Microfluidic Constituent Locator and Discharge System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Separation and recovery of undiluted fractions from complex fluid samples, particularly those containing unique organic, inorganic, volatile, or nonvolatile constituents, pose significant challenges due to the complexity of the mixtures and the difficulty in accurately identifying and isolating target constituents within microfluidic channels.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system comprising a substrate with a microfluidic channel, a fluid exit passage, a fluid displacement device, and a constituent locator, which uses thermal inkjet resistors or piezo resistive displacement devices to selectively discharge target fractions through nozzles or branching channels, facilitated by sensors and a controller to identify and position target constituents for precise extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional separation methods are used for complex fluid samples, then separation of constituents can be achieved, but recovery of undiluted separated fractions becomes extremely difficult and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by integrating multiple functional components within the microfluidic channel structure. The constituent locator, fluid displacement device, and discharge mechanisms are nested within or alongside the separation channel, allowing identification and recovery functions to be embedded directly in the separation pathway without requiring external complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid displacement device that acts as a mediator between the separated fractions and the discharge system. This device enables precise control and transfer of target fractions from the separation channel to collection points, solving the recovery difficulty without adding significant external complexity.
2Ease of operation
If microfluidic channels are used for separation, then precise location and handling of fractions is possible, but accurate identification and isolation of target constituents remains challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the constituent locator and fluid displacement device into an integrated system within the microfluidic channel. The locator identifies target constituents and the displacement device responds immediately to isolate and discharge the containing fraction, combining detection and action functions to simplify operation while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of target constituents using the constituent locator before initiating fraction discharge. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare and position the fluid displacement device in advance, making the actual discharge operation straightforward and easy to execute.
3Manufacturing precision
If separation of complex mixtures is performed, then unique species can be isolated, but recovery of un-diluted fractions poses a great challenge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid stream into distinct fractions along the microfluidic channel, with each fraction containing specific separated constituents. The system then selectively discharges only the target fraction containing the desired constituent, achieving precise separation recovery without needing to handle or concentrate the entire separated mixture, thereby improving recovery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts or takes out the specific target fraction containing the desired constituent from the separated mixture using the fluid displacement device. This selective extraction allows direct recovery of un-diluted fractions without requiring concentration steps or handling of other separated components, significantly improving recovery productivity.
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 the efficient identification, location, and discharge of target constituents at a nanoliter or picoliter scale, effectively addressing the challenge of separating and recovering specific fractions from complex fluid samples with high precision and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
uses thermal inkjet resistors or piezo resistive displacement devices to selectively discharge target fractions through nozzles or branching channels
Implementation Method 2
uses thermal inkjet resistors or piezo resistive displacement devices to selectively discharge target fractions through nozzles or branching channels
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid exit passage is at a location along a microfluidic channel. A fluid displacement device is proximate the location along the microfluidic channel. A constituent locator distinguishes a target constituent in a fluid within the microfluidic channel from remaining non-target constituents and locate the target constituent proximate the fluid exit passage. A controller selectively actuates the fluid displacement device when the target constituent is proximate the fluid exit passage to discharge the target constituent from the microfluidic channel through the fluid exit passage.