Rolled Film Fluid Separation with Microstructured Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current separation devices face challenges in maintaining consistent fluid flow and component separation efficiency, particularly in analytical chromatography, where timing constraints require uniform flow paths and resistance to ensure precise separation of multiple components within a solution.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with a film roll featuring microstructures that create axial channels, where the surface material or coating interacts with fluid components to attract and retain desired compounds, allowing for their removal, and includes configurations like ribbed and double-sided film layers to manage fluid flow and separation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separation devices are used, then separation function is provided, but fluid flow consistency and component separation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The film is divided into multiple segments with different microstructure patterns (first region with first pattern, second region with second pattern) that can be independently optimized for different separation functions, allowing complex separation tasks to be achieved through modular structural units
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional planar or simple cylindrical structures to a rolled film configuration with axial microchannels, adding the dimensional aspect of rolled layers with controlled microstructure patterns on the film surface to create three-dimensional flow paths
2Manufacturing precision
If microstructures are added to create axial channels, then fluid flow consistency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a thin film with microstructures that is then rolled into a cylindrical configuration, allowing complex three-dimensional channel structures to be formed from two-dimensional film patterns through rolling, which simplifies manufacturing compared to directly forming 3D structures
Solution Approach 2:
The microstructure patterns are pre-formed on the film surface before rolling, allowing precise control of channel geometry to be achieved through film fabrication processes rather than post-rolling modifications
3Productivity
If surface material interacts with fluid components for separation, then separation efficiency improves, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the film have different microstructure patterns (first pattern in first region, second pattern in second region) that create varying flow characteristics and surface interaction properties, allowing optimization of separation efficiency in different zones while managing overall flow resistance
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 ensures consistent fluid flow and efficient separation of components, maintaining timing constraints in analytical chromatography by maintaining similar channel lengths and resistance, enhancing the separation process's precision and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The surfaces of some or all of the separation panels are formed from a material, either the base material or a coating, that interacts with the fluid flowing through the device. The interaction would generally be to attract one or more components within the fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for the separation of components within a fluid are disclosed herein. The device includes a housing that contains a roll of film with spaced apart microstructures thereon to crate channels to direct fluid flow. The channels have functionalized surfaces to attract and retain desired components in the fluid so that those components can be separated from the fluid. The film roll is typically contained by an outer sleeve around its perimeter to contain the fluid therein. The device also includes a central hub on which the film roll is mounted.