Microfluidic Chip With Inclined Grooves For Particle Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating and aligning fine particles, such as centrifuges and microfluidic devices, are inefficient, require external energy, and are limited by flow rate, making them unsuitable for rapid and convenient processing of large samples without the need for expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A chip with inclined grooves is used to separate and align fine particles by controlling the flow pattern, allowing particles to be directed and collected efficiently without external energy, using a device that includes multiple chips for parallel processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifuge is used for separating fine particles, then separation capability is improved, but device cost and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical centrifugal separation system with a microfluidic channel system that uses controlled fluid flow and geometric features (grooves, pillars, constrictions) to achieve particle separation through inertial forces and flow dynamics, eliminating the need for expensive centrifuge equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from macro-scale centrifugal separation to micro-scale channel-based separation, using dimensional reduction to create a compact, portable device that maintains separation capability while reducing device complexity and cost
2Reliability
If dielectrophoretic device is used for cell separation, then separation efficiency is improved under specific conditions, but flow rate flexibility and processing speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the dielectrophoretic system requiring external electric fields with a passive microfluidic system using geometric features (inclined grooves, pillars, constrictions) to generate flow-induced separation forces, enabling flow rate flexibility without compromising separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic channel structure performs separation automatically through its geometric design, where the inclined grooves and constrictions naturally guide particles to different outlets based on their size and flow characteristics, without requiring external energy input or complex control systems
3Reliability
If external force methods are used for particle separation, then separation capability is improved, but energy consumption and equipment complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active external force systems (electric fields, magnetic fields) with a passive mechanical flow-based system using microfluidic channel geometry to achieve separation through fluid dynamics and inertial effects, eliminating external energy requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential separation function from complex external force systems and implements it through simple geometric features (grooves, pillars, constrictions) that utilize the kinetic energy already present in the flowing fluid, removing the need for additional energy input
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 solution enables high-efficiency separation and alignment of fine particles, such as leukocytes from blood, with high recovery rates and low loss rates, suitable for various applications including blood processing and antibody purification, without the need for external energy or expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a cell separating device based on a microfluidic technology such as an inertial fluid device
Implementation Method 2
forming a certain pattern in the flow passage of fluid including the fine particles
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a chip for separating or aligning fine particles, a device for separating or aligning fine particles including two or more chips for separating or aligning fine particles, and a method for separating or aligning fine particles using the chip for separating or aligning fine particles or the device for separating or aligning fine particles. The chip for separating or aligning fine particles includes: (i) a passage part in which a space where a fluid including fine particles which are capable of flowing is integrally formed and which has an inclined groove formed on one surface thereof; (ii) an inlet part which is positioned on one end of the passage part and into which the fluid is introduced; and (iii) a fine particle discharge part which is positioned on one side surface of the passage part, wherein one or more inclined grooves are formed to be inclined at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to a line which is perpendicular to both side surfaces of the passage part.