Particle Separation Device Curved Micro Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle separation devices face challenges in efficiently separating specific particles from a liquid without retention or unevenness, particularly in micro flow paths, where particles may not flow smoothly due to sharp bends and varying flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A particle separation device with a configuration of a main flow path and branch flow paths, where the sample flows into the main path and a pressing flow is generated to separate specific particles by adjusting the sectional area, length, and flow rate, ensuring that only the desired particles enter the branch paths, while others remain on the main path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a micro flow path with sharp bends is used to separate particles, then the separation capability is improved, but particle retention and flow unevenness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sharp bends with curved flow paths in the micro flow path structure. This curvature design allows particles to follow the flow smoothly without abrupt directional changes, reducing retention while maintaining the separation capability provided by the micro flow path geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro flow path is divided into multiple segments including a straight section, a curved section, and a separation section. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally - the straight section ensures uniform flow, the curved section guides particles smoothly, and the separation section achieves particle separation, collectively reducing retention while maintaining separation efficiency.
2Productivity
If flow rate is increased to reduce retention, then productivity is improved, but flow unevenness and separation precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including flow rate, pressure gradient, and micro flow path dimensions to achieve optimal separation. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains high separation precision even at increased flow rates, resolving the contradiction between productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of flow conditions, adjusting flow rate and pressure gradients based on particle characteristics and separation requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain optimal separation precision while adapting flow conditions to maximize productivity for different particle types.
3Manufacturing precision
If micro flow path width is reduced to improve separation resolution, then separation precision is improved, but particle retention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved flow path design in the micro flow path allows particles to navigate the narrow width without abrupt directional changes. This curvature compensates for the reduced width by providing smooth particle guidance, maintaining separation resolution while reducing retention that would otherwise occur in narrow, sharply-bent paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional flow path design with vertical and lateral dimensions in addition to the horizontal width. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to achieve high separation resolution through precise spatial configuration while maintaining sufficient flow cross-section to reduce particle retention.
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 effectively separates and recovers specific particles, such as white blood cells from blood, by ensuring they enter the branch paths while others are retained on the main path, reducing retention and unevenness, and allowing for efficient measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing flow inlet (15) connected to a side surface of the main flow path (5) located on an upstream side and opposite to the plurality of branch flow paths (6) in a direction perpendicular to the side surface so that a fluid generating a pressing flow flows into the particle separation device
Data Source
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AI summary
A particle separation device according to the present disclosure comprises, inside a plate-like base body, a straight main flow path including a flow inlet and a plurality of branch flow paths, wherein the flow inlet includes a sample flow inlet and a pressing flow inlet, the sample flow inlet is connected to the main flow path via a first bending part, a first straight part, a second bending part, and a second straight part, a width in the first bending part and a width in the first straight part are larger than a width in the second bending part and a width in the second straight part, and the width in the second bending part and the width in the second straight part are larger than a width in the main flow path, the pressing flow inlet is connected to the side surface of the main flow path via a third straight part, a third bending part, a fourth straight part, and a fifth straight part, and a width in the third straight part is larger than a width in the fourth straight part, and the width in the fourth straight part is larger than a width in the fifth straight part.