18389880. MICROELECTRONIC THERMAL VALVE simplified abstract (PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION)

MICROELECTRONIC THERMAL VALVE

Organization Name

PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Inventor(s)

Alina Alexeenko of West Lafayette IN (US)

Anthony George Cofer of Lafayette IN (US)

Stephen Douglas Heister of West Lafayette IN (US)

MICROELECTRONIC THERMAL VALVE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18389880 titled 'MICROELECTRONIC THERMAL VALVE

Simplified Explanation

The microfabricated valve described in the patent application operates without any moving parts. It consists of a reservoir of liquid connected to an outlet channel with a narrow throat, less than 100 microns wide. The channel is designed as an elongated slit, utilizing surface tension to prevent liquid flow until a heater raises the temperature of the liquid meniscus, causing ejection of a portion of the fluid. This ejection generates both a thrusting and cooling effect.

• The valve has a reservoir of liquid connected to an outlet channel with a throat less than 100 microns wide.
• The outlet channel is designed as an elongated slit to utilize surface tension to prevent liquid flow until a heater raises the temperature of the liquid meniscus.
• The ejection of fluid from the channel creates both a thrusting and cooling effect.

Potential Applications

The technology could be used in microfluidic systems, lab-on-a-chip devices, drug delivery systems, and precision flow control applications.

Problems Solved

The valve eliminates the need for moving parts, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and increasing reliability. It also provides precise control over fluid flow in microscale systems.

Benefits

The valve offers a simple and reliable solution for controlling fluid flow in microfluidic devices. It enables precise dosing and dispensing of liquids without the need for complex mechanisms.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications include medical devices, analytical instruments, and industrial automation systems that require precise fluid control in a compact and reliable package.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be microvalves with moving parts or complex structures that achieve similar functionality but may be less reliable or more challenging to manufacture.

How does the size of the outlet channel affect the performance of the valve?

The size of the outlet channel directly impacts the flow rate and pressure capabilities of the valve. A smaller channel may provide more precise control but could limit the maximum flow rate.

What materials are suitable for constructing the microfabricated valve?

The choice of materials for the valve components is crucial for compatibility with different liquids, temperature ranges, and manufacturing processes. Further research is needed to optimize material selection for specific applications.

Original Abstract Submitted

A microfabricated valve with no moving parts. In one embodiment, the valve includes a reservoir of a liquid that is in fluid communication with an outlet channel having a throat that is less than 100 microns wide. Preferably, the channel is an elongated slit. The configuration of channel is adapted and configured such that surface tension of the liquid prevents flow out of the channel. A heater increases the temperature of the meniscus of the fluid, until a portion of the fluid is ejected from the channel. The ejection of the fluid creates both a thrusting effect and a cooling effect.