Nanochannel Valve Structure Using a Press-Deformable Thin Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nano-fluidic devices struggle to control nano-sized channels effectively due to high internal pressure causing deformation and adsorption issues with soft materials like PDMS, and existing solutions such as diaphragm valves and Laplace pressure-based stop valves are inadequate for nanoscale applications.
Innovation Solution
A nano-fluidic device is designed with a first and second substrate bonded to form a nanochannel, where a thin portion is deformed by a pressing mechanism to open and close the channel, utilizing a substrate with a high Young's modulus to maintain shape and control fluid flow, and a valve operation region with a wider width than the nanochannel to facilitate precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If soft PDMS is used as a material for nano-sized channel, then the channel can be formed, but the channel cannot be maintained due to deformation from internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from soft PDMS to a material with high Young's modulus (rigid material). This parameter change allows the nano-sized channel to withstand internal pressure without deformation, solving both the channel formation and shape maintenance problems simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If high pressure is applied to open and close nano-sized channel, then the channel can be controlled, but the material deforms and cannot maintain designed shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from soft to rigid (high Young's modulus), enabling the channel to withstand high control pressure without deformation. This allows effective channel opening and closing while maintaining the designed shape.
3Ease of manufacture
If PDMS is used for nano-fluidic device, then the device can be manufactured, but it cannot be used in organic chemical process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from PDMS to a rigid material with chemical inertness. This material substitution enables the device to be manufactured while also being compatible with organic chemical processes, solving both manufacturing ease and chemical versatility requirements.
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 device allows for free opening and closing of nanochannels, enabling controlled fluid flow and overcoming the limitations of previous technologies by maintaining structural integrity and preventing fluid leakage, thus enhancing fluid controllability and response characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the thin portion is deformed by pressing to open and close the nanochannel
Implementation Method 2
a stop valve using a Laplace pressure at a gas-liquid interface between a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion provided in a nanochannel
Data Source
AI summary
A nano-fluidic device includes: a first substrate that has a nanoscale groove on one surface; and a second substrate that is integrally provided with the first substrate by bonding one surface of the second substrate to the one surface of the first substrate and forms a nanochannel with the groove of the first substrate, in which either the first substrate or the second substrate includes at least a thin portion in a part of a position overlapping the nanochannel in plan view, and the thin portion is deformed by pressing to open and close the nanochannel.