KR102396934B1 - Microfluidic Signage Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A microfluidic signage device according to the present invention comprises: a body; a micro channel formed within the body to provide a path through which a fluid can flow; a fluid supply unit for supplying a fluid to the micro channel; a fluid discharge unit for discharging the fluid which has passed through the micro channel; and a movement force application unit for applying a force to allow the fluid to flow through the micro channel, wherein signage is visually displayed through a color represented by the fluid flowing through the micro channel. The micro channel can be variously configured as needed, and dynamic information display is possible because the flowing method and speed of the fluid that flows through the micro channel can be adjusted. The present invention is not particularly limited to the material or shape of the body, and can thus be broadly applied to various fields, and in terms of information delivery, can also exhibit creativity according to the purpose of use and emotional factors, and thus can be variously utilized.

Description

Microfluidic Signage Device

The present invention relates to a microfluidic signage device, which uses a fluid flowing through a microchannel to visually display various contents.

Microfluidics is a field that precisely controls and manipulates geometrically limited fluids by forming a network of microchannels with a diameter of several μm to 100 μm in general.

Recently, the concept of nanofluidics has also been introduced, and the diameter of the channel is nano-sized.

Microfluidics focuses on the study and manipulation of a very small amount of fluid, and in this regard, a high level of technology for controlling microfluids, such as how the fluids are mixed and how they interact, is required.

For example, a fluid can be slowly diffused, flowed side by side, or separated into minute-sized droplets, and various technologies such as electric charges, syringes, pumps, and acoustic devices are used for this purpose.

In addition, microfluidic engineering is being applied to various fields such as biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields such as virus testing and detection of harmful chemical components, patient testing and diagnosis (Lab-on-a-Chip, LOC), bio-defense, and chemical engineering.

Microfluidic chips can be manufactured by various methods such as photolithography (or soft lithography), microthermal molding, microinjection molding, CNC machining, and 3D printing. A master mold with a concept similar to that of a mold is manufactured by methods such as soft lithography, and can be mass-produced using this method.

Meanwhile, a signage refers to a symbol, character, or mark used to transmit a certain message. Signage can also be used as a generic term for a visual structure created to convey specific information, and has a wide range of applications and interpretations, such as commercial signage, simple signage, flyers, and advertisements printed on souvenirs.

Conventional signage is generally implemented on paper or panel, but as technology develops, it is produced using cutting-edge electronic equipment such as LED screens.

A wide variety of visual expressions are possible using displays or electronic equipment, but these types of media are difficult to apply to everyday items such as business cards, promotional materials, consumables, and simple ornaments.

Conventional print-type signage can be produced inexpensively and easily, but only the same content cannot but be continuously expressed without change. In other words, it is difficult to attract interest because it can convey only fixed forms of characters, images, and meanings.

Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0020543 discloses a portable device having an integrated user interface for a microfluidic display, which is a UI (User Interface) technology used in conjunction with a touch screen of a device such as a mobile phone, and a microfluidic display. Although the surface of is deformed according to the input of the touch screen, this deformation is the rise of the surface with increased thickness.

Therefore, it is difficult to implement various and dynamic visual signage on various items such as business cards, promotional materials, consumables, and simple ornaments through the microfluidic display technology.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0020543 (Title: Portable device with integrated user interface for microfluidic display, publication date: 2013.02.27)

Accordingly, the present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and it is possible to display various and dynamic information, and in terms of information delivery, it can be configured and utilized in various ways according to the purpose of use and emotional factors, while being inexpensive and easy to implement. It is an object of the present invention to provide a micro-fluidic signage device.

In order to achieve the above object, a micro-fluidic signage device according to the present invention includes a main body having a predetermined shape; a microchannel formed inside the body to provide a path for the fluid to flow; and a fluid supply unit for supplying a fluid to the microchannel, and is configured to visually display a signage through a color appearing due to the fluid flowing through the microchannel.

The microfluidic signage device according to the present invention may further include a fluid discharge unit through which the fluid passing through the microchannel is discharged.

The fluid supply unit and the fluid discharge unit may be configured to be detachably attached to the body.

The fluid may consist of a liquid or a gas.

The fluid supply unit may be configured in the form of an open fluid supply groove capable of supplying the fluid from the outside. The fluid supply unit may be configured in the form of a closed fluid reservoir storing the fluid.

