Microfluidic Oscillator Pump for On-Chip Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic devices require off-chip controls, which are cumbersome, costly, and unreliable, limiting their use due to the need for external machinery and complex connections for liquid handling operations.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic pump with a microfluidic oscillator circuit featuring an odd number of inverter logic gates connected in a closed loop, generating an oscillating control signal to coordinate the opening and closing of fluid valves for peristaltic pumping, eliminating the need for off-chip controls by enabling on-chip fluid control and timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If off-chip controls are used to activate valves and pumps on the microfluidic chip, then liquid handling operations can be performed, but the system becomes cumbersome, complex, and requires considerable off-chip machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control circuitry with the microfluidic chip by integrating pneumatic valves and channels directly onto the chip substrate. This combination eliminates the need for separate off-chip control machinery and tubing networks, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full liquid handling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip becomes self-controlled through onboard pneumatic circuitry that can autonomously activate valves and pumps. The chip serves its own control needs without requiring external control systems, eliminating the cumbersome off-chip machinery and improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If off-chip controls are used to manage fluid flow on the microfluidic chip, then precise valve activation can be achieved, but the system size increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the control valves, pneumatic channels, and fluidic channels into a single integrated microfluidic chip, the patent eliminates numerous external connections and components. This integration reduces the number of potential failure points and improves system reliability while maintaining precise valve activation capability.
3Ease of operation
If off-chip pneumatic actuators are used to control microfluidic valves, then valve activation can be achieved, but the system requires considerable off-chip machinery and tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pneumatic actuators, control valves, and fluidic channels into an integrated microfluidic chip structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate off-chip pneumatic machinery and extensive tubing networks, dramatically reducing system size while maintaining full valve control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip incorporates its own pneumatic actuation system, allowing it to self-regulate valve activation without requiring external pneumatic machinery. This self-service capability eliminates the bulky off-chip equipment and improves ease of use.
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 solution allows for autonomous operation of microfluidic systems, reducing size, cost, and improving reliability, enabling precise metering, dilution, and reaction of reagents within a fully integrated lab-on-a-chip system without external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a microfluidic oscillator circuit having an oscillation frequency, and a plurality of fluid valves configured to move fluids. Each fluid valve is connected to a node of the microfluidic oscillator circuit.
Implementation Method 2
The microfluidic oscillator circuit includes an odd number of inverter logic gates implemented by pneumatic or hydraulic valves.
Data Source
AI summary
Microfluidic oscillator circuits and pumps for microfluidic devices are provided. The microfluidic pump may include a plurality of fluid valves and a microfluidic oscillator circuit having an oscillation frequency. The fluid valves may be configured to move fluids. Each fluid valve may be connected to a node of the microfluidic oscillator circuit. The pumps may be driven by the oscillator circuits such that fluid movement is accomplished entirely by circuits on a microfluidic chip, without the need for off-chip controls.