Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200, University Avenue West, Waterloo, Canada.
Lab Chip. 2016 Aug 16;16(17):3317-29. doi: 10.1039/c6lc00626d.
We combine image processing and feedback controls to regulate droplet movements. A general modelling approach is provided to describe droplet motion in a pressure-driven microfluidic channel network. A state space model is derived from electric circuit analogy and validated with experimental data. We then design simple decentralized controllers to stabilize droplet movement. The controllers can trap droplets at requested locations by fine tuning inlet pressures constantly. Finally, we demonstrate the ability to split and merge the same droplet repeatedly in a simple T-junction. No embedded electrodes are required, and this technique can be implemented solely with a camera, a personal computer, and commercially available E/P transducers.
我们结合图像处理和反馈控制来调节液滴的运动。提供了一种通用的建模方法来描述压力驱动微流控通道网络中的液滴运动。从电路类比推导出状态空间模型，并通过实验数据进行验证。然后，我们设计了简单的分散控制器来稳定液滴的运动。通过不断微调入口压力，控制器可以将液滴精确地停留在所需位置。最后，我们在一个简单的 T 型 Junction 中演示了重复分裂和合并同一液滴的能力。不需要嵌入式电极，这项技术仅用一个摄像头、一台个人电脑和市售的 E/P 换能器就可以实现。
