Microchannel Interface with Side-Channel Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The protrusion of external devices connected to microchannel chips interferes with optical microscopy and handling, making it difficult to observe and use the chips effectively.
Innovation Solution
An interface with an elastic first member and a supporting second member, where the first member includes channels for communication with the microchannel and an external device, and the second channel is positioned to increase distance from the center of gravity towards the external device, preventing protrusion and allowing for efficient fluid movement without the need for additional sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external device is connected to a microchannel chip from the surface side, then fluid communication is achieved, but the external device protrudes and interferes with optical microscopy and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface transitions from surface-level connection to side-face connection. The second channel is configured to connect from the side face of the microchannel chip rather than the surface, allowing the external device to be connected laterally without protruding from the observation surface, thus eliminating interference with optical microscopy while maintaining fluid communication capability
2Ease of operation
If a complex sealing structure is added to prevent protrusion, then external device interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing member made of elastic material is used to seal the connection hole on the side face of the microchannel chip. This flexible sealing approach prevents protrusion of the external device while maintaining simplicity of structure, as the elastic material naturally conforms to the connection interface without requiring complex mechanical sealing components
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing solution utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the sealing member, specifically its elasticity and compressibility. The sealing member is pressed against the connection hole with appropriate force to create an effective seal, allowing adjustment of sealing pressure and maintaining simplicity while preventing protrusion
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 interface prevents external device protrusion, enabling easier observation and use of microchannel chips with optical microscopes and other devices, while maintaining fluid integrity and handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member that is pressed against the connection hole from the outside of the microchannel chip, thereby the fluid leakage can be prevented
Data Source
AI summary
An interface configured to be brought into contact with a channel chip and to connect a channel of the channel chip with an external device. The interface includes an elastic first member and a second member supporting the first member. The first member includes a first channel for communicating with the channel and a second channel for communicating with the external device. The first channel and the second channel communicate with each other, and the second channel is disposed in such a way that a distance from the center of gravity of the channel chip to the second channel increases from the end of the second channel on the first channel side toward the end of the second channel on the external device side when the interface is viewed in plan view while the interface is in contact with the channel chip.