Miniature Pneumatic Pump with Deformable Membrane for Microfluidic Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps are bulky and difficult to integrate with cell-based microfluidic systems, making them unsuitable for lab-on-chip applications that require efficient fluid perfusion.
Innovation Solution
A miniature, zero-power, plug-and-play pump with a refillable liquid reservoir defined by a deformable membrane, which is compressed by pneumatic pressure to discharge liquid without generating restoring forces, minimizing backflow and allowing direct integration with microfluidic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional pumps are used for fluid perfusion, then reliable pumping function is achieved, but device size becomes bulky and integration with microfluidic systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is segmented into distinct functional components: a reservoir for fluid storage, a deformable membrane for actuation, and integrated microfluidic channels. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining compact overall dimensions suitable for microfluidic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump chamber and reservoir are nested within the microfluidic device structure, with the deformable membrane positioned between fluidic chambers. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and enables integration of multiple functions within a compact footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pumping apparatus are integrated with cell-based microfluidic systems, then fluid perfusion is achieved, but system complexity increases and incubation requirements become difficult to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The pump function is merged directly into the microfluidic device structure, eliminating the need for external pumping apparatus. The reservoir, membrane, and fluidic channels are combined into a single integrated unit that can be directly incorporated into cell-based microfluidic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump design provides multi-functionality by combining fluid storage, pumping actuation, and fluid delivery in a single device. The refillable reservoir and controllable membrane actuation enable the same device to serve multiple purposes including perfusion, drug delivery, and cell culture maintenance.
3Productivity
If deformable membrane is compressed by pneumatic pressure to discharge liquid, then flow rate control is achieved, but membrane restoring forces may cause backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane restoring force issue is addressed by extracting or removing the problematic restoring forces through careful membrane design and material selection. The membrane is engineered to minimize elastic recovery that could cause backflow, while maintaining sufficient deformability for effective pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure equalization mechanism or check valve structure acts as an intermediary between the membrane and fluid discharge path. This intermediary component allows controlled fluid discharge during membrane compression while preventing backflow during membrane relaxation.
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 pump achieves controlled flow rates from 35 nL/mm to 100 µL/mm, minimal backflow, and scalability, making it suitable for a broad range of miniaturized applications, including drug delivery, and potentially replacing traditional pumps for perfusion tasks.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane is compressed by regulated pneumatic pressure and at least some of the liquid is discharged from the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the membrane generates little or no restoring forces such that little or no backflow occurs when the pump is off
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature pump including a first chamber, a second chamber, a deformable membrane provided within the second chamber that divides the second chamber into first and second sub-chambers, the second sub-chamber defining a reservoir configured to contain liquid to be dispensed, a passage that connects the first chamber to the first sub-chamber, and an outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein pressurized fluid within the first internal chamber flows through the passage and into the first sub-chamber to compress the deformable membrane and cause liquid contained within the reservoir to flow out from the reservoir through the outlet and wherein the deformable membrane does not generate significant restoring forces when it is deformed and, therefore, will not return to its initial undeformed shape unless the reservoir is refilled.