Micro Fluidic Structures Capillary Liquid Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro fluidic structures face challenges in controlled liquid transport due to surface characteristics and the need for external equipment, which can be costly and damaging to sensitive substances, and lack flexibility in customization and production.
Innovation Solution
A micro fluidic structure utilizing capillary action with open micro structures on solid substrates, featuring micro posts that induce capillary flow without external means, allowing for customizable and cost-effective production and handling of sensitive substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external means (pumps, pressure systems, centrifugal force) are used to transport liquid through micro channels, then liquid transport can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and costly, and sensitive substances may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The micro channel structure itself generates the driving force for liquid transport through capillary action. The surface characteristics of the micro channel walls create capillary forces that automatically draw liquid through the channels without requiring external pumps, pressure systems, or centrifugal force generators. This self-service mechanism eliminates complex external equipment while reliably transporting liquids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical transport systems (pumps, pressure devices, centrifugal mechanisms) with a capillary-based transport mechanism. Instead of using external mechanical forces to move liquid, the system utilizes surface tension and capillary forces inherent to the micro channel structure, substituting a simple passive mechanism for complex active mechanical systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If planar micro structures with grooves or channels are produced by etching and covering, then micro fluidic channels are formed, but production is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters from complex multi-step processes (etching, covering, sealing) to a single-step self-organizing process. By adjusting surface energy parameters of the substrate material, the system naturally forms the desired micro channel structures with appropriate dimensions and surface characteristics, achieving precise micro structures while dramatically simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous or micro-structured substrate materials that inherently provide capillary channels. Instead of creating channels through etching and covering, the substrate itself is selected or prepared to have the desired porous micro-structure, which naturally guides liquid flow while being simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
3Productivity
If micro structures are manufactured at one location and shipped for customization, then production efficiency is improved, but flexibility and ease of customization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the micro fluidic system into modular components that can be independently customized. Different substrate materials with varying surface energy characteristics can be selected to create different micro channel configurations and surface properties. This modularity allows customization at the material selection stage rather than requiring post-manufacturing modification, maintaining both productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs customization actions during the manufacturing process itself by selecting appropriate substrate materials with desired surface energy characteristics. Rather than shipping basic structures for later customization, the required surface properties and channel characteristics are built into the structure during initial fabrication, enabling both efficient production and tailored performance.
4Reliability
If surface materials have unbound electrons or polar moieties generating surface charge, then capillary action can drive liquid transport, but surface characteristics become difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically controls surface energy parameters of the substrate material to achieve desired capillary characteristics. By adjusting parameters such as surface treatment conditions, material composition, and surface coating properties, the system optimizes surface characteristics for reliable capillary transport while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled parameter specification.
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 efficient, flexible, and cost-effective liquid transport in micro fluidic systems, reducing the need for external equipment and minimizing damage to sensitive substances, while allowing for easy customization and mass production.
Implementation Method 1
the spacing between the micro posts is such as to induce a capillary action in a liquid sample applied anywhere to said flow path, so as to force said liquid to move from where said liquid sample was applied
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a micro fluidic system comprising a substrate, and, provided on said substrate, at least one flow path interconnecting with functional means in which liquid samples can be treated by desired procedures. The flow paths are laid out to form a pattern for the transport of liquid samples to and from said functional means. These flow paths comprise a plurality of micro posts protruding upwards from said substrate, the spacing between the micro posts being small enough to induce a capillary action in a liquid sample applied anywhere within any of said flow paths, so as to force said liquid to move from where said liquid sample was applied.