Microfluidic Device Light Blocking Portion Detection Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfluidic devices require separate chambers for sample weighing, leading to long inspection times and are prone to detection errors due to impurities and external light interference.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a platform featuring multiple chambers, including a detection chamber with a light-blocking portion, a quantitative reaction chamber with porous material for simultaneous weighing and reaction, and a contaminant accommodation chamber to prevent contaminants from reaching the detection chamber, along with phase transition valves for fluid control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate chambers are used for sample weighing and reaction, then the device structure is clear and easy to manufacture, but the inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the weighing function and reaction function into a single quantitative reaction chamber. The chamber is designed to perform both operations simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate weighing and reaction chambers. This merging of functions directly reduces the number of chambers required and shortens the inspection time while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chambers are used for different functions, then the device can perform comprehensive sample analysis, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quantitative reaction chamber is designed as a multi-functional chamber that can perform weighing, reaction, and contaminant accommodation. By making this single chamber universal and capable of handling multiple operations, the patent reduces the total number of chambers needed while maintaining comprehensive sample analysis capability. The chamber serves multiple purposes: initial sample weighing, chemical reaction, and temporary contaminant storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The contaminant accommodation function is nested within the quantitative reaction chamber. The chamber is designed to accommodate contaminants generated during the reaction process without requiring a completely separate chamber. This nesting approach allows the reaction chamber to serve dual purposes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining analytical versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the detection chamber is exposed to external light, then the detection process is simpler, but detection errors occur due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful external light factor from the detection chamber environment by implementing light-blocking structures. The detection chamber is designed with light-blocking walls or shields that prevent external light from entering the chamber during detection operations. This extraction of the harmful element (external light) maintains the simplicity of the detection process while ensuring detection accuracy by eliminating light-induced errors.
4Reliability
If the detection chamber is isolated from external light, then detection accuracy improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies light-blocking properties locally to specific regions of the detection chamber rather than requiring complete structural isolation. Light-blocking materials or coatings are applied to specific walls or surfaces of the detection chamber where light entry would cause problems. This localized approach ensures detection accuracy while minimizing the overall structural complexity and material requirements compared to complete isolation.
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
This design reduces inspection time and prevents detection errors by minimizing external light interference and effectively managing contaminants, while allowing for efficient sample processing and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light blocking portion configured to prevent external light from entering the detection chamber
Implementation Method 2
A porous material may be arranged inside the quantitative reaction chamber so as to facilitate a combining of the sample with the porous material and then a weighing of the combination
Implementation Method 3
The valve may include phase transition material and exothermic particles dispersed in the phase transition material
Implementation Method 4
The valve may include phase transition material and exothermic particles dispersed in the phase transition material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a microfluidic device, which includes a platform, at least one chamber provided in the platform to accommodate a sample, and at least one channel configured to couple the chambers to each other. The at least one chamber includes a detection chamber configured to detect the sample, and the microfluidic device further includes a light blocking portion configured to prevent external light from entering the detection chamber so as to prevent occurrence of errors in detection of the sample in the detection chamber. The microfluidic device can be useful for preventing the occurrence of detection errors which might otherwise be caused by interference of external light. The microfluidic device may also be useful for reducing an inspection time and for miniaturizing microfluidic devices. Further, the microfluidic device may be useful for preventing contaminants from entering the detection chamber.