Microfluidic Valve Systems and Methods

The present disclosure provides a microfluidic valve with a liquid-film-core to open and close one or more dispensing orifices of an ejection nozzle of a microfluidic system, such as an inkjet printhead, to prevent nozzle-clogging. The microfluidic valve employs a non-volatile liquid to control ambient air exposure at a liquid-air interface. Particularly, the microfluidic valve utilizes a microfluidic driving mechanism, such as electrowetting principles or magnetic fields, to control movement of the non-volatile liquid in order to control the ambient air exposure at a liquid-air interface. The valve comprises a non-volatile liquid-film-core, a valve housing including a valve channel and a pair of aligned openings, and a valve control subsystem, whereas the liquid-film-core is movably confined within the valve channel, and the valve control subsystem controls movements of the liquid-film-core within the valve channel to Open and Close the aligned openings.

Attached files:


Patents:
US 20,100,072,414

Inventor(s): KWON JAE WAN [US]

Type of Offer: Licensing



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