Polyimide Planar Manifold for Analytical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical instruments face challenges in providing a low-cost, chemically inert, and dimensionally stable manifold for complex fluidic connections, as current solutions are either too expensive or not inert enough for chromatographic applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer planar manifold constructed from polyimide material, such as Kapton, which is bonded without adhesives and designed with channel layers for precise fluid routing, ensuring chemical inertness and dimensional stability, and can be easily assembled with repeatable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discrete tubing connections are used for fluidic connections, then ease of assembly is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete tubing connections into a single integrated planar manifold structure. The manifold combines multiple fluidic pathways, valves, and connections into one monolithic component that can be assembled as a single unit, eliminating the need for numerous separate tubing connections while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional discrete tubing connections to a two-dimensional planar manifold structure. By flattening and redistributing fluidic pathways across a planar surface with multiple layers, the design simplifies assembly while maintaining all necessary fluidic functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional manifold materials are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but chemical inertness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure where the manifold is constructed from chemically inert materials such as polyimide or other inert polymers that are bonded together. This composite approach maintains chemical inertness required for chromatographic applications while using cost-effective bonding methods rather than expensive metal manifolds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a chemically inert environment within the manifold by selecting inert materials that do not react with the sample or carrier gases. The polyimide or inert polymer construction ensures that the manifold itself does not participate in or affect the chemical composition of the flows passing through it.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive bonding is used for multi-layer assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes adhesives from the bonding process entirely. Instead of using adhesive layers between manifold components, the design employs mechanical interlocking features, precision-machined mating surfaces, or interference-fit connections that achieve both easy assembly and high precision without introducing adhesive-related variability.
Data Source
AI summary
A planar manifold includes a first, generally planar, layer having a plurality of apertures therethrough. A second layer has a plurality of apertures therethrough. A channel layer defines a plurality of channels therein and is interposed between the first layer and the second layer. At least one channel extends in a direction parallel to a plane of the planar manifold and couples an aperture of the first layer to an aperture of the second layer.