Microfluidic Flow Path Layout for Bubble-Free Solution Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-total analysis systems (μ-TAS) face challenges in efficiently mixing and quantifying solutions within their flow paths, often resulting in residual air bubbles and inaccurate measurements due to the design of merging/branching portions and valve configurations.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic device with stacked substrates forming a flow path, featuring merging/branching portions with equilateral triangular contours and valves at apex positions, along with an inclined portion to facilitate smooth solution flow and minimize air bubbles, and a system with a drive unit for independent valve actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional merging/branching portions are used in μ-TAS flow paths, then device complexity is reduced, but air bubbles remain trapped causing measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The merging/branching portion is divided into multiple apex positions (first, second, and third apex positions) arranged in specific geometric patterns. Each apex position serves as a separate solution introduction point, allowing independent control and reducing air bubble entrapment by segmenting the flow path into controlled segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a geometric dimension by arranging apex positions in equilateral triangle configurations and using inclined portions with specific angles. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions ensures simultaneous solution introduction from different directions, preventing air bubble formation while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If solutions are introduced at different rates into merging/branching portions, then mixing efficiency improves, but air bubbles are generated causing quantification errors
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined portions are designed with equal inclination angles relative to the flow path bottom surface, creating equipotential conditions for solution introduction. This ensures that solutions from different apex positions enter the flow path simultaneously at equal rates, preventing air bubble generation while enabling accurate solution quantification.
Solution Approach 2:
Each apex position is equipped with locally optimized inclined portions having specific inclination angles. This local quality adjustment ensures that each solution introduction point operates under optimal conditions, with solutions entering simultaneously and at equal rates, thereby eliminating air bubbles while maintaining high quantification accuracy.
3Reliability
If valves are positioned to control flow in conventional configurations, then ease of operation is maintained, but residual air bubbles prevent accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The valves are positioned asymmetrically relative to the apex positions, with each valve located at a specific apex position rather than symmetrically distributed. This asymmetric positioning, combined with the inclined portions, ensures that valve operation controls solution introduction in a way that prevents air bubble entrapment while maintaining ease of operation through straightforward valve actuation sequences.
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 device achieves high-precision solution quantification and mixing by ensuring simultaneous solution introduction into multiple apex positions, reducing air bubbles and enhancing measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a valve which is configured to regulate flow of a fluid in the flow path is provided in at least two of the apex positions
Implementation Method 2
the flow path includes a merging/branching portion which is surrounded by a contour which is configured to match each line segment connecting together apex positions of an equilateral triangle as viewed in the thickness direction
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a flow path device capable of suppressing an occurrence of air bubbles when a solution is introduced into a flow path. A fluidic device has a pair of substrates which are stacked in a thickness direction, one substrate including a flow path formed by being covered with the other substrate. The flow path includes a merging/branching portion which is surrounded by a contour which is configured to match each line segment connecting together apex positions of an equilateral triangle as viewed in the thickness direction or a contour parallel to each line segment and in which solution merges or branches. A valve which is configured to regulate flow of a fluid in the flow path is provided in at least two of the apex positions.