Particle Separation Chip Parallel Branch Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle separation methods using micro flow paths, such as hydrodynamic filtration, do not meet the high specimen processing requirements needed for practical applications in product development and clinical settings, lacking sufficient throughput.
Innovation Solution
A particle separation chip and apparatus featuring a micro flow path with a main flow path and branch flow paths connected via holes in a perforated sheet, allowing for efficient separation of particles based on size, with the main flow path having an inlet for a specimen containing both larger and smaller particles, and outlets for extracting each type of particle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a micro flow path with single main flow path and single branch flow path is used for particle separation, then particle separation based on size is achieved, but specimen processing capacity (throughput) is insufficient for practical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the flow path system into multiple parallel channels: a main flow path and multiple branch flow paths (first branch, second branch, etc.). Each branch flow path is equipped with its own adjustment mechanism independently. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple particles through parallel channels, significantly increasing specimen processing capacity while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension of control by adding adjustment mechanisms that can independently modify flow path characteristics (such as channel width or flow rate) for each branch. This dimensional addition transforms the static flow path structure into a dynamically adjustable system, enabling optimization of throughput without compromising separation precision.
2Productivity
If multiple branch flow paths are added to increase throughput, then specimen processing capacity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs identical adjustment mechanisms across all branch flow paths, where each mechanism performs the same function of controlling flow characteristics in its respective branch. This universal approach allows the system to handle multiple particles simultaneously through parallel processing while avoiding the complexity of designing and managing different control systems for each branch, thus improving throughput without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 configuration significantly increases specimen processing capacity, enabling efficient separation and collection of particles at higher throughput rates, suitable for product development and clinical settings without damaging the particles.
Implementation Method 1
the following non-patent document 1 discloses a particle separation method using hydrodynamic filtration. In the separation method, a micro flow path consisting of a main flow path and a plurality of branch flow paths branched from the main flow path is used. A specimen is introduced into the main flow path , and particles are separated between the main flow path and the branch flow path based on the size of the particles.
Data Source
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AI summary
A particle separation chip 1 for separating particles contained in a specimen based on the size of the particles includes an upper substrate 10 and a lower substrate 20 having a micro flow path 1a inside and a perforated sheet 30 with holes. The micro flow path 1a has a main flow path 100 having an inlet 101 at the upstream side into which a first specimen containing first particles and second particles that are smaller than the first particles are supplied, and an outlet 104 at the downstream side into which a second specimen containing mainly first particles is discharged, one flow path 200, which is connected to the main flow path 100 at branches along the flow direction of the main flow path 100 and has an outlet 213 from which a third specimen containing the second particle is discharged at the downstream side. At the branches, the main flow path 100 and the branch flow path 200 are connected via holes in the perforated sheet 30.