Reversible bonding of microfluidic channels using dry adhesives
US10124332B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/23957
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reversible bonded microfluidic structure comprises an overhanging cap or gasket structure atop a continuous microfluidic channel wall. An overhanging gasket structure may reduce stress concentrations at the edge of the channel wall and can permit improved reversible adhesion of the channel wall and adjacent dry adhesive fibers. In one example, reversible adhesion of the overhanging channel wall gasket and adjacent dry adhesive fibers may approach 1 MPa in axial loading. An overhanging gasket structure of the microfluidic channel wall may comprise a single “fiber” that is continuous around the perimeter of the desired microfluidic channel shape, and may define a self-sealing gasket which will contain fluid. The overhanging gasket structure may be surrounded by further overhanging or undercut dry adhesive fibers to enhance the adhesion and help make the rest of the surface more tolerant to defects and surface roughness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.