The fluid supply unit and the microchannel may be initially blocked from each other, and may be configured to be connected to each other by a certain stimulus. Here, the predetermined stimulus may include a physical stimulus, a stimulus by light, a chemical stimulus by the fluid, and the like.

The inside of the microchannel may be processed to display a color in response to a certain stimulus. In this case, a material having a specific color may be applied to the inside of the microchannel when it comes into contact with the fluid.

The fluid supply unit may include a plurality of fluid reservoirs for storing different fluids. In this case, the microchannel may include a portion in which the fluid supplied from two or more of the fluid reservoirs is mixed.

The micro-fluidic signage device according to the present invention may further include a movement force applying unit that applies a force so that the fluid can be developed through the micro-channel.

The moving force applying unit may be configured in the form of a film having an elastic force, and may be configured to apply the force by a restoring force.

The microchannel may be divided into a plurality of layers in an up/down direction.

In this case, each layer includes a signage layer in which a microchannel for forming a signage is disposed; an intermediate layer disposed below the signage layer; and a fluid transfer layer disposed under the intermediate layer and transferring the fluid to the signage layer.

In addition, the signage layer and the fluid transport layer may communicate with each other through a via hole passing through the intermediate layer.

Below the fluid transport layer, a fluid mixing layer may further include a fluid mixing layer that mixes the fluid supplied from at least two fluid reservoirs among the fluid reservoirs and transfers the fluid to the fluid transport layer.

The intermediate layer may be configured to be opaque so that the fluid flowing through the microchannel of the fluid transport layer is not visible. In addition, a background screen image of the signage may be displayed on the intermediate layer.

The signage layer may be composed of a plurality of layers.

In this case, at least one of a color and signage content displayed through the microchannel formed in each layer of the signage layer may be configured to be different from each other.

The signage layer may be configured in the form of a plurality of individual modules that can be mounted on the intermediate layer.

In this embodiment, each module may be formed with one or more fluid inlets through which the fluid may be introduced and one or more fluid outlets through which the fluid may be discharged. In addition, when a module constituting the signage layer is mounted on the intermediate layer, a plurality of fluid inlets and fluid outlets may be formed in advance to correspond to the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the module.

The micro-fluidic signage device according to the present invention displays visual information by a fluid developed through the micro-channel, and the micro-channel may be configured in various ways as needed.

Since the method and speed of fluid development through the microchannel can also be adjusted, dynamic information can be displayed.

Since there is no particular limitation on the material and shape of the body in which the microchannel is formed, it can be applied to a wide range of fields, and in terms of information delivery, it can be used in a variety of ways by demonstrating creativity according to the purpose of use and emotional factors.

1 is an embodiment of a micro-fluidic signage device according to the present invention;
2 and 3 are each embodiment illustrating a method of forming a microchannel to display a signage,
4 is an example of a blocking unit that blocks between the fluid supply unit and the microchannel;
5 and 6 are examples for explaining various methods in which a fluid is supplied to the microchannel through the fluid supply unit;
7 is an embodiment of a moving force applying unit;
8 and 9 are each embodiment of the micro-fluidic signage device forming a layer structure in the vertical direction,
10 is an embodiment in which the signage layer has a layered structure for each color;
11 is an embodiment in which the signage layer is configured in a module form;
12 is an example in which a micro-fluidic signage device is applied to a beer mug;
13 is an example in which a micro-fluidic signage device is applied to a business card;
14 is an example in which a micro-fluidic signage device is applied to a wedding invitation;
15 is an example in which a micro-fluidic signage device is applied to a frame;
16 and 17 are specific examples of using a plurality of signage layers,
18 is an example in which fluids in the same microchannel are separated from each other and utilized.

Since the present invention can apply various transformations and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The terms used in the present application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification exists, but one or more other features It should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the microfluidic signage device 100 according to the present invention includes a body 110 having a predetermined shape, and a microchannel formed inside the body 110 to provide a path for the fluid to flow. 120 , a fluid supply unit 130 for supplying a fluid to the micro-channel 120 , and a fluid discharge unit 140 for discharging the fluid passing through the micro-channel 120 may be included. In addition, various signages are visually displayed through the colors appearing due to the fluid flowing through the microchannel 120 .

In addition, depending on the purpose of use, the fluid supply unit 130 , the microchannel 120 , and the fluid discharge unit 140 may be configured in the form of a closed circulation channel.

