Microfluidic Refill Cartridge with Co-located Vent and Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic delivery systems require a two-step process to seal vent holes and nozzles, which is inefficient and material-intensive, as they are typically located on opposing surfaces of the cartridge.
Innovation Solution
The vent hole and nozzles are positioned on the same side of the cartridge, specifically on a lid that includes a microfluidic delivery member, allowing a single cover to seal both, with a flexible material that conforms to the nozzle plate and microfluidic delivery member, reducing the need for multiple processing steps and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vent hole and nozzles are located on opposing surfaces of the cartridge, then sealing can be performed separately for each component, but the sealing process requires multiple steps and more material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions both the vent hole and nozzles on the same side of the cartridge (specifically on the lid), allowing a single cover to seal both components simultaneously. This merging of locations eliminates the need for separate sealing operations, reducing both process time and material consumption while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Reliability
If a large cover is used to seal opposing surfaces, then both vent hole and nozzles can be sealed, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By locating the vent hole and nozzles on the same side of the cartridge, the patent enables a single, smaller cover to seal both components. This eliminates the need for a large wraparound cover that would be required to seal opposing surfaces, thereby reducing material consumption while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible cover made of elastomeric material that can conform to the cartridge surface and seal around multiple components (vent hole and nozzles) in a single piece. This flexible film approach allows effective sealing with minimal material compared to rigid wraparound covers.
3Ease of manufacture
If vent hole and nozzles are on opposing surfaces, then sealing can be done with separate covers, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the device structure by positioning both vent hole and nozzles on the same side, allowing them to be sealed by a single cover rather than requiring multiple separate covers or a complex wraparound structure. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing ease.
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 configuration simplifies the sealing process to a single step, reduces material usage, and allows for a smaller, more cost-effective design while maintaining effective sealing of the microfluidic refill cartridge.
Implementation Method 1
the cover may include a flexible material that conforms to the upper surface of the nozzle plate and the upper surface of the microfluidic delivery member
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a microfluidic refill cartridge having a vent hole and nozzles on a same side of the cartridge. In one or more embodiments, the vent hole and nozzles are located on upper surfaces of the cartridge, such as on a lid that is coupled to a reservoir. In particular, the nozzles and the vent hole may be formed on a microfluidic delivery member that is secured to the lid. A single cover may be used to cover the vent hole and the nozzles. In some embodiments, the single cover may be a flexible material and may adhere to the microfluidic delivery member.