Microfluidic Device Gas Generation Layer Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing microfluidic devices with micro-pump systems face challenges in simplifying the production process and achieving further downsizing, as they require complex mechanical structures and micro-pump chamber formation in the substrate.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a gas generation portion that includes a substrate and a gas generation layer on its surface, which generates gas upon external stimuli, eliminating the need for a micro-pump chamber and allowing for a more straightforward production process and downsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a micro-pump chamber is formed in the substrate to create a micro-pump system, then gas generation function is achieved, but the production process becomes complicated and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the gas generation function from the substrate and implements it through a separate gas generation layer formed on the substrate surface. This eliminates the need to form complex micro-pump chambers within the substrate, thereby simplifying the production process while maintaining the gas generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming the gas generation chamber within the substrate thickness (3D structure), the invention transitions to a surface-based approach where the gas generation layer is formed on the substrate surface (2D structure). This dimensional change simplifies manufacturing by avoiding deep substrate etching and complex 3D chamber formation.
2Volume of moving object
If a micro-pump chamber is formed in the substrate, then gas generation function is achieved, but further downsizing of the device becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the gas generation function to a surface layer, the invention eliminates the volume-consuming micro-pump chamber structure within the substrate, enabling further device downsizing while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas generation layer is implemented as a thin film structure on the substrate surface, which occupies minimal volume and enables device miniaturization compared to traditional bulk micro-pump chamber structures.
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 gas generation layer simplifies the production process and enables further downsizing of the microfluidic device by supplying gas to the micro-channel, facilitating efficient operation without the need for a micro-pump chamber.
Implementation Method 1
The gas generation layer generates gas by receiving an external stimulus
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a microfluidic device with a micro-pump system in which the production process is simplified and the device is further downsized. A microfluidic device 1 has a gas generation portion 3. The gas generation portion 3 has a substrate 10 and a gas generation layer 20. The substrate 10 has a first main surface 10a and a second main surface 10b. The substrate 10 has a micro-channel 14 with an opening at least on the first main surface 10a. The gas generation layer 20 is disposed on the first main surface 10a of the substrate 10 so as to cover an opening 14a. The gas generation layer 20 generates gas by receiving an external stimulus.