Microfluidics with Wireless Power and DEP Particle Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic technologies face challenges in integrating electronic components effectively, leading to complex and error-prone operations for particle sorting and separation, particularly in clinical settings where cost-effectiveness and simplicity are crucial.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating printed integrated circuits into microfluidic devices, which include electrodes and an inductor for wireless power transmission, enabling the use of dielectrophoresis effects to guide and separate particles, and allowing for self-contained, compact, and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electronic components are integrated into microfluidic devices for particle sorting and separation, then functionality and efficiency are improved, but device complexity and operational error-proneness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electronic components (electrodes, inductor, circuit board) directly into the microfluidic device structure. The electrodes are positioned within the microfluidic channel to generate electric fields for particle manipulation, while the inductor is integrated into the circuit board that forms part of the device housing. This integration eliminates the need for external connections and reduces operational complexity while maintaining sorting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the microfluidic device, houses the inductor for wireless power reception, contains the circuitry for generating control signals, and positions the electrodes for particle manipulation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device while enhancing productivity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If external electrical connections are used to power electronic components in microfluidic devices, then power supply is achieved, but operational complexity and error-proneness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inductor as an intermediary component that enables wireless power transfer. The inductor receives electromagnetic signals from an external transmitter and converts them into electrical current to power the electronic components. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct electrical connections, simplifying operation and reducing error-proneness while maintaining adequate power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical connection system (wires, connectors, contacts) with an electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. The inductor uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections and thereby improving ease of operation while reducing operational errors.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used for particle isolation with different frequencies, then particle separation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the particle separation process into multiple stages, each handled by a pair of electrodes operating at different frequencies. The first pair of electrodes isolates a subpopulation of particles, while the second pair further separates this subpopulation into different groups. This segmentation allows for high separation precision while keeping each individual electrode pair relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic frequency control, where each pair of electrodes operates at a specific frequency optimized for separating particular particle types. The system dynamically adjusts the frequency and timing of voltage application to each electrode pair to achieve precise separation of different particle subpopulations, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring overly complex static structures.
4Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is implemented in microfluidic devices, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption and power management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic voltage application to the electrodes, where voltage is applied in alternating cycles rather than continuously. This periodic action allows the wireless power system to recharge the capacitive elements during non-active periods and consume power only when needed for particle manipulation, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation through wireless power transmission.
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
This solution simplifies the operation of microfluidic devices by eliminating the need for external electrical connections, reducing errors, and enabling efficient sorting and separation of bioparticles with low power consumption, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnostics and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor is configured to couple power from an external transmitter to the integrated circuit
Implementation Method 2
to guide the particles toward a center of the fluidic channel using negative dielectrophoresis (DEP) effect
Implementation Method 3
to isolate a subpopulation of the particles using positive and negative DEP effects
Implementation Method 4
in response to an alternating current (AC) frequency voltage received at the pair of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques, devices and systems are described for incorporating a printed circuit with a microfluidic device and wirelessly powering the microfluidic device. In one aspect, a microfluidic device includes a substrate with a fluidic channel to provide a path for a fluid with particles. The fluidic channel includes fluid inlet and outlet. A pair of electrodes near the inlet and the outlet guides the particles toward a center of the fluidic channel using negative-dielectrophoresis (DEP) effect in response to an alternating current (AC) frequency voltage received at the pairs of electrodes. Additional pairs of electrodes are disposed along a border of the fluidic channel between the pairs of electrodes near the inlet and the outlet of the fluidic channel to isolate a subpopulation of the particles using positive and negative DEP effects in response to AC voltages of different frequencies received at different ones of the additional pairs of electrodes.