Microchip Channel Narrow-Down Section for Vertical Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microchips with trifurcated channels struggle to accurately control the vertical positioning of sample liquid laminar flows within the channel, leading to dispersion of particulates during optical analysis, which affects the accuracy of measurements, especially for cells like blood corpuscle cells.
Innovation Solution
A microchip design featuring a channel with a narrow-down section where the area decreases gradually or stepwise, allowing the sheath liquid laminar flow and sample liquid laminar flow to be narrowed down in both the horizontal and vertical directions, ensuring precise control over the sample liquid's feeding position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a trifurcated channel structure is used to sandwich sample liquid between sheath liquid flows, then the sample liquid can be fed through the center of the channel horizontally, but the vertical positioning of the sample liquid laminar flow cannot be accurately controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from controlling only horizontal positioning (single dimension) to controlling both horizontal and vertical positioning (multiple dimensions) by introducing a narrow-down section that constricts the channel in the vertical direction, enabling precise three-dimensional positioning of the sample liquid laminar flow within the channel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a localized structural modification (narrow-down section) at a specific location within the channel to achieve vertical confinement of the laminar flow, while the rest of the channel maintains its original trifurcated structure for horizontal positioning, thus combining local precision with overall system functionality
2Manufacturing precision
If the channel area is reduced to narrow down the laminar flow width, then the positioning accuracy of particulates improves, but the channel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the channel into distinct functional sections: the upstream trifurcated channel for horizontal positioning and the downstream narrow-down section for vertical positioning. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function independently, achieving precise three-dimensional positioning without requiring complete redesign of the entire channel structure
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 enables accurate irradiation of particulates with measuring light, enhancing the accuracy and sensitivity of analyses by precisely conforming the focal position of the measuring light to the feeding position of the particulates in the vertical direction.
Implementation Method 1
liquid feeding is conducted in the condition where a laminar flow of a sample liquid is surrounded by a laminar flow of a sheath liquid in the channels
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A microchip includes a channel permitting a sheath liquid to flow therethrough; and a microtube for introducing a sample liquid into a laminar flow of the sheath liquid flowing through the channel; wherein liquid feeding is performed in the condition where a laminar flow of the sample liquid introduced through the microtube is surrounded by the laminar flow of the sheath liquid.