Polymeric Clutch Micro Device for Fluid Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of microscale valves and other components into micro devices is challenging due to different manufacturing processes required for each component, making it time-consuming and expensive, and silicon-based approaches are not suitable for direct interface with liquid and organic systems.
Innovation Solution
A micro device with a programmable rotational element using a polymeric clutch mechanism responsive to environmental properties like pH or temperature, allowing for control of fluid flow without on-chip wiring or electricity, and fabricated using polymer-based techniques that are low-temperature and do not require a clean-room environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicon-based approaches are used for microsystems, then optical and physical sensing applications are well suited, but they are not suitable for direct interface with liquid and organic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from silicon-based to polymer-based fabrication, enabling direct interface with liquid and organic systems while maintaining microsystem functionality. This material parameter change allows the device to be compatible with biological fluids and organic compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite polymeric materials that combine structural integrity with chemical compatibility for liquid and organic interfaces. The polymer-based fabrication creates a composite structure that integrates sensing, actuation, and fluid handling capabilities in a material system suitable for biological applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different microengineered components are integrated into a single micro device, then more complex functions are achieved, but the process becomes time consuming and expensive due to different manufacturing processes required for each component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple microengineered components (valves, pumps, sensors) into a single integrated micro device using unified polymer-based fabrication. This combining approach eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes for each component, reducing both time and cost while achieving complex functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal polymer-based fabrication platform that can manufacture multiple different microcomponents (valves, pumps, sensors) using the same manufacturing process. This multi-functional approach allows any combination of microcomponents to be integrated without requiring component-specific manufacturing steps.
3Productivity
If polymer-based fabrication techniques are used, then rapid creation of microcomponents is enabled and clean-room environment is not necessary, but the structural precision may be limited compared to silicon-based approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes polymer-based fabrication parameters (photopolymerization conditions, material viscosity, curing temperature) to achieve sufficient manufacturing precision for microcomponent integration. By adjusting these parameters, the process maintains dimensional accuracy while preserving its advantages of speed and accessibility without requiring clean-room environments.
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 the creation of a simple, inexpensive, and customizable micro device that can be integrated with various components, overcoming the limitations of prior MEMS technology and allowing for efficient fluid handling and mixing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch mechanism includes a polymeric material having a volume responsive to the value of an environmental property, such as the pH or temperature of the fluid. The material has a first volume in response to the environmental property having a first value and a second volume in response to the property having a second value.
Implementation Method 2
The opening is defined by an inner hub surface that is engaged by the polymeric material when the polymeric material has the second volume. As a result, the polymeric material prevents movement of the moveable element.
Data Source
AI summary
A micro device is provided that includes a body defining a chamber for receiving fluid. A rotational element is disposed in the chamber for acting on the fluid. The rotational element is rotatable about an axis in response to a rotating magnetic field. The micro device further includes a clutch mechanism having a first disengaged configuration and a second engaged configuration wherein the clutch mechanism engages the rotational element and prevents rotation of the same.