Microfluidic Recess for Air Bubble Trapping in Optical Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lab-on-a-chip technologies face challenges in efficiently removing air bubbles from microscale flow paths, leading to obstacles in accurate analysis, with current methods being complex and not suitable for mass production or effectively removing air bubbles from optical paths.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a sample holding chamber featuring a recessed inner surface outside the light irradiation region to trap air bubbles, ensuring they do not interfere with optical analysis, and an analysis apparatus incorporating a light source and optical control mechanism to guide light onto the microchip for effective bubble removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If deaeration processing is performed in an earlier stage of the chip, then air bubbles are removed from the sample liquid, but the device structure becomes more complex and is not suitable for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion is pre-formed in the sample holding chamber structure before the analysis process begins. This preliminary structural preparation allows air bubbles to be automatically trapped and removed during normal operation without requiring additional active deaeration components or complex processing steps, thereby resolving the contradiction between effective air bubble removal and device simplicity for mass production
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of air bubbles into a beneficial structural feature by designing the recessed portion that specifically targets and traps air bubbles. The air bubbles, which would normally interfere with optical analysis, are now directed to accumulate in the recessed area where they can be easily removed or allowed to rise and escape, transforming a problem into a solution while maintaining device simplicity
2Measurement precision
If air bubble nucleus introduction mechanism is used to introduce air bubbles into liquid flow, then accurate analysis can be performed with minute sample amount, but the flow path structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion is strategically positioned at a specific location within the sample holding chamber where air bubbles naturally accumulate and where they can be most effectively removed from the optical path. This localized structural modification addresses the air bubble problem only where it occurs, rather than requiring complex flow path modifications throughout the entire device, thereby maintaining analysis accuracy while preserving structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the flow path in three dimensions with complex structures, the invention uses a simple recessed portion that creates a localized depth variation within the sample holding chamber. This dimensional approach allows air bubbles to be trapped and removed by utilizing the vertical space created by the recess, avoiding the need for complex lateral flow path modifications
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flow path diameter is expanded to remove air bubbles from optical path, then air bubbles are removed from detection area, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion is pre-formed in the sample holding chamber structure before the analysis process begins. This preliminary structural preparation allows air bubbles to be automatically trapped and removed during normal operation without requiring additional active deaeration components or complex processing steps, thereby resolving the contradiction between effective air bubble removal and device simplicity for mass production
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of air bubbles into a beneficial structural feature by designing the recessed portion that specifically targets and traps air bubbles. The air bubbles, which would normally interfere with optical analysis, are now directed to accumulate in the recessed area where they can be easily removed or allowed to rise and escape, transforming a problem into a solution while maintaining device simplicity
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 approach allows for efficient removal of air bubbles, enhancing the accuracy of optical analysis without complicating the device structure, making it suitable for practical use and mass production.
Implementation Method 1
the first inner surface includes at least one recess shaped so as to contain gas bubbles generated within liquid in the sample holding chamber
Implementation Method 2
a light irradiation region intersecting the first inner surface and configured to receive light from outside of the sample holding chamber to irradiate liquid inside the sample holding chamber
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects, a microfluidic device is provided, comprising a sample holding chamber; and at least one flow path connected to the sample holding chamber configured to supply liquid into the sample holding chamber, wherein the sample holding chamber includes a first inner surface; and a light irradiation region intersecting the first inner surface and configured to receive light from outside of the sample holding chamber to irradiate liquid inside the sample holding chamber, wherein the first inner surface includes at least one recess shaped so as to contain gas bubbles present within the liquid, and wherein the at least one recess is located outside of the light irradiation region.