Micro-Injector Valve Membrane Bonding to Prevent Stiction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-injector valves for liquid or gas chromatography devices face challenges in ease of assembly, manufacturing complexity, and stiction issues due to adhesive properties of the membrane material, leading to operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving liquid-phase deposition of a polymer layer on a support substrate, followed by partial crosslinking, etching, and assembly with a fluid distributor to form a membrane that seals fluid passages using the polymer layer's adhesive properties, eliminating the need for additional alignment steps and adhesive layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive film bonding is used to bond the membrane between glass and silicon substrates, then the membrane can be securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes more complex requiring precise locating with masks and multiple adhesive layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the membrane material itself to serve as the adhesive bonding layer, eliminating the need for separate adhesive films and masks. The polymer membrane is deposited directly onto the substrate and forms integral bonding areas that secure the membrane without requiring additional alignment steps or separate adhesive applications.
2Reliability
If the membrane material has adhesive properties at operating temperature, then the membrane seals effectively against the valve seat, but stiction occurs preventing proper valve operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different local properties within the membrane by forming distinct bonding areas with controlled adhesion characteristics. The bonding areas have strong adhesive properties for secure mounting, while the free areas maintain controlled adhesion to prevent stiction during actuation. This spatial differentiation of adhesive properties allows the membrane to seal effectively without becoming stuck to the valve seat.
3Reliability
If additional metal layers or plasma treatments are applied to prevent stiction, then valve operation reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional metal layers or plasma treatments by incorporating the adhesive and anti-stiction properties directly into the polymer membrane material itself. The membrane is designed with inherent bonding capabilities that provide both secure attachment and controlled release characteristics without requiring post-deposition treatments or additional functional layers.
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
Facilitates easy assembly, reduces manufacturing complexity, and prevents stiction by ensuring secure sealing without additional treatments, enabling precise actuation and reliable valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
liquid-phase deposition of a polymer layer on a lower surface of a support substrate
Implementation Method 2
a first partial crosslinking treatment of the polymer layer... a second treatment comprising a continuation of the crosslinking of the polymer layer
Implementation Method 3
assembling the support substrate and a fluid distributor... said assembling being carried out by means of the polymer layer... a bonding area of the polymer layer is in integral contact with a bonding area of the lower face of the support substrate and with a bonding area of the upper face of the distributor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a valve for a micro-injector for a chromatography device, which comprises: o depositing a polymer layer (20) on a support substrate (10); o a first partial crosslinking treatment of the polymer layer (20); o etching the support substrate (10) to expose a free area (21) of the polymer layer (20); o assembling the support substrate (10) and a fluid distributor (300) via the polymer layer (20), such that:—the free area (21) forms a membrane having two opposite free surfaces (23, 24); and—a bonding area (25) of the polymer layer in rigid contact with the support substrate and with the distributor (300) forms an adhesive interface between the support substrate and the distributor; and o a second treatment comprising a continuation of the crosslinking of the polymer layer (20).