Microfluidic Refill Rigid Circuit Single-Plane Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic delivery systems for volatile compositions, such as perfumes, face challenges with complex and expensive flexible circuit boards that lead to poor electrical connections and increased manufacturing complexity, along with difficulties in replacing cartridges due to multi-plane alignment requirements.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic delivery system with a refill that features a rigid microfluidic delivery member with electrical traces on a single plane, allowing for a simple and robust connection to the housing, using a semiconductor micro fabrication process to create a die with fluid chambers and orifices, and a refill design that slides into the holder parallel to the electrical traces for easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible circuit structures are used to provide electrical communication between the cartridge and dispensing device, then electrical connection is established, but the design complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flexible circuit board from the system entirely, replacing it with a rigid circuit board that has electrical contacts positioned to align with the orifice plane. This eliminates the need for complex multi-plane alignment and flexible circuit structures while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning electrical contacts away from the orifice on different planes (conventional approach), the patent inverts the design by positioning the electrical contacts on the same plane as the orifice, simplifying the alignment and connection process.
2Reliability
If flexible circuit structures are used to provide electrical communication, then electrical connection is established, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive flexible circuit board (made of polyimide) from the system and replaces it with a rigid circuit board that is simpler and less expensive to manufacture, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining electrical connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable cartridge design where the rigid circuit board is integrated into the cartridge. The entire cartridge is replaced when depleted, eliminating the need for expensive, durable flexible circuits while accepting that the circuit board is part of the consumable component.
3Ease of operation
If electrical connections are positioned away from the substrate on different planes, then substrate positioning is enabled, but cartridge replacement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical contacts with the orifice plane, combining what were previously separate functional elements (electrical connection and fluid delivery) into a single aligned plane. This simplifies cartridge replacement to a single-plane alignment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not separating electrical contacts from the orifice plane, but instead co-locating them on the same plane, thereby simplifying the cartridge insertion and replacement process.
4Reliability
If flexible circuit structures are used, then electrical communication is provided, but connection reliability deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable cartridge design where the rigid circuit board is integrated into the cartridge. The cartridge is replaced periodically, preventing the oxidation and connection degradation that would occur over time with reusable flexible circuits.
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 design provides a cost-effective, easy-to-manufacture, and reliable electrical connection, simplifying the replacement process while maintaining the integrity of the fluid delivery, ensuring consistent and efficient release of the fluid composition into the air.
Implementation Method 1
thermal activation of the fluid composition, such as perfume compositions, into the air
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic refill includes a reservoir having a hollow body and an opening; a transport member in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a lid enclosing the opening of the reservoir. The lid is in fluid communication with the transport member. The lid comprises a rigid microfluidic delivery member. The rigid microfluidic delivery member includes a die and electrical traces that are in electrical communication with the die, wherein the electrical traces terminate at electrical contacts, wherein the electrical traces are disposed on only one plane. The die has a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the transport member at an inlet of the fluid chamber and with an orifice at an outlet of the fluid chamber and.