Microfluidic Valve Rotor for Flow Switching and In-Chamber Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic valves require additional components and complex structures for fluid mixing and reaction, increasing the number of parts and assembly complexity, while only providing on/off switching functionality.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic valve design that integrates mixing functionality by using a rotatable rotor, sleeve, and base to form a mixing chamber with a micropore, allowing for both on/off control and fluid agitation, reducing the number of components needed on the chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional mechanisms are introduced for mixing and reaction in current microfluidic valves, then mixing and reaction functions are achieved, but the number of fluidic components increases and structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve body and mixing chamber into a single integrated structure. The rotor with mixing elements is integrated within the valve body, eliminating the need for separate mixing components. This merging of functions directly reduces the number of fluidic components while maintaining both valve control and mixing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the valve closing element and the mixing element. By integrating mixing elements (such as ribs or protrusions) directly on the rotor, a single component performs both flow control and fluid mixing, enhancing versatility without increasing component count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate mechanisms are added for mixing and reaction, then additional fluidic manipulations are achieved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the mixing chamber within the valve body and the incorporation of mixing elements on the rotor reduces the number of discrete parts that need to be assembled. This simplifies the assembly process while still providing comprehensive fluidic manipulation capabilities including mixing, reaction, and flow control.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable rotor with micro-column is used to close the micropore, then on/off control is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is designed to serve dual purposes: it provides the on/off control function by blocking or unblocking the micropore, and simultaneously provides mixing function through its integrated mixing elements. This multi-functionality maintains operational simplicity while avoiding the need for additional control mechanisms that would increase structural complexity.
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
The integrated design simplifies chip assembly and reduces component count by enabling both fluid path control and mixing within a single valve, enhancing the efficiency of fluid processing and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
through the rotation of the rotor, not only can function as an on/off switch of the aperture, e.g., the micropore, provided on the base, but also can mix and/or agitate a liquid in the mixing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A microfluidic valve provided herein is configured to mix or capable of mixing a sample and/or a reagent in addition to controlling liquid flow. In one embodiment, the microfluidic valve comprises a rotor (3) and one or more micro-structures (2) that move with the rotation of the rotor (3). In one embodiment, the one or more micro-structures (2) stir and/or mix content in a mixing chamber (5) formed by the rotor (3), a base (1), and a sleeve (4) of the microfluidic valve. A microfluidic chip or chip system comprising one or more of the microfluidic valves, and methods of use, are also provided.