Microfluidic channels and reservoirs in portable electronic devices
View Patent ↗A microfluidic case and an electronic device including a microfluidic case are described.
1. An electronic device, comprising:
a microfluidic case having at least one reservoir adapted to hold a fluid material, the case further comprising:
at least one channel coupled to each reservoir at a first end of the channel and adapted to receive the fluid material;
an opening at a second end of the channel adapted to eject the fluid material; and
a mechanical actuator adapted to force the fluid through the second opening, wherein at least a portion of the microfluidic case is substantially compliant and is adapted to substantially envelope the electronic device.
2. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the liquid material is a scented material.
3. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the microfluidic case is adapted to be attached to and removed from the electronic device.
4. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the microfluidic case is an integral component of a case of the electronic device.
5. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the microfluidic case is at least partially substantially transparent.
6. An electronic device as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the microfluidic case includes a structural layer, a channel layer and a sealing layer.
7. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one reservoir is single reservoir and the at least one channel comprises a plurality of channels coupled to the single reservoir.
8. A microfluidic case adapted for use with an electronic device, comprising:
at least one reservoir adapted to hold a fluid material, comprising:
at least one channel coupled to each of the reservoirs at a first end of the channel and adapted to receive the fluid material;
an opening at a second end of the channel adapted to eject the fluid material; and
a mechanical actuator adapted to force the fluid through the second opening, wherein at least a portion of the microfluidic case is substantially compliant and is adapted to substantially envelope the electronic device.
9. A microfluidic cases claimed in claim 8 , wherein the liquid material is a scented material.
10. A microfluidic case as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the microfluidic case is adapted to be removed from and attached to the electronic device.
11. A microfluidic case as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the microfluidic case is at least partially substantially transparent.
12. A microfluidic case as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the microfluidic case includes a structural layer, a channel layer and a sealing layer.
13. A microfluidic case as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the at least one reservoir is single reservoir and the at least one channel comprises a plurality of channels coupled to the single reservoir.