Fluid delivery device with hydrophobic surface
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsYang Liu, Steven L. Wright
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a liquid delivery apparatus. A non-limiting example of the apparatus includes a substrate including a cavity formed in a surface of the substrate. The apparatus can also include a membrane disposed on the surface of the substrate covering an opening of the cavity. The apparatus can also include a hydrophobic layer disposed on the membrane. The apparatus can also include a seal disposed between the membrane and the substrate, wherein the seal surrounds the opening of the cavity. The apparatus can also include an electrode layer coupled to the membrane.
Claims17
A method of delivering liquids comprising:
- forming a hydrophobic liner on an inside surface of a release membrane covering a delivery structure reservoir, the hydrophobic liner is a hydrophobic layer;
- depositing a liquid in the delivery structure reservoir, the liquid comprising a drop of solution;
- sealing the delivery structure reservoir with a hydrophilic layer;
- and
- providing an electric current to the release membrane to dispense the liquid;
- wherein the drop of solution is disposed on the hydrophilic layer such that an air pocket is between the drop of solution and the hydrophobic layer.
A method of delivering liquids comprising:
- forming a first substrate comprising a reservoir;
- forming a membrane on a first surface of the first substrate covering a first opening of the reservoir;
- bonding a second substrate to a second surface of the first substrate, wherein the second substrate comprises a reservoir seal covering a second opening of the reservoir, the reservoir seal comprising a hydrophilic surface;
- forming a hydrophobic layer on an inside surface of the membrane;
- placing electrodes in electrical contact with the membrane;
- and
- disposing a drop of solution on the hydrophilic surface such that an air pocket is between the drop of solution and the hydrophobic layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.