Membrane-based fluid control in microfluidic devices

• US 9,651,166 B2
• Filed: 02/26/2015
• Issued: 05/16/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Incorporated
• Inventors: Mescher, Mark J., Fiering, Jason O., Swan, Erin E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bastianelli, John
• Application Number:
  US14/632,324
• Publication Number:
  US 20150167863A1
• Time in Patent Office: 810 Days
• Field of Search: 251264, 251331, 2513352
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/226 Spindles or actuating means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0244 Micromachined materials, e.g. made from silicon wafers, microelectromechanical systems [MEMS] or comprising nanotechnology
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2206/22 eliminating pulsatile flows, e.g. by the provision of a dampening chamber
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 31/002 Devices for releasing a drug at a continuous and controlled rate for a prolonged period of time artificial gland structures or devices A61F2/022; intra-uterine contraceptive devices A61F6/14; tampons for introducing into the vagina A61F13/20, A61L15/00; suppositories or bougies for intra-vaginal or intra-uterine application A61K9/02; physical forms of medicinal preparations for sustained or differential drug release A61K9/20, A61K9/50
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/22 Valves or arrangement of valves A61M39/02, A61M39/0247, A61M39/16 take precedence; regulating valves in infusion systems A61M5/16881; in devices worn by the patient for the reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge, or in colostomy devices A61F5/4405
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/141 with capillaries for restricting fluid flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16809 by repeated filling and emptying of an intermediate volume pressure infusion using positive displacement pumps A61M5/142
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16813 by controlling the degree of opening of the flow line
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 2099/0069 Bistable microvalves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 2099/0076 using electrical discharge machining [EDM], milling or drilling
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 2099/008 Multi-layer fabrications
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 2099/0088 Implanted devices
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 99/0001 Microvalves microdevices B81B1/00; manufacture or treatment of devices or systems in or on a substrate B81C1/00; microfluidic structures B01L3/5027; micropumps F04B19/006
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 99/0015 Diaphragm or membrane valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 99/0034 Operating means specially adapted for microvalves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 99/0042 Electric operating means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 99/0055 actuated by fluids
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 7/0113 the sensing element acting as a valve
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 7/012 the sensing element being deformable and acting as a valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 : Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0396 : Involving pressure control

Abstract

A microfluidic valve system includes a substrate, a valve seat a compliant membrane and a mechanically actuable displacement element. The substrate includes first and second channels embedded within it and includes a first layer of material and a second layer of material. The valve seat is in fluid communication with the first and second channels. Portions of the second layer of material form sidewalls of the second channel and the valve seat. The mechanically actuable displacement element applies a mechanical force to the compliant membrane to bring the compliant membrane into sealable contact with the valve seat, thereby closing the valve system.

Claims

1. A microfluidic valve system, comprising:

a substrate having first and second channels embedded therein and having a first layer of material and a second layer of material;

a valve seat in fluid communication with the first and second channels;

a compliant membrane; and

a mechanically actuable displacement element for applying a mechanical force to the compliant membrane to bring the compliant membrane into sealable contact with the valve seat, thereby closing the valve system, wherein portions of the second layer of material form sidewalls of the second channel and the valve seat.

2. The valve system of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises a plate with a threaded hole formed therethrough, and wherein the displacement element is positioned in the threaded hole.

3. The valve system of claim 1, wherein the displacement element is manually actuable.

4. The valve system of claim 1, wherein the displacement element comprises a threaded element.

5. The valve system of claim 1, wherein the valve seat comprises a protruding ring axially aligned with the through hole.

6. The valve system of claim 1, further comprising a third layer of material, coupled to the second layer of material and positioned on an opposite side of the second layer of material relative to the first layer of material, wherein the third layer of material forms a portion of a ceiling of the second channel, and the compliant membrane is coupled to the third layer of material on an opposite side of the third layer of material relative to the second layer of material.