Polymer Microvalve with Magnetic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microvalves lack the ability to efficiently control fluid flow in harsh environments and require complex actuation mechanisms, limiting their application in medicine and other fluid control applications.

Innovation Solution

A polymer-based microvalve with a vertically movable plug, actuated by magnetic, piezoelectric, or thermal actuators, which can pop up to allow fluid flow and close using anchors and connecting legs, made using silicon microfabrication techniques and inert polymer materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional microvalves are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but they cannot operate reliably in harsh environments (acids, bases, solvents)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliability in harsh environmentsVSAvoidcompatibility with harsh chemical environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The microvalve combines silicon structural components with polymer coating layers to create a composite structure that leverages the mechanical strength of silicon and the chemical inertness of polymers, enabling reliable operation in harsh chemical environments while maintaining functional performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with magnetic field-based actuation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and seals that would compromise reliability in harsh environments, while achieving precise control through non-contact magnetic forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If complex actuation mechanisms are used, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecise fluid flow controlVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex mechanical actuation systems with simple magnetic field generation, using external magnets or electromagnetic coils to actuate the valve through magnetic attraction/repulsion forces, dramatically reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precise control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the actuation function from the valve body itself, using separate external actuator components (magnets or coils) that can be positioned independently, simplifying the valve structure while preserving precise control through spatial separation of actuation and sealing functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 reliable fluid control in harsh environments and allows for directional flow management, with applications in drug delivery and micropumps, demonstrating improved functionality and durability.

Implementation Method 1

capable of moving up and down vertically into a slot. Movement of the plug can be brought about by actuator means, such as magnetically operated actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

electrically operated actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

thermal actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS8152136B2Polymer microvalve with actuators and devices

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIV

AI summary

The present invention relates to a microvalve having a valve plug, connecting legs, anchors and actuators, allowing the valve plug to move vertically to open or close the valve. The valve plug can contain magnetic materials, and be operated by an actuator.