Microfluidic foil structure for metering of fluids

US8580209B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Dirk Kurowski · Gevelsberg, DE
• Mario Hempel · Braunschweig, DE
• Gert Blankenstein · Arlington, US
• Tobias Rodenfels · Dortmund, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 2, 2009
• Grant date: Nov 12, 2013
• Expiry date: Jul 9, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/756
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A microfluidic device meters liquids into a network of channels or chambers partly formed by a film partly attached to and above a substrate, the network permitting flow of fluid above the substrate. To form a channel or chamber, the edge zone between unattached and attached portions of the film forms a wedge of material by viscous flow of film material as the film is laminated to the substrate, this wedge forming a transition between the chamber wall and the substrate, raising the wall above the plane of the substrate. Film is laminated with a mask having an opening, the mask pressed onto the film under pressure and/or with heat. The film is brought to a temperature to produce a viscous flow of film and/or substrate medium into the region of the opening, forming a wedge of material as the film bulges up at the opening to form a chamber.