The body 110 constitutes the exterior of the micro-fluidic signage device 100 and supports each component, and the micro-channel 120 is formed therein.

The main body 110 can be configured in various ways as needed, and there is no particular limitation.

For example, if the micro-fluidic signage device 100 is configured as a business card, it may have a thin plate shape, and if configured as a beer mug, it may be configured in the shape of a glass cup.

The material of the body 110 may be variously configured without limitation, such as a flexible material, a hard material, or a mixed material of two or more characteristics.

However, since the color appearing due to the fluid flowing through the microchannel 120 formed inside the body 110 must be visually seen from the outside, at least a portion of the body 110 may be configured to be transparent or translucent.

The microchannel 120 may be formed in various ways according to the shape and expression method of the signage to be displayed, and the cross-section may be variously configured such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a polygon, and the like.

The diameter of the microchannel may be about 1 μm to 100 μm, but is not limited thereto, and may be smaller or larger. For example, the diameter of the microchannel may be in the order of nanometers smaller than 1 μm, or may be greater than or equal to millimeters, and does not need to be constant.

That is, despite the dictionary meaning of the term 'microchannel' in the present invention, there is no particular limitation in diameter, shape, shape, length, or the like.

The fluid flowing through the microchannel 120 may be composed of a liquid or a gas.

In order to visually display the signage, the color must be able to appear due to the fluid flowing through the microchannel 120 .

For this purpose, the fluid may itself be a colored liquid or gas having a certain color. The color of the fluid includes any color that can be visually distinguished, including fluorescence or luminescent light.

In addition, the inside of the microchannel 120 may be processed to display a color in response to a certain stimulus. For example, a material exhibiting a specific color by reacting when in contact with a fluid may be coated inside the microchannel 120 .

In this embodiment, the fluid itself may be transparent and exhibit a specific color by a certain stimulus, or may have its own color and change to another color in response to a certain stimulus.

2 shows an example of displaying the signage 'Ganada', in which the fluid supplied through the fluid supply unit 130 is developed through the microchannel 120 and exits to the fluid discharge unit 140 . Arrows indicate the direction in which the fluid flows.

In this case, the microchannel 120 may be divided into a first part 120-1 and a second part 120-2 based on its role.

The first part 120-1 refers to a micro-channel part directly forming a signage to be displayed, and the second part 120-2 supplies a fluid to the first part 120-1, or the first part It refers to a part that allows the fluid to escape from 120-1 or to connect between the first parts 120-1. That is, the part visually displaying the signage is the first part 120 - 1 .

The first part 120 - 1 may be configured in various shapes to implement a visual effect. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the cross-section of the first part 120 - 1 for displaying the signage "Kanada" is formed widely. In this example, the width of the first portion 120 - 1 may be several millimeters.

FIG. 3A shows an example in which the first part 120-1 for displaying the letter 'a' is formed in a repetitive curve perpendicular to the moving direction, and in FIG. 3B, the first part 120-1 for displaying the letter 'A' is shown. ) is shown in an example in which it proceeds simultaneously through several paths in the longitudinal direction.

In particular, since the specific shape such as the width and height of the microchannel 120 affects the speed and flow rate of the fluid, various effects can be realized in the signage.

Like the first part 120-1 of FIG. 2, it may be configured as a single channel with a wide width and a low height, or it may be designed to have a small overall flow rate by forming a narrow and long path as shown in FIG. 3A, as shown in FIG. 3B. It can also make the width of the euro appear wider.

In addition, the interior of the microchannel 120 may be subjected to various functional surface treatments such as hydrophilic, hydrophobic, surface modification, and other functional coatings to control the flow of fluid.

The examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are only for helping understanding of the description, and the microchannel may be configured in any number of ways, and is not limited thereto.

The fluid supply unit 130 may be configured in various ways to properly supply the fluid to the microchannel 120 .

Referring to FIG. 4A , the fluid supply unit 130 may be configured in the form of a sealed fluid reservoir 131 storing a fluid. That is, the fluid is stored in the fluid reservoir 131 formed inside the body 110 , and the fluid reservoir 131 is configured in a sealed state using the cover 111 .

Referring to FIG. 4B , the fluid supply unit 130 may be configured in the form of an open fluid supply groove 132 exposed to the outside to supply a fluid from the outside.

