Thermal Ejector Fluid Cartridge for Precision Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dispensing liquids in laboratory and Point-of-Care diagnostics lack precision, portability, and flexibility, often requiring large sizes and complex electrical interfaces, and may experience undesirable chemical interactions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system featuring a thermally actuated ejector chip with simplified control logic, On-Chip Memory, and a modular fluid cartridge design, allowing for precise control of liquid dispensing with reduced electrical inputs and minimizing chemical interactions through a programmable interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical methods (peristaltic pumps, piezo pumps) are used for liquid dispensing, then liquid delivery capability is achieved, but device size becomes large and precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pumping systems (peristaltic pumps, piezo pumps) with a thermal ejector system that uses heat-induced pressure changes to dispense liquids. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, reducing device size while enabling precise liquid delivery through controlled thermal expansion and pressure differential mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters from mechanical force-based dispensing to temperature-based dispensing. By controlling temperature variations in the ejector chamber, the system achieves precise liquid ejection without requiring large mechanical components, thus improving precision while minimizing device volume.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional dispensing systems are designed for portability, then device size is reduced, but precision and control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical control systems with a thermal control system, the invention achieves precise liquid dispensing in a compact form factor. The thermal ejector uses temperature-controlled pressure changes rather than mechanical pumps, enabling high precision in a portable device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal ejector system is self-regulating through temperature-controlled pressure differential. The system automatically controls liquid ejection by maintaining specific temperature conditions in the ejector chamber, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms and achieving precise dispensing in a compact design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple liquids are dispensed using traditional methods, then liquid variety is achieved, but chemical interactions and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs separate storage reservoirs for different liquids, with each liquid isolated in its own chamber until dispensing. The thermal ejector system can selectively activate different ejector elements corresponding to different liquid reservoirs, enabling multi-liquid dispensing without cross-contamination or unwanted chemical interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal ejector chamber acts as an intermediary space where liquids are individually introduced and dispensed. By using temperature-controlled pressure differential as the dispensing mechanism rather than direct mechanical contact between different liquid streams, the system prevents chemical interactions while maintaining versatility in liquid variety.
4Measurement precision
If complex control interfaces are used for precise liquid dispensing, then dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity and electrical interface requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal ejector system uses self-regulating temperature-controlled pressure differential to achieve precise liquid dispensing. The system automatically maintains the required pressure conditions through thermal control, eliminating the need for complex electrical control interfaces, multiple sensors, and sophisticated control algorithms while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from complex electrical signals to simple temperature control. By using temperature as the primary control parameter for the thermal ejector, the system achieves precise liquid dispensing with a simplified control interface that requires minimal electrical input and output capabilities.
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 and flexible liquid dispensing with small size and portability, achieving high precision and versatility in delivering various liquids while maintaining a simplified control interface and minimizing chemical interactions.
Implementation Method 1
A programmable thermal ejector is used to dispense the liquid
Implementation Method 2
The back pressure media, when wetted with the dispensing fluid, creates a capillary action to create a negative pressure at the nozzle plate
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid cartridge has a bottle to retain a volume of fluid. An ejector chip resides in fluid communication with the bottle and causes ejection of fluid upon activation of fluid ejectors. Control logic coordinates ejector activation with dose control logic and temperature control circuitry. The dose control logic pre-specifies an amount of fluid to be ejected and prevents further ejection upon reaching the amount. Meanwhile, the temperature control circuit inhibits any ejection until a temperature of the fluid is within a predefined acceptable range. Bottle modularity, fluid dispense-areas and group-control of the ejectors facilitate certain designs.