Microfluidic Substrate Ultrasonic Droplet Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional microfluidic chips require complex structures and backlights to detect droplet positions, which complicates the system and limits efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic substrate with ultrasonic conversion devices and voltage detecting elements, arranged in an array, generates and receives ultrasonic waves to determine droplet positions without the need for a backlight, using piezoelectric structures and switch elements to control and detect droplet presence and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional optical detection methods with backlights are used to detect droplet positions, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet position detection capabilityVSAvoidchip structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical detection system (backlight + optical detector) with a mechanical/vibrational detection system using ultrasonic conversion devices. The ultrasonic devices generate and detect ultrasonic waves to determine droplet positions through changes in acoustic impedance, eliminating the need for complex optical components and backlights while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the backlight component from the detection system. By using ultrasonic waves that can penetrate and interact with droplets directly in the microfluidic channel, the system eliminates the requirement for optical illumination from behind, simplifying the overall chip structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If ultrasonic conversion devices are integrated into the substrate to eliminate backlights, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechip structure simplicityVSAvoiddroplet position detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic conversion devices serve multiple functions: they generate ultrasonic waves for detection, can drive droplet movement through acoustic radiation pressure, and enable position detection through reflected wave analysis. This multi-functionality maintains detection precision while simplifying the overall system by replacing multiple separate components with integrated ultrasonic devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the reflected ultrasonic waves from droplets to provide feedback on droplet position. The ultrasonic conversion devices detect changes in acoustic impedance and wave reflection patterns caused by droplet presence and movement, enabling accurate position determination through the detected electrical signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Simplifies the microfluidic chip structure by enabling droplet position detection and movement control without a backlight, improving detection accuracy and system simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

the ultrasonic conversion device includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric structure, and a second electrode sequentially stacked

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the ultrasonic conversion device is configured to generate ultrasonic wave according to a first electric signal, receive a reflected ultrasonic wave, and convert the reflected ultrasonic wave into a second electric signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12036557B2Microfluidic substrate, microfluidic chip and detection method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.07.16 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a microfluidic substrate, a microfluidic chip and a detection method. The microfluidic substrate according to the present disclosure includes a first substrate, and a plurality of droplet detecting elements on the first substrate and in an array. Each of the plurality of droplet detecting elements includes an ultrasonic conversion device and a voltage detecting element, the ultrasonic conversion device is configured to generate ultrasonic wave according to a first electric signal, receive a reflected ultrasonic wave, and convert the reflected ultrasonic wave into a second electric signal; and the voltage detecting element is configured to detect the second electric signal and determine whether a droplet exists at a position where the droplet detecting element is located based on the second electric signal.