At this time, since the fluid supply groove 132 is not sealed and is exposed, a necessary fluid can be supplied through this place. When the fluid supply unit 130 is configured in an open structure, the fluid is received in the fluid supply groove 132 but may be processed so as not to easily flow out again. For example, a porous material or the like may be filled in the fluid supply groove 132 .

In addition, after supplying the fluid, it may be configured to block the fluid supply groove 132 using an adhesive layer or the like. At this time, if the part (eg, an adhesive layer) covering the fluid supply groove 132 is made of a degradable material, the decomposition rate is adjusted according to the characteristics of the external fluid in contact with the fluid supply groove 132, and at a specific point in time, the fluid supply groove ( 132) may be configured to supply a fluid from the outside.

As shown in the example shown in FIG. 4 , the fluid supply unit 130 and the microchannel 120 may be configured to be initially blocked from each other through the blocking unit 170 .

That is, the fluid is blocked from being delivered from the fluid supply unit 130 to the microchannel 120 due to the blocking unit 170 , and when the blocking state of the blocking unit 170 is resolved by a certain stimulus, the fluid is the fluid It may be transferred from the supply unit 130 to the microchannel 120 .

The blocking unit 170 performing this role may have various structures and may be disposed at various positions. As a specific example, the blocking unit 170 may be configured such that the blocking state is resolved through physical stimulation, light stimulation, chemical stimulation by a fluid, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

That is, assuming that the micro-fluidic signage device 100 is implemented as a business card and the blocking unit 170 is damaged by a certain force that a person presses with a finger, the blocking unit 170 while the user hands the business card to the other party When you press the part with ), the fluid starts to flow from that point on, and information appears dynamically on the surface of the business card. Then, the effect as if writing a letter can appear.

As such, in addition to structures that are easily destroyed by external force (pressure), water-soluble materials, alcohol-decomposable materials, photo-decomposable materials, temperature-responsive decomposition/shrink/expansion materials, etc. can be used to enable fluid development under various conditions. there is.

Then, since it is possible to adjust the time of implementation of the signage, it is possible to implement an alarm function of various information such as drinking time notification, meeting time notification, presentation time notification, temperature display, and sunlight exposure time.

The fluid discharge unit 140 is a component through which the fluid passing through the microchannel 120 is discharged, and may be configured in various ways.

As an example, the fluid discharge unit 140 may be configured in the form of a fluid discharge groove exposed to the outside. That is, the fluid may be discharged to the outside of the body 110 .

As another example, the fluid discharge unit 140 may be configured in the form of a sealed fluid reservoir in which the fluid exiting the microchannel 120 is stored. That is, the fluid exiting the microchannel 120 may be configured to remain sealed inside the body 110 .

The fluid discharge unit 140 may be to arrange an empty space (reservoir) at the end of the microchannel 120 to assist the movement of the fluid.

The fluid supply unit 130 may include two or more fluid reservoirs, and different fluids may be stored in each fluid reservoir. Here, the different fluids refer to fluids having different properties, such as color.

For example, if red and blue are used for signage display, a fluid reservoir for storing a red fluid and a fluid reservoir for storing a blue fluid may be provided, but even if not red or blue, red or blue may be displayed under certain conditions. A fluid may be stored therein.

Referring to FIG. 5A , a fluid of a specific color stored in the fluid supply unit 130 is developed through the microchannel 120 or reacts with a material previously applied to the microchannel 120 to exhibit a specific color. .

As a specific example, if the basic solution is stored in the fluid supply unit 130 and phenolphthalein powder is applied to the microchannel 120 , a red color may be displayed as the basic fluid is developed in the microchannel 120 .

Referring to FIG. 5B , different fluids stored in the two fluid reservoirs 130 - 1 and 130 - 2 meet in the microchannel 120 and react with each other to display a specific color.

Referring to FIG. 6 , fluids of three primary colors (magenta, cyan, and yellow) are stored in three fluid reservoirs 133-1, 133-2, and 133-3, respectively, and fluid reservoirs 133-1 and 133-2 are respectively stored. , 133-3) is configured to be developed in the microchannel 120 via the mixing channel 128 in which the fluid is mixed, thereby implementing various colors.

At this time, by adjusting the ratio of the three primary colors by adjusting the flow rate through the width and diameter of the microchannel connected to the mixing channel 128 in each fluid reservoir, the color developed in the microchannel 120 can be precisely controlled. .

