62
4 Dimensioning Droplet Microfluidic Networks
Finally, the scenario denoted “Automatic” in Table 4.1 eventually solves this
problem by automatically determining specifications fulfilling the required objectives. The results demonstrate that this method is capable of deriving a proper
specification for all microfluidic networks within negligible run-times.
4.5 Conclusion
This chapter considered how to derive a full specification of all components
for a droplet microfluidic network. This is a challenging task as an improper
dimensioning will likely lead to specifications which are not working as intended.
In order to support the designer in this task, the proposed methods allow for
automatically (1) validating whether a given specification works as intended and
for (2) conducting the dimensioning to obtain a proper specification. Case studies
confirmed that the proposed methods significantly aid the designer in the process:
While a random or simple dimensioning never yielded a specification which works
as intended, the validation method enabled the designer to quickly check and refine
initial choices. The automatic dimensioning method eventually enabled him/her to
efficiently obtain the desired specification in a push-button fashion.
After completing the dimensioning of all components, their specifications need to
be realized in a physical design. In this step, the actual layout, i.e. the placement of
all modules and the routing of the channels with the desired resistances, is created.
For this step, the next chapter introduces a method, which allows designers to
automatically generate designs of channel structures (so-called meanders channels),
which realize certain resistances.
4 Dimensioning Droplet Microfluidic Networks
Finally, the scenario denoted “Automatic” in Table 4.1 eventually solves this
problem by automatically determining specifications fulfilling the required objectives. The results demonstrate that this method is capable of deriving a proper
specification for all microfluidic networks within negligible run-times.
4.5 Conclusion
This chapter considered how to derive a full specification of all components
for a droplet microfluidic network. This is a challenging task as an improper
dimensioning will likely lead to specifications which are not working as intended.
In order to support the designer in this task, the proposed methods allow for
automatically (1) validating whether a given specification works as intended and
for (2) conducting the dimensioning to obtain a proper specification. Case studies
confirmed that the proposed methods significantly aid the designer in the process:
While a random or simple dimensioning never yielded a specification which works
as intended, the validation method enabled the designer to quickly check and refine
initial choices. The automatic dimensioning method eventually enabled him/her to
efficiently obtain the desired specification in a push-button fashion.
After completing the dimensioning of all components, their specifications need to
be realized in a physical design. In this step, the actual layout, i.e. the placement of
all modules and the routing of the channels with the desired resistances, is created.
For this step, the next chapter introduces a method, which allows designers to
automatically generate designs of channel structures (so-called meanders channels),
which realize certain resistances.