Stacked Accommodation Case for Wireless Power in Humid Microfluidics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic devices face challenges in arranging electric devices such as sensors and pumps due to the limited degree of freedom in positioning power reception coils for wireless power supply, and these devices are at risk of damage from high humidity environments.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an accommodation case with a power supply unit on one wall and a power reception unit on an adjacent wall, allowing for non-contact electric power transmission. This design enhances the flexibility in arranging electric devices and includes a moisture-proof mechanism to protect them from humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless power supply by magnetic field coupling method is used, then electric power can be transmitted contactlessly, but the degree of freedom in arranging power reception coil is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal/planar arrangement of power transmission and reception coils to a vertical arrangement across stacked accommodation cases. The power transmission coil is placed in the upper accommodation case while the power reception coil is placed in the lower accommodation case, utilizing the vertical dimension to enable contactless power transmission while maintaining arrangement flexibility.
2Productivity
If electric devices are placed in high humidity environment for microfluidic device operation, then microfluidic device can function properly, but electric devices are at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two separate accommodation cases: an upper case that maintains high humidity for microfluidic device operation, and a lower case with low humidity that houses the electric devices. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environment while maintaining functional integration through wireless power transmission.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power reception coil is arranged in vicinity of power transmission coil, then wireless power supply efficiency is improved, but flexibility in arranging electric devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves efficient wireless power transmission by arranging the power transmission coil and power reception coil vertically close to each other across stacked accommodation cases, rather than requiring horizontal proximity. This vertical arrangement in the third dimension enables both high power transmission efficiency and flexible device placement.
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 ensures a higher degree of freedom in arranging electric devices within the microfluidic system while minimizing the risk of device damage from moisture, thereby improving the operational efficiency and reliability of the microfluidic device setup.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless power supply by a magnetic field coupling method such as an electromagnetic coupling method or a magnetic field resonance method is a method of contactlessly transmitting electric power, in which a power reception coil receives a magnetic field generated by a power transmission coil.
Implementation Method 2
a power reception coil receives a magnetic field generated by a power transmission coil
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an accommodation case (1) having a first wall part (33) in which a power supply unit (40) that transmits electric power to a power supply destination in a noncontact state is provided, a second wall part (34) in which a power reception unit (50) that receives electric power that is supplied from a power supply source in a noncontact state is provided, where the second wall part (34) faces the first wall part (33), and an accommodation space (35) that is surrounded by a plurality of wall parts including the first wall part (33) and the second wall part (34).