Microfluidic Chip Air Bubble Removal and Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidic chips face challenges in fluid flow due to air bubbles and ineffective mixing of fluids with complex flow paths, especially when injecting multiple fluids.
Innovation Solution
The microfluidic chip design includes an inlet part for injecting a first fluid, a middle part with a flow path where a mixed raw material is pre-stored, and an absorption member with different densities to remove air bubbles and enhance mixing. A vortexing part promotes mixing by creating a vortex, ensuring well-stirred cosmetic content is produced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a complicated micro flow path design (repetition of twists, intersections) is used, then mixing of fluids is enhanced, but air bubbles inhibit fluid flow and mixing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes air bubbles from the micro flow path using a separate air removal channel and air ejection mechanism, allowing the complicated twist and intersection design to remain for effective mixing while eliminating the harmful effect of air bubbles on fluid flow continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary air removal system with a separate channel and ejection mechanism that mediates between the fluid flow path and air bubbles, enabling the complicated flow path design to function effectively without air bubble interference
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluids are injected into the micro flow path at different times, then customized cosmetic formulation is achieved, but air bubbles accumulate and inhibit subsequent fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary air removal after each fluid injection step through the dedicated air removal channel and ejection mechanism, preventing air bubble accumulation before subsequent fluid injections, thereby maintaining both customized formulation capability and fluid flow continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous fluid flow capability by implementing continuous air removal functionality through the separate air removal channel, allowing multiple fluids to be injected at different times for customized formulation without interruption from air bubble accumulation
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 effectively removes air bubbles and ensures thorough mixing of fluids, resulting in a well-stirred cosmetic content, addressing the limitations of conventional microfluidic chips.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption member 130 is provided in which the first fluid can pass through
Implementation Method 2
a vortex forming flow path 141 configured to promote mixing of the mixed fluid by causing a vortex
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A microfluidic chip comprising: an inlet part (110) in which a first inlet (112) is provided into which a first fluid is injected; and a middle part (120) in which a first flow path (122) is provided in which the first fluid can flow, wherein on the first flow path (122), a mixed raw material (M) is pre-stored, and an absorption member (130) is provided in which the first fluid can pass through.