Microfluidic Pump With Integrated Valves and Elastic Members

Solution Overview

Problem

Controlling fluid flow within microfluidic devices is challenging due to the complexity and cost of producing microcomponents, and achieving precise control over fluid direction and flow rates in microchannels is difficult.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic pump is developed with a rigid body and elastic members forming curved slots and channels, utilizing a rotary actuator to compress the elastic members and create a fluid-tight seal, allowing for precise control of fluid flow through aligned inlet and outlet ports, and optionally incorporating multiple channels and valves for complex flow patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional microcomponents are used to control fluid flow in microchannels, then fluid direction and flow rate control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidmicrocomponent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions (pumping, valve control, fluid routing) into a single integrated microfluidic device structure. The elastic member with integrated valves combines the pumping mechanism and flow control elements that would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the pumping element through compression, contains integrated valves for flow direction control, and provides fluid routing pathways. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate microcomponents, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive fluid flow control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional microcomponents are used to control fluid flow in microchannels, then fluid direction and flow rate control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions (pumping, valve control, fluid routing) into a single integrated microfluidic device structure. The elastic member with integrated valves combines the pumping mechanism and flow control elements that would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the pumping element through compression, contains integrated valves for flow direction control, and provides fluid routing pathways. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate microcomponents, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive fluid flow control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If high precision fluid flow control is achieved in microchannels, then accurate fluid handling is obtained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow precisionVSAvoidmicrocomponent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating specific structural features at critical locations within the elastic member. The valve seats and compression zones are strategically positioned to provide precise flow control exactly where needed, while the rest of the structure remains simple. This localized precision achieves accurate fluid handling without requiring complex components throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functions (pumping, valve control, fluid routing) into a single integrated microfluidic device structure. The elastic member with integrated valves combines the pumping mechanism and flow control elements that would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 microfluidic pump achieves low-cost, high-accuracy, and consistent fluid flow, even at low flow rates, enhancing onboard sample handling and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining precision and minimizing shear forces on fluids.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic member disposed within the first curved slot and having a first surface and a second surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Fluidic peristaltic layer pump with integrated valves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentUS11904311B2Fluidic peristaltic layer pump with integrated valves

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 HAUPT REMUS BRIX A

AI summary

A microfluidic device with at least one integrated valve is provided for managing fluid flow in disposable assay devices, which provides constant flow even at very low flow rates. Pumps utilizing the microfluidic device, as well as methods for manufacture and performing a microfluidic process are also provided.