Monolithic Microfluidic Chip Integrating Pumps for Thermal Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-fluidic devices for diagnostic applications face challenges in integrating functional modules like pumps and fluidic structures efficiently, leading to increased complexity and size, which hinders faster analysis times and portability.
Innovation Solution
A micro-fluidic system is developed where pump modules and fluidic structures are monolithically fabricated on a substrate using heater chip fabrication methods, creating a continuous flow system with distinct temperature regions and integrated pumps to facilitate thermal cycling of fluids within a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external pumping systems are used to transport fluid through micro-fluidic channels, then fluid transport function is achieved, but device complexity and overall size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pumping function directly into the micro-fluidic chip by fabricating微型 pumps on the same substrate as the fluidic channels. This merging of the pump and channel functions eliminates the need for separate external pumping systems, thereby reducing device complexity and overall size while maintaining fluid transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-fluidic chip substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural base for fluidic channels and as the platform for integrating pump components. This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform both structural support and active fluid transport, reducing the number of separate components needed.
2Ease of operation
If external pumping systems are used for fluid transport, then pumping capability is provided, but the overall size of the micro-fluidic system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump components are fabricated directly on the micro-fluidic chip substrate, effectively nesting the pumping function within the existing chip structure. This nesting approach allows the pump to occupy minimal additional space compared to external pumping systems, thereby reducing the overall system volume.
3Volume of moving object
If functional modules are integrated on a single chip, then device size is reduced and portability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard heater chip fabrication methods and materials to manufacture the integrated micro-fluidic system. By utilizing established fabrication parameters and processes from the heater chip industry, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity despite the integration of multiple functional modules on a single chip.
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 approach enables efficient thermal cycling with reduced temperature gradients and increased portability, enhancing analysis speed and reducing the overall size of diagnostic devices for point-of-care and lab-on-a-chip applications.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heating elements on the substrate for heating the substrate. They define a plurality of temperature regions on the substrate, each temperature region having a distinct temperature
Implementation Method 2
A flow feature layer formed above the substrate defines a channel that extends across the substrate through each temperature region so that when fluid is pumped within the channel, it flows from one temperature region to a next temperature region to undergo repeated heating and cooling
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink is mounted beneath the substrate to collect heat residue between adjacent temperature regions so as to reduce temperature gradients therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-fluidic device includes a plurality of heating elements on a substrate for heating the substrate. They define a plurality of temperature regions having distinct temperatures on the substrate. A flow feature layer is formed above the substrate to define a channel extending across the substrate through each temperature region. As fluid is repeatedly pumped within the channel, it flows from one temperature region to a next temperature region to undergo thermal cycling. Fluid wells reside in the flow feature layer under a cover and connect to the channel whereby fluid can dwell for diagnostic applications.