Microfluidic Valve Structure for Angular Channels and Low Dead Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic valves in existing technologies face challenges in controlling liquid flow across channels with varying intersection angles and exhibit significant dead volume, leading to contamination and reduced measurement accuracy, necessitating a solution that can operate independently of intersection angles and minimize dead volume.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic valve design featuring an elastomeric membrane clamped between a basic substrate and a top substrate, with a valve seat and projection arrangement that allows for angular connection channels and a deformable membrane to control flow, reducing dead volume and enabling operation across different intersection angles without the need for specific valve actuator configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional microfluidic valves are arranged on the same side as microfluidic channels, then liquid flow control is achieved, but multiple different geometric arrangements of valves and actuators are required for different intersection angles
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with a universal structure that can control liquid flow at different intersection angles (e.g., 90 degrees, 45 degrees, or other angles) without requiring different geometric arrangements. The connection channels are configured to accommodate various angular intersections, making a single valve design suitable for multiple channel configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure extends into the vertical dimension with connection channels that can be arranged at different heights and angles. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the valve to interface with microfluidic channels at various intersection angles without complicating the overall device geometry.
2Reliability
If conventional microfluidic valves are designed to control liquid flow, then flow control function is achieved, but significant dead volume is created leading to contamination and reduced measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and eliminates the dead volume portion from the valve structure. The connection channels are configured to minimize stagnant regions, and the valve body geometry is optimized to ensure that liquid flows through all regions, preventing accumulation and contamination while maintaining accurate measurement capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional microfluidic valves are designed with specific geometric arrangements, then flow control at specific angles is achieved, but production complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal valve body design is used that can accommodate different intersection angles through its connection channel configuration, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple different valve geometries for different applications. This standardization simplifies the production process and reduces manufacturing costs.
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 solution allows for efficient control of liquid flow across microfluidic channels irrespective of intersection angles, reduces dead volume, and simplifies the production process, enhancing measurement accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric membrane with a thickness dEM=d in relaxed state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microfluidic chip and valve, production process and uses thereof according to the independent claims.