Microfluidic Valve Pump Unit with Flexible Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic devices face challenges in integrating a valve and pump function with minimal dead volume and efficient fluid transport, as existing solutions either lack optimized fluid transport or have issues with sample leakage and vertical range limitations.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a valve/pump-unit that includes a substrate with non-end-to-end connected micro channels, a flexible membrane, and an actuating element, allowing for simultaneous pump and valve action with a temporally formable channel, reducing dead volume to near zero and enabling bidirectional fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular concept with separate functional substrates is used, then different functions can be realized on separate substrates, but the interfaces between substrates and channel plate require very smooth and accurate bonding, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve and pump functions into a single integrated unit with a unified body, eliminating the need for separate functional substrates and their complex bonding interfaces. The valve piston and pump chamber are combined in one structure, reducing the number of assembly interfaces and improving manufacturing feasibility.
2Volume of moving object
If small channel geometries are used, then miniaturization is achieved, but the bonding process becomes very challenging requiring very smooth and accurate interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple functions (valve, pump, channels) into a single monolithic body, the patent eliminates the need for bonding separate substrates together. This integration approach maintains miniaturization while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process, as the entire device can be fabricated as one piece using techniques like micromachining or 3D printing.
3Reliability
If plugs are used to prevent fluid leakage, then sealing is improved, but the vertical range of manufacture is limited and dead volume is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic valve piston that moves within the valve body to control fluid flow and sealing. This dynamic mechanism allows the sealing surface to adapt to flow conditions while minimizing dead volume, as the piston can be positioned precisely to close off channels without requiring large clearance volumes. The pump chamber also dynamically expands and contracts to move fluid efficiently.
4Ease of operation
If a diaphragm valve is used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the device cannot simultaneously function as a pump and the diaphragm is not flexible enough to form temporal channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single device that universally performs both valve and pump functions. The valve piston controls fluid direction through sealed channels, while the pump chamber with its flexible membrane performs fluid transport. Both functions are integrated in one device, eliminating the need for separate valve and pump components.
5Reliability
If positive fitting plugs are used to prevent leakage, then sealing is improved, but the device cannot be provided at low vertical range of manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sealing mechanism into the valve body itself rather than using separate protruding plugs, the patent reduces the vertical dimension. The valve piston and pump chamber are arranged in a compact configuration that maintains effective sealing while minimizing the overall height of the device, enabling low vertical range manufacturing.
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 achieves optimized fluid transport with minimal dead volume, allowing for efficient fluid direction and simultaneous filling of multiple reaction chambers, while maintaining low vertical range and preventing sample leakage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible membrane (7), wherein the flexible membrane is arranged on the lower surface of the substrate; an actuating element (8) with an upper surface (9) adjacent arranged to the flexible membrane (7), so that movement of said actuating element (8) causes a pump and/or valve action of the adjacent arranged flexible membrane section (7)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a micro fluidic device (1) comprising at least one valve/pump-unit (2) with reduced dead volume, wherein the micro fluid device comprises: - a substrate (3), wherein on the lower surface of said substrate (3) at least two micro channels (4) are arranged to direct a fluid sample (5) flow on the substrate (3), whereby said two micro channels (4) are not end-to-end connected and spaced apart by a valve area (6) of said substrate (3); - at least one flexible membrane (7), wherein the flexible membrane (7) is arranged on the lower surface of said substrate (3); - an actuating element (8) with an upper surface (9) adjacent arranged to the flexible membrane (7); - at least one cover element (10) arranged on the lower surface of the flexible membrane (7), wherein the cover element (10) comprises at least one through going cut-out (11) for receiving an actuating element (8), so that movement of said actuating element (8) causes a pump and/or valve action of the adjacent arranged flexible membrane area to cause or stop a directed fluid flow on said substrate (3); so that a fluid flow between said two not end-to-end connected micro channels is directed among the valve area (6) of the lower surface of the substrate (3) and the upper surface of the flexible membrane (7) through a temporally formable channel (12) formed by the flexible membrane (7) covering the valve area (6), whereby a movement of the actuating element (8) towards to the lower surface of the substrate causes a valve action and a movement opposite to the lower surface of the substrate releases a space in a chamber (13) into which the flexible membrane (7) can engage to form the temporally channel (12) and the upper surface (9) of the actuating element (8) covers at least partly the membrane surface (7) at the valve area (6).