Uniform Flow Divider With Integrated Resistance for Parallel Microfluidics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic systems face challenges in uniformly distributing liquid flow among multiple devices due to variations in flow resistance, leading to uneven flow rates and reduced reaction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A uniform flow distribution device with a single substrate featuring a flow distribution section and a flow resistance section, which includes multiple branching stages and symmetrical channel designs, ensures precise distribution and increased flow resistance to maintain uniform flow rates across multiple outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If compensation tubes with large flow resistance are used to uniformly distribute liquid, then flow rate uniformity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow distribution function and flow resistance function into a single integrated substrate device. The flow distribution section divides the inlet flow into multiple branch flow channels, and the flow resistance section provides controlled resistance to each branch, eliminating the need for separate compensation tubes and external tubing connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow resistance section as an intermediary component between the flow distribution section and the fluidic devices. This section provides controlled flow resistance to each branch flow channel, acting as a mediator that compensates for variations in downstream device resistance and ensures uniform flow rates.
2Manufacturing precision
If connecting tubing and compensation tubes are used, then flow resistance can be adjusted, but flow resistance variations occur among individual branches making precise liquid distribution difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the flow channels by forming them with specific dimensions (width, depth, length) in the flow resistance section. By controlling these geometric parameters, the flow resistance of each branch can be precisely adjusted and standardized, ensuring consistent flow rates across all branches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different flow resistance characteristics to different locations in the device. The flow resistance section is specifically designed with localized resistance elements in each branch flow channel, allowing independent control of flow resistance for each branch while maintaining overall system uniformity.
3Productivity
If multiple fluidic devices are connected in parallel to increase processing capacity, then liquid processing amount is improved, but flow rate variations occur due to individual device differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single inlet flow into multiple separate branch flow channels using the flow distribution section. Each branch channel is then independently controlled by the flow resistance section, allowing parallel connection to multiple fluidic devices while maintaining uniform flow rates through controlled segmentation of the flow path.
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 device achieves high precision in liquid distribution, maintaining flow rates within 5% variation, enhancing reaction efficiency and yield in microfluidic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a flow resistance section that is located downstream of the flow distribution section and configured to provide flow resistance to each of the branch flow channels
Data Source
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AI summary
A uniform flow distribution device including a single substrate provided having flow channels connecting one inlet and a plurality of outlets. The flow channels include a flow distribution section configured to distribute a liquid introduced into the inlet of the substrate into a plurality of branch flow channels that connect to the outlets, and a flow resistance section that is located downstream of the flow distribution section and configured to provide flow resistance to each of the branch flow channels.