Microfluidic Module Layout for Parallel Yield and Flow Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microreactor systems with parallel microreactors struggle to perform accurate unit operations and achieve high yield of reaction products.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic module comprising a plurality of microfluidic devices connected in series and parallel configurations, with chip series units mounted on a board, allowing for accurate unit operations and increased yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of microreactors are connected in parallel to increase product yield, then productivity is improved, but the ability to perform accurate unit operations in micro flow paths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments microreactors into modular chip series units, where each unit contains multiple microreactors connected in series. This segmentation allows parallel connection of multiple chip series units to increase productivity while maintaining accurate unit operations within each segmented unit. The modular design enables independent optimization of each segment's internal flow paths while scaling out through parallel connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane parallel connection of microreactors to a multi-dimensional architecture. Chip series units are connected in parallel across multiple boards arranged in stages, creating a three-dimensional system layout. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous maintenance of micro-scale flow path accuracy within each unit and macro-scale productivity through parallel arrangement of multiple units across different spatial levels.
2Device complexity
If multiple microreactors are connected in parallel on a single board, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and operational accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting all microreactors in parallel on a single board, the system segments them into multiple chip series units, with each unit containing a manageable number of microreactors connected in series. This segmentation maintains operational accuracy within each unit while distributing the overall system across multiple units connected in parallel, preventing the complexity and precision issues that would arise from a single large-scale parallel connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Each chip series unit contains more microreactors connected in series than a single microreactor configuration, providing partial series connection benefits within each unit. This partial series arrangement within parallel units optimizes the balance between complexity and precision, as each unit performs multiple unit operations in sequence while the parallel connection of units maintains overall system simplicity.
3Productivity
If chip series units are arranged in multiple stages across multiple boards, then productivity is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a nested hierarchical structure where microreactors are nested within chip series units, which are nested within boards, which are nested within multi-stage systems. This nested doll approach allows productivity scaling by adding more nested levels or increasing the number of units at each level, while the hierarchical organization manages complexity through clear structural layers, making the complex multi-stage system more manageable and maintainable.
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 accurate unit operations and increased yield of products by optimizing the connection and arrangement of microfluidic devices, enhancing the efficiency of chemical and physical processes.
Implementation Method 1
a microfluidic device reactor having a mixing and reaction flow path configured to mix a plurality of dissimilar fluids and cause reaction elements contained in a mixed fluid of the plurality of dissimilar fluids to react
Implementation Method 2
a microfluidic module including a plurality of microfluidic devices, each having a micro flow path formed in a substrate and being configured to perform a unit operation on a fluid flowing in the micro flow path
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a microfluidic module including a plurality of microfluidic devices, each having a micro flow path formed in a substrate and being configured to perform a unit operation on a fluid flowing in the micro flow path, the microfluidic module including a plurality of chip series units, each at least including a plurality of the microfluidic devices connected in series to one another, the plurality of chip series units being connected in parallel to one another.