Interconnected Recess Channels for Liquid Sample Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample collection devices are limited in their application to specific types of electron microscopes and cannot effectively control the flow directions and velocities of liquid samples, nor observe chemical or electrochemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection device with two substrates and a spacer, where recesses on the substrates form interconnected channels of varying depths and sizes, allowing for controlled flow and observation across different electron microscopes, including TEM and SEM, with optional reaction electrodes, heating elements, and sensing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a micro channel is formed by combining a silicon chip and polydimethylsiloxane (PDM) in an oxygen plasma bonding manner, then the device can be manufactured with standard micro-electro mechanical system processes, but the device can only be applied to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in an SEM for observing surface area composition at lower resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a sample collection device with a standardized sample containing space formed between two substrates that can be adapted to different electron microscope types (TEM and SEM). The device structure allows it to serve multiple functions: observing particle distribution in liquid samples, analyzing chemical reactions, and detecting electrochemical reactions, thereby achieving multi-functionality and broader application scope while maintaining manufacturability through standard bonding processes
2Measurement precision
If a sample collection device is designed for TEM observation, then it can observe particle distribution in liquid samples, but it cannot be applied to other types of electron microscopes such as SEM or observe chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sample collection device with a sample containing space that can be used across different electron microscope types. The device maintains the capability for high-resolution particle distribution observation while also enabling SEM applications, chemical reaction observation, and electrochemical reaction detection through its adaptable structure and optional integration of reaction electrodes and heating elements
3Ease of manufacture
If a sample collection device uses a fixed channel structure, then it can be简单地 manufactured, but it cannot effectively control the flow directions and velocities of liquid samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates variable depth recesses in the substrates that create channels with different flow resistance characteristics. By adjusting the depth and dimensions of these recesses during manufacturing, the device can control liquid sample flow directions and velocities dynamically, enabling effective flow control while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the recess structure design
4Ease of operation
If recesses of varying depths are formed in substrates to create interconnected channels, then flow control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample containing space into multiple interconnected channels formed by recesses of different depths in the substrates. This segmentation allows independent control of flow paths and velocities in different regions, achieving effective flow control while managing device complexity through modular channel design that can be manufactured using standard photolithography and etching processes
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 precise control of liquid sample flow and observation of particle distribution, chemical reactions, and electrochemical processes across various electron microscopes, enhancing the versatility and analytical capabilities of sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The spacer is disposed between the two first surfaces to bond and fix the two substrates
Data Source
AI summary
A sample collection device includes two substrates and a spacer. The two substrates are disposed oppositely. Each substrate has a first surface, a second surface opposing to the first surface, a first recess and at least one second recess. The two substrates are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, and the first and second recesses are respectively located on each first surface. The first recesses of the substrates jointly form a first channel, and the second recesses of the substrates jointly form a second channel connected to the outside of the sample collection device. The first channel and the second channel are interconnected. The spacer is disposed between the two first surfaces for bonding and fixing the two substrates. A sample containing space is formed between the two substrates and the spacer. The sample containing space includes the first chancel and the second channel. In addition, a manufacturing method of the sample collection device is also provided.