Voltage Upconverter for Microfluidic Pump Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic devices, such as diagnostic chips, require significant energy to drive pumps, often necessitating additional power sources like batteries or being tethered to an outlet, which is undesirable for portable applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a voltage upconverter to receive electrical power from a USB port and convert it into an output voltage sufficient to drive pumps within microfluidic diagnostic chips, eliminating the need for additional power sources by using the USB port as the sole power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If additional power sources like batteries are used to drive pumps in microfluidic devices, then sufficient power is provided to drive the pumps, but device portability and simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage upconverter circuit is designed to accept multiple input voltage sources (battery or USB connection) and convert them to the required high voltage output for driving pump electrodes. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve sufficient power output while maintaining portability and simplicity by using a standard USB port as the primary power source, eliminating the need for separate battery compartments and power management circuits.
2Power
If additional power sources like batteries are used to drive pumps in microfluidic devices, then sufficient power is provided to drive the pumps, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage upconverter circuit serves multiple functions: it converts low voltage from either a battery or USB port to high voltage for pump operation, and also provides voltage regulation and protection. By designing the circuit to primarily use a USB port for power input, the device eliminates the need for heavy battery packs, significantly reducing device weight while maintaining sufficient power output for driving the electrostatic or piezoelectric pumps.
3Power
If additional power sources like batteries are used to drive pumps in microfluidic devices, then sufficient power is provided to drive the pumps, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage upconverter is designed with a universal input interface that accepts standard USB power connections. The circuit automatically detects and adapts to the connected power source, eliminating the need for users to manually configure or switch between different power sources. This simplifies operation significantly, as users only need to connect a USB cable to a standard power outlet or computer, and the system handles all power management automatically.
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 portable operation of microfluidic devices by providing sufficient power to drive pumps and sensors through a USB connection, enhancing portability and reducing the need for additional power sources.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage upconverter is provided to convert an input voltage from a USB port to an output voltage sufficient to drive the pump and sensor in the microfluidic diagnostic chip
Data Source
AI summary
A system may comprise a voltage upconverter, a universal serial bus (USB) connector to receive an input voltage from a USB port on a computing device, and a microfluidic diagnostic chip communication link to electrically couple the voltage upconverter to a microfluidic diagnostic chip wherein the voltage upconverter is to convert the input voltage to be received by the USB connector to an output voltage sufficient to drive a pump on the microfluidic diagnostic chip. A diagnostic system may comprise a microfluidic diagnostic chip comprising a pump and a voltage upconverter to receive an input voltage from a universal serial bus (USB) port of a computing device and to convert the input voltage into an output voltage that powers activation of the pump.