Since laminar flow may be formed in the microchannel 120 , the mixing channel 128 may serve to mix the fluid flowing through the microchannel.

The mixing channel 128 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, in order to induce a turbulent flow, the Y channel or the zigzag channel may be configured, and a protrusion may be formed in the microchannel or a structure may be inserted.

5 and 6 are only examples to help the understanding of the description, and the number, shape, size, arrangement, stored fluid, etc. of the fluid reservoirs constituting the fluid supply unit 130 may be variously configured, and are not particularly limited. .

The microfluidic signage device 100 may be configured to include a movement force applying unit 150 that applies a force so that the fluid can be developed through the microchannel 120 , and the movement force applying unit 150 is It can be configured in various ways.

7 shows an embodiment of the moving force applying unit 150, which is configured in the form of a film having an elastic force, and applies a force so that the fluid can flow through the microchannel 120 by the elastic force restored after being pressed. can

The membrane may be installed in an empty space, and as a specific example, it may be installed on the upper portion of the fluid discharge unit 140 . Depending on the restoring force of the membrane, it is possible to control the movement speed of the fluid. The membrane may be composed of a variety of materials. For example, it may be composed of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film, but is not limited thereto.

In addition to the elastic membrane, the flow of fluid through the microchannel can be precisely controlled using various methods such as capillary action, vacuum, and microvalves and pumps used in microfluidic devices/chips.

The micro-fluidic signage device 100 may be configured such that each component is arranged in a multi-layered structure inside the body 110 .

For example, among the first part 120-1 and the second part 120-2 constituting the microchannel 120, only the first part 120-1 displaying a signage is visible, and the second part ( 120-2) is a method of invisibility, in which the microchannel constituting the first part 120-1 and the microchannel constituting the second part 120-2 are divided into upper and lower sections, and the An opaque layer can be placed in between.

An embodiment in which each component is arranged in a multi-layered structure will be described with reference to FIG. 8 .

FIG. 8a shows an example of visually displaying the signage phrase "Kanada", as in the example shown in FIG. The signage is visually displayed while being developed through the second part 120 - 2 and flowing to the fluid discharge unit 140 .

In this case, at least the first portion 120 - 1 and the second portion 120 - 2 of the microchannel may be disposed on different layers in the up/down direction (vertical direction).

Referring to FIG. 8B , the signage layer in which the first part 120-1 of the microchannel is disposed, the intermediate layer 160, and the fluid transport layer in which the second part 120-2 of the microchannel is disposed are vertically arranged. layers are separated from each other.

That is, the signage layer, the intermediate layer, and the fluid transport layer are positioned from above.

In this case, the microchannels of the signage layer and the fluid transport layer may be configured to communicate with each other through the via hole A passing through the intermediate layer 160 .

The intermediate layer 160 separates the signage layer and the fluid transfer layer, and makes the color appearing through the first part 120-1 of the microchannel visually visible, and the second part 120-2 is invisible. To block it, it may be made of an opaque material.

The intermediate layer 160 may be configured to cover all portions that are not required to communicate with the outside or be visually visible.

As described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the multilayer structure may be preferably applied to an embodiment in which fluids having various characteristics (eg, color) are managed individually and mixed with each other as needed.

As in the example shown in FIG. 6 , if the fluid supply unit 130 includes three fluid reservoirs 133-1 to 133-3 each having three primary colors, by mixing the fluids of the three colors constituting the three primary colors with each other, It can express a wide variety of colors.

To this end, a layer for mixing the fluid supplied from each of the fluid reservoirs 133-1 to 133-3 may be separately disposed inside the body 110 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , the signage layer 126 - 1 , the intermediate layer 126 - 2 , the fluid transport layer 126 - 3 , and the fluid mixing layer 126 - 4 may be sequentially disposed from above.

Here, the first portion 120-1 of the microchannel for forming a visual signage is disposed on the signage layer 126-1, and an intermediate layer that makes the signage clearly visible under the signage layer 126-1 126-2 is formed, and in the fluid delivery layer 126-3 under the intermediate layer 126-2, a second microchannel for delivering fluid to the microchannel formed in the signage layer 126-1 A portion 120 - 2 is disposed.

The fluid mixing layer 126-4 disposed under the fluid transport layer 126-3 mixes the fluid supplied from each fluid reservoir 133-1 to 133-3 and transfers it to the fluid transport layer 126-3. In other words, a mixing channel may be formed in the fluid mixing layer 126 - 4 .

