Invention Coach:
Robert L. Read
Public Inventor(s):
Joe Hershberger
Previous PIs:
Veronica Stuckey, Lisa Kotowski
Motivation:
The motivation behind the Passive Ferrofluid Check Valve (PFCV) project is to create a novel, passive one-way valve using ferrofluids with no moving parts, making it ideal for lab-on-a-chip applications. The valve’s simplicity and lack of mechanical components offer advantages in terms of reliability and ease of fabrication. The project explores the theoretical underpinnings of the valve and aims to improve its design and performance, potentially leading to new innovations in fluid control and pump systems with minimal mechanical complexity.
Story:
The story behind the Passive Ferrofluid Check Valve (PFCV) began with a desire to create a valve with no moving parts that could be easily integrated into lab-on-a-chip devices. After numerous experimental setbacks and a surprising breakthrough, the team discovered that ferrofluids—liquids that respond to magnetic fields—could be used to create a one-way valve that worked in the opposite direction of their initial assumptions. This unexpected outcome led to a successful design that showed promise for efficient, passive fluid control in small-scale applications.
Status:
Skills Needed
3D drafting skills, simulation work in Solidworks, a basic understanding of physics II principles, and some comprehension of the basics behind one-way valves for microfluidic devices
Quarterly Goals
For the Passive Ferrofluid Check Valve (PFCV) project, quarterly goals might include:
Quarter 1:
- Refine valve design based on previous tests.
- Optimize the chamber and magnetic field configuration for improved performance.
- Conduct experiments to measure cracking and collapse pressure with more precise instruments.
Quarter 2:
- Scale down the design for miniaturization and integration into lab-on-a-chip devices.
- Test the scalability using 3D printing techniques.
- Begin conceptualizing a ferrofluid-based pump system with integrated valves.
Quarter 3:
- Develop a working prototype of the ferrofluid pump.
- Explore additional ways to improve fluid control and valve efficiency.
- Publish findings in open-access journals for community feedback.
Quarter 4:
- Focus on gathering community feedback through open-source collaboration to refine the valve design further.
- Encourage contributions from researchers, makers, and engineers to explore new applications and improvements.
- Continue enhancing accessibility by sharing updated designs and research findings under the nonprofit’s open-source model.
- Foster partnerships with educational institutions or open-source hardware initiatives to expand the project’s impact and usability in public and research sectors.
Collateral
Photo Gallery
