Microfluidic Chip With Volume Variable Part for Droplet Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic chips face challenges in accurately controlling droplet size due to various factors, leading to inefficiencies in experimental conditions and increased time in generating droplets of specific sizes, particularly in applications like single-cell separation where different sizes are required.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip with a volume variable part in the flow channel allows for rapid adjustment of droplet size by controlling the ratio of the adjustable width to the first width, enabling the generation of droplets of different sizes on the same chip, and a droplet generation device with a pumping system to control flow rates for precise droplet size adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional microfluidic chip with fixed flow channel dimensions is used, then the chip structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the droplet size cannot be adjusted and multiple chips are required for different droplet sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a volume variable part in the third flow channel that can change its volume or cross-sectional area. This dynamic structure allows the same chip to generate droplets of different sizes by adjusting the volume variable part, replacing the need for multiple fixed chips. The volume variable part may be controlled by external factors such as pressure, temperature, or electrical signals to modify the effective channel width and thus control droplet size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical dimensions of the flow channel dynamically. Specifically, the volume variable part changes its volume or cross-sectional area, which alters the effective width of the third flow channel. This parameter change directly influences the droplet size generated in the channel, enabling a single chip to produce droplets of varying sizes by controlling the volume variable part's dimensions.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple microfluidic chips are used to generate different droplet sizes, then various droplet size requirements can be met, but the device complexity increases and time is lost in replacing chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single microfluidic chip that can perform multiple functions - generating droplets of different sizes. The volume variable part enables the same chip to be adjusted for various droplet size requirements, eliminating the need to replace chips for different experiments. This multi-functionality reduces both the number of physical chips needed and the time required to switch between different droplet size configurations.
3Volume of moving object
If the flow channel width is increased to generate larger droplets, then droplet size increases, but the chip area increases and high-throughput capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to allow the flow channel dimensions to change without permanently increasing the chip area. The volume variable part can expand or contract its volume or cross-sectional area dynamically, enabling larger droplet generation when needed while maintaining a compact chip footprint. This dynamic adjustment means the chip does not require permanently larger dimensions to accommodate variable droplet size requirements.
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 solution enables rapid and precise control over droplet sizes, reducing the need for multiple experimental chips and meeting high-throughput and automation requirements in clinical detection by establishing a linear relationship between the adjustable width ratio and droplet size, allowing for efficient generation of droplets within the desired size range.
Implementation Method 1
the volume phase change material achieves the adjustable width in response to at least one condition change in magnetic field, electric field, temperature and pressure
Implementation Method 2
the dispersed phase fluid and the continuous phase fluid forming droplets in the third flow channel
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a microfluidic chip, a droplet generation device and a method for controlling a droplet generation size. The microfluidic chip includes a substrate and a first flow channel, a second flow channel and a third flow channel distributed on the substrate, the first flow channel, the second flow channel and the third flow channel intersecting to form a confluence area, the first flow channel being configured for a flow of a dispersed phase fluid from it, the second flow channel being configured for a flow of a continuous phase fluid from it, the dispersed phase fluid and the continuous phase fluid forming droplets in the third flow channel. The dispersed phase fluid flows in the first flow channel along a first direction, an orthographic projection of the first flow channel on the substrate has a first width which is constant in a second direction.