Microfluidic Flow Controller With Bypass Paths for Fast Precise Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling fluid flow rates in microfluidic devices is challenging, especially with inexpensive chips, as existing methods like pressure actuators and flow pumps have slow response times and are time-consuming, particularly when dealing with high resistance fluid pathways.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow controller with high and low resistance fluid pathways and valves that allow fluid to bypass high resistance pathways, enabling faster flow rates through low resistance pathways, preventing air bubbles, and allowing for precise control of fluid flow rates in microfluidic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure actuators are used to control fluid flow in microfluidic devices, then flow control precision is improved, but response time deteriorates (takes several minutes for flow rate changes)
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid pathway is segmented into high resistance and low resistance sections. The high resistance pathway provides precise flow control through its resistance characteristics, while the low resistance bypass pathway enables rapid flow rate changes when activated, resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: normal operation through the high resistance pathway for precise flow control, and bypass mode through the low resistance pathway for rapid response. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between precision and speed requirements.
2Ease of operation
If flow pumps are used to control fluid flow rates, then flow rate control capability is improved, but response time deteriorates (slow response to changes)
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is segmented into a high resistance pathway for precise flow rate control and a low resistance bypass pathway for rapid response. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex flow pump mechanisms while achieving both control capability and fast response.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical flow pump system is replaced with a passive resistance-based flow control system combined with a bypass mechanism. This substitution eliminates the inertia and slow response characteristics of mechanical pumps while maintaining flow control capability through resistance management.
3Measurement precision
If pressure is applied over large resistance in fluid pathways, then flow control precision is improved, but processing time deteriorates (time-consuming process)
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid pathway is divided into high resistance and low resistance sections. The high resistance section provides precise flow control when needed, while the low resistance bypass section allows rapid fluid passage when precision is less critical, reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between precision control mode (high resistance pathway) and rapid processing mode (low resistance bypass pathway), allowing the process to adapt between precision requirements and time efficiency based on operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow controller for introducing fluids into a microfluidic device is provided. The fluid flow controller comprising, at least one high resistance fluid pathway provided between an inlet port and a connection port; at least one low resistance fluid pathway between the inlet and connection port; and at least one valve configured to enable fluid flow through the high resistance fluid pathway, the low resistance fluid pathway or both.