Optical Microflow Meter Using Photochemical Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring microflows lack precision and require complex setups, such as microscopes or computation of tracer displacements, and are not suitable for continuous monitoring of flow rates in microfluidic systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical flow meter with a microchannel substrate that uses activation and analytical light paths to convert pre-analytes into analytes, which then interact with analytical light to produce photoanalytes, allowing for the determination of flow rates from 0.1 nanoliter per minute to 5 mL/min without the need for microscopic visualization or precise laser alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (microscopes or tracer displacement computation) are used to measure microflows, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical measurement systems (microscopes, laser alignment systems) with a simplified optical flow meter that uses a microchannel substrate with integrated fluid receiver, fluid transmitter, and detection chamber. The system substitutes mechanical tracer displacement measurement with direct optical detection of analyte concentration changes, eliminating the need for microscopic visualization and complex computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an analyte as an intermediary substance that mediates between the liquid flow and the detection system. The analyte concentration in the detection chamber directly indicates flow rate, serving as a simple optical mediator that eliminates the need for complex measurement apparatus. The analyte acts as a bridge between the flowing liquid and the photodetector-based detection system.
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used, then flow measurement is possible, but ease of operation and continuous monitoring capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous flow rate monitoring through continuous operation of the optical flow meter. The system maintains continuous analyte supply to the detection chamber and continuously measures analyte concentration, providing real-time flow rate data without interruption. This allows ongoing monitoring of microfluidic system operations, unlike conventional methods that require periodic measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically maintains analyte concentration in the detection chamber through the continuous flow of liquid containing analyte from the fluid receiver through the microchannel to the detection chamber. The flow itself serves to replenish the analyte, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex pumping mechanisms to maintain measurement conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement range is expanded to cover diverse flow rates, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical flow meter device that can measure a wide range of flow rates (from nanoliters per minute to milliliters per minute) using the same basic structure. The microchannel substrate with fluid receiver, microchannel, and detection chamber serves multiple measurement functions across different flow rate magnitudes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices or complex adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability across different flow rates by utilizing the natural variation of analyte concentration in the detection chamber as the flow rate changes. The detection system responds to concentration changes caused by different flow conditions, allowing a single device to measure diverse flow rates through parameter (concentration) changes rather than structural modifications.
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
Enables precise and continuous monitoring of flow rates in microfluidic systems, integrating seamlessly with microfluidic systems for applications like chemical analysis and biological measurements, providing traceable and reliable flow rate determination.
Implementation Method 1
activation light path disposed in the substrate, arranged at an oblique angle or right angle to the fluid member proximate to the optical interaction region, and that: receives activation light from an activation light source; and communicates the activation light to the optical interaction region, such that the activation light interacts with the pre-analyte in the optical interaction region to produce an analyte
Implementation Method 2
analytical light path disposed in the substrate, arranged at an oblique angle or right angle to the fluid member proximate to the photo interaction region, and that: receives the analytical light from an analytical light source; and communicates the analytical light to the photo interaction region, such that the analytical light: interacts with the analyte in the photo interaction region subsequent to the interaction of the analyte with the activation light in the optical interaction region; and produces a photoanalyte from the analyte in response to interaction of the analyte with the analytical light in the photo interaction region, the photoanalyte producing photoanalyte light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical flow meter includes a substrate; a microchannel with a fluid receiver; a fluid transmitter; a fluid member with an optical interaction region; a photo interaction region; an analytical light path, such that analytical light interacts with an analyte in a photo interaction region subsequent to an interaction of a pre-analyte with activation light in an optical interaction region to produce analyte; and a detection light path disposed in the substrate, arranged at an oblique angle or right angle to the fluid member proximate to the photo interaction region, and that: receives the photoanalyte light from the photo interaction region; and communicates the photoanalyte light from the microchannel to a photodetector, the optical flow meter determines a flow rate of the analyte.