Microparticle Trapping Structure Using Insulator Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microparticle trapping devices using dielectrophoresis are limited in their ability to increase the density of trapped microparticles, and there is a need for methods and devices that can densely trap and analyze microparticles effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a fluid channel with first and second electrodes generating an electric field and an electrical insulator with openings, applying a voltage to create an inhomogeneous electric field that concentrates around the openings, trapping microparticles through dielectrophoresis, and allowing for analysis via light irradiation and detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If microparticles are trapped on a line parallel to the electrode through dielectrophoresis, then the trapping mechanism is simple, but the density of trapped microparticles cannot be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedensity of trapped microparticlesVSAvoidtrapping structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces openings at specific locations on the electrode surface to create localized regions of high electric field concentration. This local modification allows microparticles to be trapped densely at these specific openings rather than being distributed sparsely along a line, thereby increasing the density of trapped microparticles without requiring a complete redesign of the trapping structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from linear trapping (one-dimensional arrangement along the electrode) to point-based trapping at openings (zero-dimensional concentrated points). By concentrating the electric field at discrete opening locations, the system achieves higher local density of trapped microparticles while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If an inhomogeneous electric field is made through openings between electrodes, then microparticles are densely trapped around the openings, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedensity of trapped microparticlesVSAvoidelectrode and insulator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrode and insulator structures into an integrated design where the insulator with openings is positioned relative to the electrode to create the inhomogeneous electric field. This merging of functions allows the electric field concentration and particle trapping to be achieved through the combined structure rather than separate complex components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulator is designed with openings that create a porous-like structure, allowing the electric field to concentrate at these openings. This approach enables dense microparticle trapping at the openings while the insulator material itself provides the structural framework, simplifying the overall device design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 method and device achieve dense trapping and increased light emission from microparticles, enabling efficient analysis by concentrating the electric field and enhancing light detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

first and second electrodes configured to generate an electric field in the fluid channel... applying a voltage to the first and second electrodes so that an inhomogeneous electric field is made through the at least one opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

The microparticle is drifted due to the inhomogeneous electric field and is trapped at the comb electrodes... the microparticle included in the fluid injected into the fluid channel is affected due to the dielectrophoretic force and are trapped around the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectrophoresis:

Data Source

PatentUS12474297B2Method for trapping microparticle and microparticle trapping device

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK

AI summary

A microparticle trapping device includes: a fluid channel configured to be injected with a fluid including a microparticle; first and second electrodes configured to generate an electric field in the fluid channel; and an electrical insulator formed with at least one opening between the first and second electrodes in the fluid channel. The electrical insulator is disposed between the first and second electrodes so that an inhomogeneous electric field is made through the at least one opening between the first and second electrodes in the fluid channel, and the still other aspect is configured to trap the microparticle through dielectrophoresis.