In addition, the fluid supply unit 130 , the fluid discharge unit 140 , and the movement force applying unit 150 may be disposed under the fluid mixing layer 126 - 4 .

In this case, the fluid movement between each layer may be made through a via hole that passes vertically through each layer, and each via hole may be disposed at an edge.

As described above, the intermediate layer 126 - 2 may be configured to be opaque so as not to be seen except for the first portion 120 - 1 of the microchannel for forming the signage.

An image that can serve as a background screen of a visual signage may be displayed on the intermediate layer 126 - 2 . Also, a kind of backlight may be disposed on the intermediate layer 126 - 2 .

The signage layer on which the signage is displayed may again be composed of a plurality of layers, and each layer of the signage layer may display different things.

For example, each layer may be classified by color by configuring the fluids of different colors to flow through the microchannels formed in each layer of the signage layer, and characters displayed through the microchannels formed in each layer of the signage layer; A figure, an image, etc. may be configured to have different contents.

10 shows an embodiment in which a signage layer on which signage is displayed is composed of a plurality of layers through which fluids of different colors flow, and three layers 126-11, 126-12, 126-13 showing different colors Each of these is placed at a different height.

In this case, the microchannels formed in each of the layers 126-11, 126-12, and 126-13 may be implemented in the form of filling the plane when viewed from above. In addition, it can be configured in various ways, such as implementing to represent multiple colors by making the colors of each layer appear overlapping.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the micro-fluidic signage device 100 may be configured in such a way that various modules are selected and mounted as if they were parts.

In this embodiment, the signage layer displaying information may be composed of various modules that can be selectively mounted on the intermediate layer 160 . In addition, portions formed under the signage layer may be formed in the body 110 .

That is, each module 210 constituting the signage layer may exist as a separate component from the main body 110 in which the layers below the intermediate layer 160 are implemented.

Here, each module 210 constituting the signage layer is mounted on the intermediate layer 160 configured in the main body to form the microfluidic signage device 100, and microchannels must be connected to each other.

Therefore, each module 210 constituting the signage layer is provided with one or more fluid input ports 211 to which a fluid can be supplied and one or more fluid outlets 212 to which the fluid can be discharged. A microchannel is formed so as to display a partial signage of the module 210 .

Each module may be configured to be detachably attached to the intermediate layer 160 .

In FIG. 11 , eight modules capable of displaying character information such as 'ga', 'da', 'rang', 'uh', '6', '9', 'ma', and 'li', respectively, are shown.

When the module 210 constituting the signage layer is mounted on the intermediate layer 160 of the body, a plurality of fluid inlets 120-8 to correspond to the fluid inlet 211 and the fluid outlet 212 of each module. And the fluid outlet (120-9) is formed in advance.

An example is shown in which a plurality of fluid inlets or fluid outlets are formed in each line, a line in which a fluid inlet is formed and a line in which a fluid outlet is formed are repeatedly formed in two rows, and a module 210 in which a signage 'A' is formed is mounted has been

Using this embodiment, various signage modules can be individually manufactured and distributed, and the user can implement the microfluidic signage device 100 by obtaining and installing a desired module.

Now, various implementation methods and application fields of the micro-fluidic signage device 100 will be described.

12 shows an example of application to the beer mug 231, it can be configured to display certain contents such as sobriety, warning, and publicity over time in relation to alcohol.

12a is an example in which both the fluid supply unit 132 and the fluid discharge unit 142 are of an open type, the fluid supply unit 132 is formed at the lower end of the beer mug 231, and the fluid discharge unit 142 is the beer It is formed on the upper end of the cup 231 . When beer is poured into the beer mug 231 , specific contents are displayed as the beer is developed along the micro-channel by capillary action from the fluid supply unit 132 to the fluid discharge unit 142 . The blocking layer 170 may also exist in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A .

12B shows an example in which the moving force applying unit 150 is added to the fluid discharge unit, and FIG. 12C shows an example in which the fluid supply unit 131 is configured in a closed type.

By pressing the moving force applying unit 150, a force can be applied for the fluid to rise along the micro-channel. In a structure in which the fluid supply unit 131 is sealed, time is delayed until the blocking film 170 is decomposed due to beer. , the signage content is displayed.

