OVERFILL-TOLERANT MICROFLUIDIC STRUCTURES

Organization Name

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.

Inventor(s)

OVERFILL-TOLERANT MICROFLUIDIC STRUCTURES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18559496 titled 'OVERFILL-TOLERANT MICROFLUIDIC STRUCTURES

Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes an overfill-tolerant microfluidic structure that includes various components to prevent liquid overflow while allowing gas to flow out.

Key Features and Innovation:

Inlet microfluidic channel for liquid input
Sample chamber connected to the inlet channel
Gas-permeable liquid barrier to allow gas to flow out of the sample chamber
Overflow chamber connected to the inlet channel
Capillary break with a narrowed opening to prevent liquid overflow

Potential Applications: This technology can be used in various microfluidic systems where precise control of liquid levels is crucial, such as in medical diagnostics, chemical analysis, and biological research.

Problems Solved: The technology addresses the issue of liquid overflow in microfluidic systems, ensuring accurate and reliable operation without the risk of spills or contamination.

Benefits:

Prevents liquid overflow
Allows gas to flow out
Ensures precise control of liquid levels
Enhances the reliability of microfluidic systems

Commercial Applications: Potential commercial applications include the development of advanced lab-on-a-chip devices, point-of-care diagnostic tools, and high-throughput screening systems for pharmaceutical research.

Prior Art: Readers can explore prior art related to microfluidic systems, capillary breaks, and gas-permeable barriers in microfluidics to understand the evolution of this technology.

Frequently Updated Research: Stay updated on the latest advancements in microfluidics, capillary break technology, and gas-permeable barriers to enhance your understanding of this field.

Questions about Overfill-Tolerant Microfluidic Structure: 1. How does the gas-permeable liquid barrier work in preventing liquid overflow? 2. What are the specific advantages of using a capillary break in this microfluidic structure?

Original Abstract Submitted

An example overfill-tolerant microfluidic structure can include an inlet microfluidic channel. A sample chamber can be connected to the inlet microfluidic channel to receive liquid from the inlet microfluidic channel. A gas-permeable liquid barrier can be connected to the sample chamber and positioned to allow gas to flow out of the sample chamber. An overflow chamber can be connected to the inlet microfluidic channel. A capillary break can be positioned between the inlet microfluidic channel and the overflow chamber. The capillary break can include a narrowed opening with a smaller width than a width of the inlet microfluidic channel. In some examples, the gas-permeable liquid barrier can allow gas to flow out of the sample chamber at a pressure lower than the break pressure, and prevent liquid from flowing out of the sample chamber at the break pressure.