Microfluidic Valve With Integrated Mixing Chamber and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic valves require additional mechanisms for fluid mixing and reaction, increasing the complexity and number of components on the chip, making assembly difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic valve design that integrates mixing functionality by using a rotatable rotor, sleeve, and base to form a mixing chamber, where the rotor includes a micro-column that can block or open a micropore for fluid control and mixing, reducing the number of components needed on the chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate mechanisms are introduced for mixing and reaction, then the mixing function is achieved, but the number of fluidic components increases and structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve body and mixing chamber into a single integrated structure. The rotor with mixing elements is merged with the valve mechanism, so that one component performs both flow control and mixing functions, eliminating the need for separate mixing devices and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the valve closing element for flow control and as a mixing element through its protrusions that agitate the fluid. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate valve and mixing device components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate mechanisms are introduced for mixing and reaction, then the mixing function is achieved, but the number of components increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the valve body and mixing chamber into one integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be assembled. The rotor is directly integrated with the valve mechanism, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for mounting independent mixing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is segmented into modular components (valve body, rotor, spring) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled in a simplified sequence. This modular segmentation with integrated functions allows for easier manufacturing and assembly compared to trying to integrate multiple separate functions into a monolithic structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable rotor with micro-column is used, then both on/off control and mixing are achieved, but the valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is designed as a universal component that performs both flow control (through its rotation to open/close the orifice) and mixing (through its protrusions that agitate the fluid in the mixing chamber). This multi-functionality is achieved within a single structural element, maintaining simplicity while providing dual capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor introduces dynamic elements to the otherwise static valve structure. The rotating motion of the rotor provides both the on/off control mechanism and the mixing action, transforming a static valve into a dynamic system that achieves multiple functions through motion rather than requiring multiple static components.
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 integrated mixing function allows for both on/off fluid path control and stirring, simplifying the assembly and operation of microfluidic chips by reducing the number of components and enhancing their functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the microfluidic valve, which through the rotation of the rotor, not only can function as an on/off switch of the aperture, e.g., the micropore, provided on the base, but also can mix and/or agitate a liquid in the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a micro-column is disposed on the rotor and located in the mixing chamber... the micropore can be closed by the micro-column
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic valve provided herein is configured to mix or capable of mixing a sample and/or a reagent in addition to controlling liquid flow. In one embodiment, the microfluidic valve comprises a rotor (3) and one or more micro-structures (2) that move with the rotation of the rotor (3). In one embodiment, the one or more micro-structures (2) stir and/or mix content in a mixing chamber (5) formed by the rotor (3), a base (1), and a sleeve (4) of the microfluidic valve. A microfluidic chip or chip system comprising one or more of the microfluidic valves, and methods of use, are also provided.