Microfluidic device
Inventors
Vergne, Clémence • ROUFFET, BENJAMIN • MATTHYS, LIONEL • BRETON, ROBERT • Petit, Nicolas
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11338289-B2
Publication Date
2022-05-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
Microfluidic device comprising a tank (6) supplying a microchannel (2) with a first fluid (S), and a circuit (8) in which a flow of a second fluid can be established without contact with the microchannel (2). The circuit (8) passes through the tank (6) or is connected to the tank (6) by a pipe (30). The circuit (8) comprises a first on/off valve (12) mounted in parallel with a first proportional valve (11), these first valves (11, 12) being controllable so as to modify the pressure applied in the tank (6) to the first fluid (S) by the second fluid.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a microfluidic device in which a tank supplies a microchannel with a first fluid, while a circuit establishes a flow of a second fluid to apply pressure in the tank without contact with the microchannel. The circuit can pass through the tank or be connected to the tank by a pipe, and the second fluid pressure is used to modify the pressure applied in the tank to the first fluid.
The core approach uses a circuit that comprises an on/off valve mounted in parallel with a proportional valve, where a maximum opening cross-section of the proportional valve is smaller than a maximum opening cross-section of the on/off valve. Both valves are controlled to modify the pressure applied in the tank to the first fluid by the second fluid, with a rapid transient pressure adjustment followed by stabilized permanent pressure.
To address pressure oscillations caused by on/off valve switching, the document provides a damping system. The damping system includes structural options such as an open-pore porous material or a damper connected via a closed lateral branch, together with additional damping elements described as a cylinder with a moving part and a spring and a needle valve arrangement.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim directed to the microfluidic device architecture and valve arrangement, with dependent claims refining control behavior, quantitative valve opening constraints, and damping and branch embodiments. The inventive features below reflect the main elements called out by the independent claim and its central refinements.
Second fluid pressure circuit without microchannel contact
A tank supplies a microchannel with a first fluid, and a circuit establishes a flow of a second fluid without contact with the microchannel.
Circuit passes through the tank or connects by pipe
The circuit passes through the tank or is connected to the tank by a pipe.
Parallel on/off and proportional valves for tank pressure modification
The circuit comprises an on/off valve mounted in parallel with a proportional valve, and both are controlled to modify a pressure applied in the tank to the first fluid by the second fluid.
Smaller proportional maximum opening cross-section than on/off valve
A maximum opening cross-section of the proportional valve is smaller than a maximum opening cross-section of the on/off valve.
Two-phase response after set pressure change
A control system operates an on/off valve and a proportional valve so the tank pressure reaches a set pressure using a two-phase response after any set-pressure change.
Proportional valve opening cross-section less than 5%
A proportional valve whose maximum opening cross-section is less than 5% of the maximum opening cross-section of an on/off valve.
Damping system for pressure oscillations caused by on/off valve actuation
A system to damp pressure oscillations caused by opening or closing an on/off valve.
Damping system with open-pore porous material connected in series/parallel valve arrangement
A damping system using an open-pore porous material connected in series with an on/off valve and in parallel with a proportional valve.
Two branches on opposite sides of the tank
A circuit with two branches on opposite sides of the tank that connect directly into the tank.
Across the independent claim and key dependent refinements, the inventive coverage focuses on a non-contact second-fluid pressure circuit for a tank feeding a microchannel, a parallel on/off and proportional valve arrangement with a constrained proportional opening relative to the on/off valve, and control behavior that includes reaching set pressure followed by stabilization. Further coverage addresses damping of pressure oscillations from on/off actuation and multiple structural branch and damping embodiments.
Stated Advantages
Enables rapid transient pressure adjustment followed by stabilized permanent pressure.
Damps pressure oscillations caused by opening or closing an on/off valve.
Reaches and maintains pressure at a set pressure using a two-phase response after any set-pressure change.
Documented Applications
Microfluidic operation where a tank supplies a microchannel with a first fluid and a second fluid applies pressure to the tank without contacting the microchannel.
Pressure-control operation requiring transient adjustment and stabilized permanent pressure in the tank feeding the microchannel.
Pressure-control operation requiring mitigation of pressure oscillations caused by on/off valve switching.
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