Microfluidic Aspirator with Integrated Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for measuring flow rates and properties of liquids in microfluidic systems are limited by external sensors that add peripherals and hinder miniaturization, and pharmaceuticals often fail in clinical trials due to efficacy and toxicity issues, while thousands of compounds with unknown effects remain unused.
Innovation Solution
The development of devices with integrated pressure sensors and membrane structures that allow for accurate determination of flow rate, viscosity, temperature, pH, and ion concentration within a microfluidic scale, using stimulus-responsive materials and systems that include a liquid reservoir and pump, enabling precise measurements and mimicking lung function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external flow sensors are used to measure flow rates, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pressure sensor directly into the microfluidic device housing, merging the measurement function with the device structure itself. The pressure sensor is coupled to the air chamber through a port, eliminating the need for external flow sensors and reducing instrumentation complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it creates vacuum pressure through the aspirator mechanism, measures flow rates through the integrated pressure sensor, and can be used for various liquid property measurements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate external devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If external flow sensors are used, then flow measurement is achieved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is integrated within the housing structure of the microfluidic device, combining the measurement component with the device body. This integration eliminates the need for separate external sensor units, thereby reducing the overall device volume and enabling miniaturization.
3Stress or pressure
If a membrane with smaller second port is used, then vacuum creation capability is improved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure features different port sizes optimized for different functions: the first port has a larger cross-sectional area for main liquid flow, while the second port has a smaller cross-sectional area for creating vacuum pressure. This local differentiation of quality allows the device to achieve both vacuum creation and acceptable flow rates simultaneously.
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
These devices provide accurate and cost-effective measurements over a larger dynamic range, reducing instrumentation complexity and enhancing the physiological relevance of lung models, while enabling the evaluation of therapeutic compounds and their effects.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane between the liquid chamber and the air chamber, wherein the membrane has a boundary edge and first and second side surfaces, wherein at least a portion of the first side surface is fluidly coupled to the liquid chamber and at least a portion of the second side surface is fluidly coupled to the air chamber
Implementation Method 2
tubing connected to the second port, wherein at least a section of the tubing has a small cross-sectional area than the second port
Implementation Method 3
a packed bed within the second port, wherein the packed bed includes a stimulus-responsive material
Data Source
AI summary
Devices that include a liquid chamber including at least two ports, wherein the opening of a first port is larger than the opening of a second port, an air chamber including at least one port, and a membrane located between the liquid chamber and the air chamber, and a pressure sensor coupled to the port in the air chamber are provided. Systems including the disclosed devices are also provided. The systems include liquid in the liquid chamber of the device. Methods of using the devices and systems include measuring one or more properties of a liquid by flowing the liquid through the liquid chamber of the system and measuring the pressure produced due to the difference in size of the ports in the liquid chamber.