Microfluidic Valve With Elastic Closing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic systems with pneumatic actuators face high energy consumption, wear, and complexity due to the need for continuous actuation and intricate geometrical structures, which makes them costly and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic system with a valve that uses a fluid-dynamic actuator only when opening, featuring a closing element made of elastomeric material and a mechanical actuator to push the closing element into a locked position, reducing energy consumption and simplifying the design by eliminating the need for continuous actuation and complex geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pneumatic actuator is used to create both depression and pressure for valve operation, then the valve can be opened and closed, but energy consumption increases and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional pneumatic actuator design by using a single-sided actuator that creates pressure to close the valve, while opening is achieved through elastic recovery of the closing element. This eliminates the need for a bi-directional pneumatic actuator, reducing energy consumption and complexity while maintaining reliable valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element is designed with elastic properties that allow it to automatically return to its initial position after being deformed by the actuator. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous pneumatic actuation to maintain valve position, significantly reducing energy consumption and wear on the actuator.
2Reliability
If a pneumatic actuator is used to create both depression and pressure for valve operation, then the valve can be opened and closed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the actuator design by inverting the conventional approach: instead of using a complex bi-directional pneumatic actuator, it employs a simple single-sided pressure actuator combined with an elastic closing element that provides the return motion automatically, reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the return spring function from the pneumatic actuator system and implements it through the elastic properties of the closing element itself. This separation of functions simplifies the actuator design while maintaining complete valve control capability.
3Reliability
If the membrane is selectively connected to the wall of the channel and not to the partition, then the valve can function, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the membrane connection to both the partition and the wall of the channel, creating an integrated structure where the closing element spans across the partition opening and connects to the channel wall. This unified design simplifies manufacturing by eliminating selective connection requirements while maintaining proper valve function.
4Reliability
If complex geometrical structures are used in micro-fluidic systems, then valve function can be achieved, but implementation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve structure into distinct functional components: a closing element with a specific geometric shape that fits into a partition opening, and a simple pressure actuator. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining effective valve function, avoiding the need for complex integrated geometries.
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 system reduces energy consumption and wear by only activating the actuator when opening the valve, and simplifies implementation with a more straightforward design that maintains efficient fluid isolation between segments.
Implementation Method 1
a closing element (13) comprising (in particular, consisting of), in turn, a substantially elastic material (in particular, an elastomer)
Implementation Method 2
an actuator (14), which is adapted to displace closing element (13) from a locked position
Data Source
Figure 1~22
Figure 3~6c
Figure 7~10
AI summary
A micro- fluidic system (1) comprising a micro-fluidic channel (2), which has a wall (7) provided with a hole (9), within which a closing portion (16) of a closing element (13) extends; when the closing portion (16) is arranged within the micro-fluidic channel (2), the passage of the liquid along the channel (2) is interrupted; by deforming the closing element (13) by suction the closing portion (16) may be lifted and therefore allow the passage of liquid along the micro-fluidic channel (2).