillars act as intermediary elements between the upper and lower substrates. These pillars transfer and distribute the mechanical load, preventing direct adhesion between substrates while maintaining the required channel height for target observation.
2Quantity of substance
If a very small amount of sample is used, then the sample is likely to dry and cannot be measured before target measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The bottleneck structure is designed in advance at the inlet to control the flow rate of the sample. By restricting the flow cross-section at the inlet, the sample flow velocity is reduced before entering the main channel, allowing the sample to remain in the channel longer without drying out, thus providing sufficient time for measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate parameter is changed by introducing the bottleneck structure. The bottleneck creates a pressure differential that reduces the flow velocity of the sample, extending the residence time of the sample in the observation region and preventing drying.
3Speed
If the sample rapidly flows along the wall surface of the micro channel, then bubbles may occur at a midpoint on the micro channel
Solution Approach 1:
The bottleneck structure is positioned at the inlet to preliminarily control the flow characteristics before the sample enters the main channel. By restricting flow at the inlet, the sample velocity is reduced in advance, preventing the rapid flow conditions that lead to bubble formation at mid-channel locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow velocity parameter is changed by the bottleneck structure, which creates a pressure gradient that reduces sample speed. This parameter change eliminates the conditions necessary for bubble generation along the channel walls.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sample analyzing chip. The chip can prevent upper and lower substrates of a channel from being attached to each other due to deflection on a micro channel and can solve the problem of the sample drying up within a measuring time of a target. Also, the chip can prevent bubbles from being generated in a central portion of the micro channel.