Multi-Switchable Micro Dispenser Chip-Set for Portable Health Care Devices

Abstract

Pneumatic ( air pressure drive ) micro dispenser system without any dead volume of sample was developed successfully. The 10- directional switching valve chip and the sampling chip as the component of this dispenser were developed successfully. The sampling chip can divide liquid every 1 muL or 0.5 muL without any dead volume of sample by decompressing and the compressing air. This simple operation is caused by the original novel detecting method of micro fluid and check valves of hat shape. The switching valve chip selects the outlet that injects the dispensed sample. This chip has a special rotary mechanism with the silicone rubber leak-preventions and the precise auto- positioning mechanism. This chip can switch ten outlets by built- in micro solenoid (1 N, 6 V DC) under high leakage pressure (higher than 500 kPa). Since the both of chips were fabricated by our original "hybrid micro stereo lithography" (hybrid-IH process), the micro assembling and bonding are not needed.