As described above, the micro-fluidic signage device 100 may be directly implemented on the beer mug 231 , but it may also be implemented by separately configuring the micro-fluidic signage device and attaching it to the beer mug 231 .

13 shows an embodiment of the micro-fluidic signage device 100 configured in the form of a business card. The sealed fluid supply unit 131 in which the fluid of each color is stored is covered with an opaque intermediate layer so as not to be seen, and is moved to the upper right A fluid discharge unit 141 having a film formed thereon is provided for applying a force.

When the blocking film 170 is destroyed using pressure or the like while handing a business card to the other party, the fluid stored in each fluid supply unit 131 starts to flow through the microchannel, and the fluid expands through the microchannel of the signage layer. The shape of the Taegeukgi and various character information are displayed. Although a membrane structure is shown as an example of the moving force applying unit 150 , various means such as a micropump may be used in addition to the membrane structure.

The Taegeukgi shape and characters appearing on the business card do not exist in the early days, and only appear visually as the fluid develops.

In this way, it is possible to give the effect of writing or drawing a picture on a business card, a greeting card, a wedding invitation, etc.

From the moment the other party receives it, various information such as company name, name, and logo are dynamically visualized, giving a special feeling.

14 shows an embodiment applied to articles such as wedding invitations having a cover 110-3. When the cover 110-3 is opened, the barrier film 170 is destroyed, and the fluid stored in the fluid supply unit 131 is flows through the microchannel. It is possible to make the contents of the wedding invitation appear naturally at the same time as the wedding invitation is opened.

At this time, even after the blocking film 170 is destroyed, the flow of the fluid may be delayed for a certain time through the arrangement or structure of the microchannel. A structure that destroys the blocking film 170 when the cover 110 - 3 is opened may be configured in various ways. For example, in connection with the opening structure of the cover 110 - 3 , a structure for breaking the blocking film 170 may be provided.

In addition, the flow of the fluid may be controlled by precise electronic control by linking the micropump and the control system (controller, switch, sensor, battery, etc.).

15 shows an embodiment of implementing the micro-fluidic signage device 100 in the form of a picture frame.

A relatively large famous painting or photo usually includes a frame, and the frame may serve as the main body 110 . A fluid supply unit 131 in which each colored ink is stored may be disposed inside the frame, and a driving device such as a moving force applying unit (eg, a micro pump) may be invisibly disposed. In addition, the control unit 190 including the battery 191 and the controller 192 may be built in the frame frame.

First, by operating the micropump through the controller 192 to expand the fluid of the fluid supply unit 131 through the microchannel 120, it is possible to exhibit the effect of seeing a scene in which a picture is drawn in the designed order and color.

The fluid supply unit 131 for storing fluids of three primary colors and the like, and the fluid discharge unit 141 for collecting the fluid flowing through the microchannel may be implemented in the form of a cartridge, and may be configured to be detachable from the body.

Then, after the fluid is developed through the controller 192 to display the picture, the fluid supply unit 131 is replaced with a cartridge storing a colorless liquid, the fluid discharge unit 141 is replaced with an empty cartridge, and the controller ( 192), if the signal is applied and expanded again, it will be erased as an empty picture. After that, if the fluid supply unit 131 is replaced with a three-primary color cartridge again, and the fluid discharge unit 141 is replaced with an empty cartridge, reuse is possible. At this time, the fluid discharge unit 141 may be used twice or more according to its capacity.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, to explain another example of configuring and utilizing a plurality of signage layers, a work (first signage layer) and a work description (second signage layer) are configured on one screen and periodically can be repeatedly expressed as

By having a fluid circulation channel 129 and a pump unit 193 and controlling it through a controller 192, the work is initially expressed with the effect of drawing a masterpiece on the first signage layer (FIG. 16), and then The description of the work can be expressed in the effect of writing on the work ( FIG. 17 ).

In this case, the description of the work can be expressed as a repeated signage that appears briefly and then disappears.

That is, by forming the fluid circulation channel 129, periodic repetition can be implemented, and various phrases or images can be combined as desired to periodically repeat expression. In addition, it is possible to express only a desired signage at a desired time through the controller 192 .

16 and 17, one fluid circulation channel 129 and a pump unit 193 are briefly shown for convenience, but the number, structure, arrangement, etc. of the fluid circulation channel 129 and the pump unit 193 may vary as needed. It can be configured to be, and is not limited thereto.

