Microfluidic Disease Diagnosis Kit with Curved Flow Path Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidic devices face challenges in mixing solutions due to laminar flow, leading to difficulties in inducing chemical reactions necessary for molecular biology research and diagnosis, and existing micromixer structures are complex and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A disease diagnosis kit featuring a micro device with a flow path and grooves, a flow rate adjusting device, and an aperture, manufactured using 3D printing, which allows for efficient sample trapping and reaction observation through optical density measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional microfluidic devices are used for disease diagnosis, then sample flow can be achieved, but solution mixing is difficult due to laminar flow phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved flow path designs within the microdevice to disrupt laminar flow patterns. The curved geometry creates centrifugal forces and secondary flows that enhance mixing between reagents and samples, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable sample flow and achieving effective solution mixing for chemical reactions.
2Ease of operation
If complex micromixer structures are proposed to overcome laminar flow mixing problems, then mixing efficiency improves, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow dynamics parameters by introducing specific flow path geometries and obstacle structures that passively enhance mixing without requiring complex active micromixer components. This approach maintains high mixing efficiency while using standard manufacturing processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs compared to complex micromixer structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If semiconductor process-based manufacturing method is used for micromixer structures, then manufacturing precision improves, but manufacturing cost becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs microdevices that can be manufactured using lower-cost processes such as soft lithography or injection molding, creating disposable or single-use devices. This approach achieves sufficient manufacturing precision for diagnostic applications while dramatically reducing manufacturing costs compared to semiconductor process-based methods, making the technology economically viable for commercialization.
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 kit enables effective disease diagnosis with reduced manufacturing costs and improved reaction efficiency, allowing for easier sample trapping and clearer optical density measurements, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the flow rate adjusting device is coupled to the outlet to adjust a flow rate of the sample to a speed at which the sample flowing in the flow path is trapped in the one or more grooves
Implementation Method 2
inserting the micro device to a device capable of determining optical density to diagnose a disease
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for diagnosing a disease includes a micro device including a flow path through which a sample to be diagnosed flows, and one or more grooves at a bottom portion of the flow path, and an aperture having an opening corresponding with the flow path.