Microfluidic Valve Using Elastomer Film and Negative Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microchannel chips require continuous external mechanical force to maintain channel closure, leading to high running costs and potential fluid movement issues during tests and reactions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid handling device comprising a first chip with a resin substrate and film, and a second chip with an elastomer film, where the films are stacked to create a micro valve that can close the channel without external mechanical force by using negative pressure to suck the elastomer film into a recess, forming a gap with the partition wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator is used to close the fluid channel by pushing the film, then the fluid port can be closed to retain fluid, but the actuator must be kept driven continuously leading to high running costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system with a pneumatic system. Instead of using a motor-driven actuator to push the film, the invention uses negative pressure applied to the recess to suck the elastomer film toward the partition wall, closing the fluid channel. This eliminates the need for continuous mechanical driving while maintaining reliable fluid retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer film automatically closes the fluid channel when negative pressure is applied to the recess, and automatically opens when the pressure is released. The system uses the pressure differential itself to drive the film movement, eliminating the need for external mechanical actuators and their associated running costs.
2Ease of operation
If a diaphragm-valve structure with an actuator is used, then the fluid port can be opened and closed, but the device complexity increases due to the actuator mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical actuator mechanism with a simple pneumatic system. Instead of motors, gears, and linkages, the invention uses a recess connected to a pressure source. The elastomer film responds directly to pressure changes, dramatically simplifying the device structure while maintaining ease of fluid control operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an elastomer film as a flexible element that responds to pressure changes. This thin film replaces the need for complex mechanical actuation mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to open and close the fluid port as needed.
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 device effectively keeps the channel closed without external mechanical force, reducing running costs and ensuring reliable fluid control during tests and reactions.
Implementation Method 1
when an inner side of the recess is set to a negative pressure, the second film is sucked into the recess with the first film bent toward the recess
Implementation Method 2
the first film having a deflective displaceable region formed at a position corresponding to the partition wall
Data Source
AI summary
A micro fluid chip includes a first chip and a second chip. The first chip includes a first substrate having a fluid channel and a partition wall, and a first film made of resin. The second chip includes a second substrate having a recess, and a second film made of elastomer. The second film has an elastic modulus higher than that of the first film. The first chip and the second chip are stacked in such a manner that the partition wall and the recess face each other with the first film and the second film therebetween. By setting the inner side of the recess to a negative pressure, a gap is formed between the first film and the partition wall, and thus a fluid channel is opened.