Schwerkraftgesteuertes Mikrofluidisches Ventil

Details

Veröffentlichungs-Nr.

EP4813518

Anmeldetag

27. März 2026

Veröffentlichung

30. September 2026

Rechtsraum

EP

IPC

B01L3/00, B01F33/30, F16K99/00

Abstract

A gravitationally checked microvalve for use in a microfluidic chip/device has a receptacle with a floor and at least one sidewall; a supply channel for non-capillary transport of liquid with an outlet into the receptacle; and an enclosure that permits pressurization-driven flow of tiny volumes of liquid with great control. The microvalve has an accretion surface surrounding the outlet on at least 3 sides thereof, that guides growth and formation of a bolus of the liquid from the supply channel to accrete volume at the outlet, by preventing spread of the liquid beyond the accretion surface, to draw a center of gravity of the bolus away from the sidewall. Once sufficient volume accretes, weight overbears adhesion, and the bolus falls. Preferably a slide is provided to guide the bolus's fall. As the fluid has fallen, gravity checks the valve after the fall. A vertical separation between the outlet and the floor is at least 5.5 mm to ensure checking.

Anmelder

Firma

National Research Council of Canada

Land

🇨🇦 Kanada

Fachgebiete