Valve Device Closure Diaphragm Fluid Tightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane valves in microfluidic systems suffer from high gas and liquid permeability, leading to leakage and inability to maintain fluid tightness for extended periods, and are not suitable for implementing 'normally closed' valve functionality, which is essential for long-term storage and controlled fluid switching.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a closure membrane made of low permeability materials, such as metal foils or composite films, and a sealing mechanism that can be damaged by fluid pressure, allowing for reversible or irreversible opening to ensure fluid tightness and controlled fluid release, integrated within a multi-layer lab-on-chip cartridge structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional elastomeric membrane materials are used in diaphragm valves, then the valve can be manufactured with ease and flexible sealing, but the gas and liquid permeability is high making long-term fluid storage impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite membrane structures combining elastomeric materials with low-permeability layers (such as PTFE or other barrier materials) to achieve both flexibility and fluid tightness. This composite approach maintains the manufacturability and sealing properties of elastomers while blocking gas and liquid permeation that would otherwise occur through the elastomeric material alone.
2Reliability
If conventional diaphragm valves are used for long-term fluid storage, then the valve structure is simple, but liquid leakage occurs making storage beyond one day impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film structures with specific permeability characteristics that can maintain fluid tightness over extended periods. These thin films are integrated into the diaphragm valve design to provide long-term retention capability while maintaining the flexible sealing necessary for valve operation.
3Reliability
If predetermined breaking points are used to create normally closed valves, then the valve can be manufactured simply, but high dead volume is created between chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized structural modifications at specific points in the fluid path rather than using extensive blocked channel sections. By concentrating the sealing function at localized regions (such as at the diaphragm sealing point or channel intersections), the design achieves effective valve sealing while minimizing the volume of stagnant fluid in dead zones.
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 long-term stable storage and controlled switching of fluids, maintaining fluid tightness for over half a year and minimizing dead volume, while ensuring reliable separation and release of fluids in microfluidic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a means (123) for exerting a fluid pressure on at least one side of the closure diaphragm, wherein the closure diaphragm (120) and/or the sealing point (121) are designed to be at least partially damaged by the fluid pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve device (114, 119, 123) for a fluid supply unit (100), wherein the valve device (100) comprises a fluid reservoir (114). Furthermore, the valve device (114, 119, 123) includes a closure unit (119) with a closure diaphragm (120) and a sealing point (121) between the closure diaphragm (120) and the fluid reservoir (114), wherein the sealing point (121) seals the fluid reservoir (114) in a fluid-tight manner. The valve device (114, 119, 123) is also provided with a means (123) for exerting fluid pressure on at least one side of the closure diaphragm (120), wherein the closure diaphragm (120) and/or the sealing point (121) are designed to be at least partially damaged by the fluid pressure.