CNC Piezoelectric Droplet Injector for Microfluidics
Problem statement
The current method of acquiring X-ray images of microfluidic injectors within an acoustic levitator presents significant challenges due to the inability to maintain precise positioning in three-dimensional space. Without proper levitation, the X-ray imaging process is compromised by external interference, such as the containment vessel’s material, leading to inaccurate results. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a novel solution that enables the precise delivery of a microfluidics droplet injector to an acoustic levitator, ensuring accurate X-ray imaging without external interference, ultimately advancing research and development in various fields reliant on microfluidics.
This issue impedes the development and analysis of crucial medications and other beneficial liquids. Our client, Dr. Kamlesh Suthar, has worked in conjunction with Dr. Mike Sracic on this project for over 9 years. They have integrated various projects done by students from UW Madison and MSOE over these years making progress along the way. The succession of this project will allow Dr. Suthar to continue his research at Argonne National Lab.
Advances in X-Ray spectroscopy (which is the aim of Dr. Suthar’s Research) will in turn help in Medical Imaging thus creating ripples in the medical field. It is also invaluable in the material science field allowing researchers to study composites at a molecular level and advancing their research as well. According to the paper “Design and Prototype of a Two-Axis Acoustic Levitator”(Clough et al., 2016), it can also make tidal waves in micro-material manufacturing which will in turn improve consumer products.
Before making plans, we decided to do our research. With resources like “Design and Prototype of a Two-Axis Acoustic Levitator” (Clough et al., 2016), and “Acoustic Pressure Fields Generated with a High Frequency Acoustic Levitator” (Sracic et al., 2017), we quickly picked up on the essentials required before starting the project. We decided to look into various XYZ positioning systems such as the SCARA position system and 3D printing mechanism.
From sites like Xometry and ScienceDirect, we decided to take a mechanism more similar to the gantry system. We plan on using a vertical rod to help us reach the desired height and use a horizontal beam and a turret to allow us to maneuver the positioning on that plane. It gives us a positioning system that is high in accuracy which is key for the success of this project. We also believe this design will be optimal for the camera position required for this project.
Resources for Problem Statement:
Clough, J., Sracic, M. W., Piombino, D., Braaten, J., Connors, S., Pedigo, N., Prantil, V., & Suthar, K. (2016). IMECE2016-66193 DESIGN AND PROTOTYPE OF A TWO-AXIS ACOUSTIC LEVITATOR. In International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition.
Sracic, M. W., Petrie, J. D., Moroder, H. A., Koniecko, R. T., Abramczyk, A. R., & Suthar, K. (2017). ACOUSTIC PRESSURE FIELDS GENERATED WITH A HIGH FREQUENCY ACOUSTIC LEVITATOR. In International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition.
https://www.xometry.com/resources/3d-printing/gantry-system/
https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/science/article/pii/B9780323918343000156
Team members
Jake Jackan – leader
Manann Bhargava – communicator
Jared Arkin – accountant
Carter Henry – admin
Client
Kamlesh Suthar
Argonne Labs