As in the example described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 , the movement force applying unit 150 includes a pump unit 193 applying a force to flow a fluid, a controller 192 controlling the pump unit 193 , and a controller 192 . and a battery unit 191 for supplying electric energy necessary for driving the pump unit 193 , and the like.

Referring to FIG. 18 , the fluids circulated through the same fluid circulation channel 129 may be separated from each other by various means.

For example, the two fluids 127-1 and 127-2 having different properties may flow through the same microchannel in a separated state without being mixed with each other through the separation means 127-3.

More simply, two or more fluids (colored and colorless) that do not mix with each other can be configured in various ways depending on the purpose of use (signage) to flow the microchannel (circulation channel). In this case, the shape (width, height, shape, etc.) of the circulation channel may be configured differently depending on the purpose.

As a specific example, two fluids constituting a colored cycle (colored fluid, signage expression section) and a colorless cycle (colorless fluid) can be placed in the same fluid circulation channel, and between the two fluids, each fluid can be separated from each other. Means (eg, oil, air, etc., which are immiscible with the two fluids) can be located.

With this configuration, when the colorless fluid 127-2 is deployed on the signage layer, the signage content is not expressed, and when the colored fluid 127-1 is deployed on the signage layer, the signage content can be expressed. there is.

In addition, if a plurality of colored and colorless fluids that do not mix with each other are disposed in each fluid circulation channel using a plurality of fluid circulation channels and a signage is implemented, a signage that changes instantaneously or continuously may be implemented.

Each of the use cases described above is only for helping understanding of the description, and the micro-fluidic signage device 100 according to the present invention is not limited thereto.

In addition, in the present invention, signage may be used to mean including any information that can be visually displayed to convey a certain message, such as a sign, text, figure, picture, or mark.

Although the present invention has been shown and described in relation to specific preferred embodiments, the present invention may be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the technical features or fields of the present invention provided by the following claims. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

100: micro fluidic signage device
110: body 111: cover
120: microchannel 120-1: first part
120-2: second part 126-1: signage layer
126-2: intermediate layer 126-3: fluid transport layer
126-4: fluid mixture layer 127-3: separation means
128: mixing channel 129: fluid circulation channel
130, 130-1, 130-2, 131, 132: fluid supply unit
140: fluid discharge unit 150: movement force applying unit
160: middle layer 170: blocking part
193: pump unit
210: module 211, 120-8: fluid inlet
212, 120-9: fluid outlet

Claims (22)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete a body having a certain shape;
a microchannel formed inside the body to provide a path for the fluid to flow; and
A fluid supply unit for supplying a fluid to the microchannel,
Through the color that appears due to the fluid flowing through the microchannel, the signage is visually displayed,
a signage layer in which the microchannel is divided into a plurality of layers in an up/down direction, and a microchannel for forming a signage is disposed; an intermediate layer disposed below the signage layer; and a fluid transfer layer disposed under the intermediate layer and transferring the fluid to the signage layer,
The signage layer and the fluid transport layer communicate with each other through a via hole passing through the intermediate layer, micro-fluidic signage device. 15. The method of claim 14,
The fluid supply unit includes a plurality of fluid reservoirs for storing different fluids,
The microfluidic signage device further comprising a fluid mixing layer under the fluid transport layer, which mixes the fluid supplied from two or more fluid reservoirs among the fluid reservoirs and transfers the fluid to the fluid transport layer. 15. The method of claim 14,
The intermediate layer is configured to be opaque so that the fluid flowing through the microchannel of the fluid transport layer is not visible. 15. The method of claim 14,
A micro-fluidic signage device, characterized in that the background screen image of the signage is displayed on the intermediate layer. 15. The method of claim 14,
The signage layer is characterized in that composed of a plurality of layers, micro-fluidic signage device. 19. The method of claim 18,
At least one of a color and signage content displayed through a microchannel formed in each layer of the signage layer is configured differently from each other, a microfluidic signage device. 15. The method of claim 14,
The signage layer is configured in the form of a plurality of individual modules that can be mounted on the intermediate layer, and at least one fluid inlet through which the fluid can be introduced and at least one fluid outlet through which the fluid can be discharged are formed in each module. ,
When the module constituting the signage layer is mounted on the intermediate layer, a plurality of fluid inlets and fluid outlets are formed in advance so as to correspond to the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the module, microfluidic signage device.
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