Microfluidic Device With Elastic Seal For MSM Pump Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current microfluidic devices face challenges in fluid handling due to insufficient pressure generation, complex design, and wear issues with magnetic shape memory (MSM) alloy micropumps, which hinder integration into lab-on-chip devices and require smooth, planar surfaces that are difficult and costly to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

Embedding the MSM element in an elastic material to create a fluid handling device with a smooth, planar sealing surface, preventing direct contact with the fluid and reducing wear, while using electromagnetic actuation for ultrafast operation and high pressure generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MSM element directly contacts fluid for pumping, then pumping function is achieved, but wearing and deformation occur reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidwearing and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic material layer is introduced as an intermediary between the MSM element and the fluid, allowing the MSM element to pump fluid through the elastic layer without direct contact. This mediator prevents wearing and deformation of the MSM element while maintaining the pumping function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic material layer acts as a flexible shell that the MSM element deforms to pump fluid. This thin film structure allows transmission of pumping forces while protecting the MSM element from direct fluid contact and associated wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If MSM element surface is made planar for sealing, then sealing performance improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic material layer serves as a compliant sealing surface that can deform to accommodate minor surface irregularities of the MSM element. This flexibility provides effective sealing without requiring the MSM element to have a precisely planar surface, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic material's compliance allows the sealing interface to adapt its shape dynamically, compensating for manufacturing tolerances. This changes the sealing mechanism from rigid surface matching to flexible conformal contact, reducing manufacturing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If electromagnetic actuation is used, then actuation speed and pressure generation improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation speedVSAvoidactuation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Electromagnetic actuation replaces traditional mechanical actuation mechanisms (such as mechanical linkages or motors). This substitution achieves faster actuation speeds and higher pressure generation while reducing the number of moving parts and overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables high-pressure fluid handling with reduced wear and manufacturing complexity, allowing for integration into lab-on-chip devices and achieving pressures several orders of magnitude higher than competing technologies, with improved sealing and reduced friction.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic shape memory (MSM) alloy Ni—Mn—Ga has a variety of properties that make it a suitable material for microdevice fabrication. Through a process known as twinning, the crystallographic structure of the MSM alloy can be reoriented by converting energy from an applied magnetic field.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic shape memory: Magnetic Shape Memory

Implementation Method 2

The MSM material is capable of large (up to 10%) strains from magnetic-field-induced stress, the strain can be precisely controlled; and it has a short actuation time.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field-induced stress: Magnetostriction

Implementation Method 3

Embedding the MSM element in an elastic material to create a fluid handling device with a smooth, planar sealing surface, preventing direct contact with the fluid and reducing wear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

using electromagnetic actuation for ultrafast operation and high pressure generation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11311878B2Microfluidic device

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 TIKOMAT OY

AI summary

The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising at least one element (1) of magnetic shape memory (MSM) material for handling of a fluid flow, the MSM element (1) being controlled by a magnetic field. The device comprises elastic material (2) between the handled fluid and the MSM element (1), and that the magnetic field is arranged to form a local shrinkage to the MSM element (1) which together with the elastic material (2) form a shrinkage cavity (3) in a location where the magnetic field is applied to the MSM element. Preferably, the microfluidic device is connected to a lab-on-a-chip, and it can act as one of the followings: a pump, vacuum pump, compressor, refrigerator, valve, manifold, dozer, mixer.