Microfluidic Cosmetic Chip for On-Chip Mixing and Emulsion Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic manufacturing apparatuses are bulky and costly due to the need for numerous cartridges and complex components for mixing and emulsification, limiting the ability to produce a variety of customized cosmetics instantly.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip with modular raw materials and a miniaturized cosmetic manufacturing apparatus that allows for the mixing and emulsification of multiple fluids to produce various cosmetic contents by replacing the chip, featuring a micro flow path that generates emulsions efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cosmetic manufacturing apparatus use numerous cartridges and complex components for mixing and emulsification, then they can produce various cosmetics, but the apparatus becomes bigger in size and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (mixing, emulsification, and cosmetic formulation) into a single microfluidic chip. The chip integrates different flow paths and functional zones that perform what previously required separate cartridges and components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to produce various cosmetics
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip is designed as a universal platform that can produce different types of cosmetics by varying the input materials and flow parameters. The same chip structure handles multiple cosmetic formulations through programmable fluid control, eliminating the need for dedicated components for each cosmetic type
2Ease of operation
If conventional cosmetic manufacturing apparatus include complex components for stirring and emulsification, then they can mix fluids effectively, but the apparatus becomes bigger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mixing components (stirrers, emulsifiers) with a microfluidic-based mixing system. Fluid mixing and emulsification are achieved through controlled flow dynamics, diffusion, and pressure gradients within the microchannels, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining effective mixing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from macro-scale mechanical mixing to micro-scale fluid dynamics. By operating in the microfluidic regime, the system achieves thorough mixing and emulsification through enhanced surface-to-volume ratios and controlled laminar flow, reducing the spatial requirements for mixing operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cosmetic manufacturing apparatus use many components, then they can provide various cosmetic functions, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be manufactured at low cost using standard microfabrication techniques. Instead of investing in expensive, complex permanent components, the system uses inexpensive microfluidic chips that can be discarded or replaced, reducing overall production costs while maintaining formulation versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different cosmetic formulations by changing operational parameters (flow rates, pressures, timing) rather than changing physical components. This parameter-based control allows a single chip to produce multiple cosmetic types, reducing the need for expensive multi-component systems
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 production of diverse cosmetic contents instantly and cost-effectively, with a compact apparatus that can be used at home, by allowing users to select and replace microfluidic chips with different modular materials for customized formulations.
Implementation Method 1
a micro fluid flows along the micro flow path and dissolves the modular raw material disposed on the micro flow path
Implementation Method 2
the micro fluid and another fluid, in which the other modular raw material dissolved, are confluenced and stirred, thereby being mixed with each other
Implementation Method 3
a vortexing portion comprising a micro flow path configured to form a vortex in a flux
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a microfluidic chip comprising an inlet portion (410) comprising a first fluid inlet (411) through which a first fluid is introduced and a second fluid inlet (412) through which a second fluid is introduced; a dissolution portion (420) comprising a first micro flow path (P1) in which a first modular raw material (D1) dissolved by the first fluid is pre-loaded and a second micro flow path (P2) in which a second modular raw material (D2) dissolved by the second fluid is pre-loaded; a confluence (430) comprising a third micro flow path (P3) in which the first fluid, the first modular raw material (D1) dissolved by the first fluid, the second fluid, and the second modular raw material (D2) dissolved by the second fluid converge; a stir portion (440) comprising a fourth micro flow path (P4) which forms a mixed fluid by mixing the first fluid, the first modular raw material (D1) dissolved by the first fluid, the second fluid, and the second modular raw material (D2) dissolved by the second fluid; and a vortexing portion (450) configured to form a cosmetic content comprising particles by creating a vortex and cutting off the mixed fluid.