Single-Pump Pressure Supply for Dual-Level Microfluidic Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microfluidic analysis systems require multiple pumps to generate different pressure levels, leading to increased complexity, cost, and noise, as well as limited efficiency and flexibility in pressure control.

Innovation Solution

A compact pressure supply unit with a single pump and fluid flow control components that generate two distinct target pressure levels, allowing for efficient and flexible pressure control without the need for additional pumps, using fluid flow control components to manage pressure levels based on current pressure conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If multiple pumps are used to generate different pressure levels, then the required pressure levels can be achieved, but the system complexity, cost, and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure levelVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single pump by using a common pump chamber that can operate in different modes. The single pump generates both positive pressure and vacuum levels sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple separate pumps and their associated control systems, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the required pressure levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single pump is designed with multi-functionality to perform both vacuum generation and positive pressure generation. By configuring the pump with appropriate valves and control logic, it can switch between different operational modes to provide various pressure levels required by the microfluidic system, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized pumps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stress or pressure

If multiple pumps are used to generate different pressure levels, then the required pressure levels can be achieved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure levelVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single pump by using a common pump chamber that can operate in different modes. The single pump generates both positive pressure and vacuum levels sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple separate pumps and their associated control systems, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the required pressure levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single pump is designed with multi-functionality to perform both vacuum generation and positive pressure generation. By configuring the pump with appropriate valves and control logic, it can switch between different operational modes to provide various pressure levels required by the microfluidic system, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized pumps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stress or pressure

If multiple pumps are used to generate different pressure levels, then the required pressure levels can be achieved, but the noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure levelVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single pump by using a common pump chamber that can operate in different modes. The single pump generates both positive pressure and vacuum levels sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple separate pumps and their associated control systems, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the required pressure levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If a single pump is used to generate different pressure levels, then the system complexity, cost, and noise are reduced, but the ability to provide different pressure levels simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpressure control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single pump operates in periodic cycles, alternating between vacuum generation mode and positive pressure generation mode. The control system manages the timing and sequencing of these periodic actions to ensure that the microfluidic system receives the appropriate pressure levels at the appropriate times, maintaining operational flexibility despite the single-pump configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system incorporates dynamic control through electronically controlled valves that can rapidly switch between different operational states. This dynamic valve control allows the single pump to adapt its output characteristics in real-time, providing different pressure levels as needed by different parts of the microfluidic system during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Device complexity

If a single pump is used to generate different pressure levels, then the system complexity, cost, and noise are reduced, but the installation space requirements are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single pump by using a common pump chamber that can operate in different modes. The single pump generates both positive pressure and vacuum levels sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple separate pumps and their associated control systems, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the required pressure levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution reduces system complexity, cost, and noise while enhancing efficiency and flexibility, enabling simultaneous generation of high and low pressure levels for microfluidic analysis systems, thereby improving user experience and reducing installation space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a pump for drawing in a fluid, in particular a gas such as air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

for enabling a fluid flow from the first side of the pressure supply unit to the pump, provided that a first current pressure level on the first side is greater than the first target pressure level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a pump for drawing in a fluid, in particular a gas such as air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20260091388A1Pressure Supply Unit and Method for Providing a First Target Pressure Level and a Second Target Pressure Level for a Microfluidic Analysis System, Microfluidic Analysis System
Publication Date: 2026.04.02 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US20260091388A1 patent drawing
  • US20260091388A1 patent drawing
  • US20260091388A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A pressure supply unit for providing a first target pressure level and a second target pressure level, includes a pump for drawing in a fluid, a first fluid flow control component, and a second fluid flow control component. The first fluid flow control component is arranged on a first side of the pump that controls the fluid flow according to a first current pressure level and is thus configured to provide the first target pressure level on the first side of the pressure supply unit. The second fluid flow control component is arranged on a second side of the pump that controls the fluid flow according to a second current pressure level and is this configured to provide the second target pressure level on the second side of the pressure supply unit.