Vibrating Projection Flow Path for Fine Liquid Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fine flow paths used for sample tests, cell culture, and chemical analysis, it is challenging to efficiently flow target liquids due to the significant influence of surface tension, which requires additional liquid for pressure application, potentially leading to increased usage and potential deterioration when using gases or other liquids for pressure.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with projections on the inner wall of the flow path, vibrated by a transducer element, increases the sectional area and generates a driving force to facilitate the flow of target liquids through the path, reducing the need for additional liquid and preventing deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the sectional area of the flow path is reduced to minimize target liquid usage, then the amount of target liquid required decreases, but surface tension becomes more significant and prevents efficient liquid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration to the flow path structure (or liquid) to overcome surface tension effects. The vibration generates inertial forces that counteract surface tension, enabling liquid to flow through fine flow paths without requiring additional pressure application liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or parameters of the system by introducing vibration, which modifies the effective surface tension or the balance of forces acting on the liquid, allowing flow in conditions where static surface tension would prevent it.
2Ease of operation
If additional liquid is used to apply pressure for liquid flow, then flow is achieved, but the usage amount of target liquid increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using additional liquid pressure, the patent uses mechanical vibration of the flow path structure to generate the driving force for liquid flow. This eliminates the need for pressure application liquid while maintaining flow capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure application system (which would require additional liquid) with a vibration-based system that uses inertial forces to drive flow, thereby substituting one mechanical approach for another more efficient one.
3Ease of operation
If gas or other liquid is used for pressure application, then flow is maintained, but deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-based flow maintenance method eliminates contact with external pressure application media (gas or other liquids), thereby preventing any potential deterioration or contamination of the target liquid while maintaining flow capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the flow path structure itself as the vibrating element, making the system self-contained and eliminating the need for external pressure application media that could cause deterioration.
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 apparatus efficiently allows target liquids to flow through fine flow paths with minimal liquid usage, preventing deterioration and ensuring continuous flow without the need for filling the system with additional liquids, thus optimizing the use of valuable target liquids.
Implementation Method 1
a projection (32) provided on an inner wall of the flow path and having an inclined surface disposed so that a distance from a second surface decreases toward a downstream side in a flowing direction of the target liquid; and a transducer element (31) that causes the projection (32) to vibrate in an intersecting direction that intersects the flowing direction
Implementation Method 2
the projection (32) to vibrate in an intersecting direction that intersects the flowing direction of the target liquid, thereby allowing the target liquid to flow efficiently through the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus according to an embodiment includes a member having a flow path in the member; a projection that is provided on a first surface of an inner wall of the flow path, and that has an inclined surface disposed so that the distance from a second surface positioned on a side opposite to the first surface in the inner wall decreases toward a downstream side in a flowing direction of target liquid; and a transducer element configured to cause the projection to vibrate in an intersecting direction that intersects the flowing direction.