Microfluidic Chip with Shape Memory Polymer Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidic systems require external, large-sized driving sources for fluid actuation, which are complex to control and not reusable, making them inconvenient to use and integrate with microfluidic chips.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip device utilizing a shape memory polymer (SMP) with a transformative portion that changes shape from a temporary to a memory shape upon external stimulus, inducing fluid driving pressure within the microchannel, allowing for integration of the driving source and microfluidic chip in a simple and cost-effective manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external driving source is used to actuate fluid in conventional microfluidic systems, then the microfluidic chip can be driven to transport fluid, but the system becomes complex, large-sized, and not reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving source and microfluidic chip into a single integrated device. The driving source is fabricated within the same semiconductor processing sequence as the microfluidic chip, eliminating the need for separate external driving components. This integration reduces overall system size, improves reusability, and simplifies operation while maintaining fluid actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated driving source serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuation mechanism for fluid transport and as part of the microfluidic chip structure itself. The design allows the same component to provide driving force for fluid movement while also serving as structural elements of the microfluidic system, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If an external driving source is used for fluid actuation, then the microfluidic chip can be driven, but the driving source is not reusable and requires precise control
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the driving source into the microfluidic chip fabrication process, the patent creates a reusable system where the driving source is permanently embedded in the chip structure. This eliminates the need for separate external driving sources that would require precise control and replacement, thereby improving reliability and reusability.
3Productivity
If conventional microfluidic systems use external driving sources, then fluid can be actuated, but the system size becomes large and production becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fabrication of the driving source and microfluidic chip into a single semiconductor manufacturing process sequence. This merging of processes eliminates the need for separate production lines for external driving sources, thereby simplifying the overall production process, improving efficiency, and reducing the complexity of manufacturing.
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
Enables convenient and efficient fluid actuation by integrating the driving source within the microfluidic chip, providing a reusable and biologically compatible solution that simplifies the production process and reduces costs.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory polymer substrate layer (2) having a transformative portion (21) with a memory shape
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(e)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
11 microfluidic chip device includes a substrate layer (2) and a microfluidic layer (3) . The substrate layer (2) is made from a shape memory polymer, and includes a transformative portion (21) that can change in volume when changing in shape between a memory shape and a temporary shape. The microfluidic layer (3) is laminated with the substrate layer (2) and has a microchannel (31) that is in fluid communication with the transformative portion (21) . The transformative portion (21) produces a fluid driving pressure within the microchannel (31) when changing between the memory shape and the temporary shape. A method of making the microfluidic chip device is also disclosed.