Microfluidic Pressure Circuit With Parallel Valves for Fast Stable Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic devices face challenges in achieving a balance between pressure response dynamic and stability, with existing systems often requiring a compromise between quick pressure response and accurate control, while also consuming excessive gas and power.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device design incorporating an on/off valve in parallel with a proportional valve, allowing for rapid pressure changes in the transient state and precise control in the steady state, along with a damping system to mitigate pressure oscillations, enables efficient pressure management with reduced gas consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a proportional valve is used to control gas pressure in the tank, then pressure stability is improved, but pressure response dynamic deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gas control circuit is segmented into two parallel pathways: one with a proportional valve for fine pressure regulation and stability, and another with an on/off valve for rapid pressure changes. This segmentation allows each valve to specialize in one aspect (stability or speed) while working together to achieve both goals simultaneously.
2Speed
If an on/off valve is used to improve pressure response dynamic, then pressure response dynamic is improved, but pressure stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two functional segments: the on/off valve handles rapid pressure transitions and coarse adjustments, while the proportional valve manages fine-tuned pressure stabilization. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning each valve its optimal operating regime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two valve configurations based on operational needs. During transient states, the on/off valve is activated for fast response; during steady states, the proportional valve takes over for precise control. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for each operational phase.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a proportional valve is used for precise pressure control, then pressure stability is improved, but gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The on/off valve operates in periodic cycles, opening briefly to rapidly pressurize the tank when needed, then closing to allow the proportional valve to maintain pressure with minimal gas flow. This periodic action reduces continuous gas consumption while maintaining pressure stability through the proportional valve's precise control capability.
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 design achieves improved pressure response dynamic and stability while minimizing gas consumption, allowing for precise control of pressure in microchannels, enhancing the overall performance of microfluidic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit is controllable so as to modify the pressure applied in the tank by the second fluid to the first fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Microfluidic device comprising a tank (6) supplying a microchannel (2) with a first fluid (S), and a circuit (8) in which a flow of a second fluid can be established without contact with the microchannel (2). The circuit (8) passes through the tank (6) or is connected to the tank (6) by a pipe (30). The circuit (8) comprises a first on/off valve (12) mounted in parallel with a first proportional valve (11), these first valves (11, 12) being controllable so as to modify the pressure applied in the tank (6) to the first fluid (S) by the second fluid.