Spontaneous transport of fluids without external force offers an enabling tool for a wide spectrum of fields. However, the development of a universal spontaneous transport platform for liquids remains a challenge. In this work, a novel bamboo-joint-like platform with tapered micro-tubes as transport units is presented, which not only enables the spontaneous transport and extrusion of liquids but also enables customized and optional assembly of transport devices. Spontaneous transport characterized with long-distance, anti-gravity transport, directional transport, and liquid extrusion characteristics was found to show excellent transport capacity. The results indicated that both transport distance and speed varied periodically with time, which was mainly due to the difference in curvature caused by asymmetric structure and capillary force. The desired spontaneous transportation was successfully obtained even when the supply rate speed was up to 632.5 μl/min and length of platform reached a scale of hundreds of millimeters. Transport units were easily fabricated via a commercially available 3D printing technique, so that the customized and directional spontaneous directional transport can be realized for liquid distribution, serpentine loop transportation, and speed control. With the comprehensive use of transport units and connectors, it is very easy to implement self-service construction of a universal complex multi-functional transportation platform.

中文翻译：

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类似于竹节的平台，可快速，长距离，定向和自发地输送流体。

无需外力就可以自发地输送流体，这为广泛的领域提供了一种可行的工具。然而，开发通用的液体自发运输平台仍然是一个挑战。在这项工作中，提出了一种新型的类似竹节的平台，该平台以锥形微管作为运输单元，不仅可以自发地运输和挤压液体，还可以定制和可选地组装运输设备。发现具有长距离，反重力运输，定向运输和液体挤出特征的自发运输显示出优异的运输能力。结果表明，运输距离和速度均随时间周期性变化，这主要是由于不对称结构和毛细作用力引起的曲率差异所致。 μ升/分钟和平台的长度达到数毫米的的标度。运输单元可以通过可商购的3D打印技术轻松制造，因此可以实现定制的定向自发定向运输，以进行液体分配，蛇形回路运输和速度控制。通过广泛使用运输单元和连接器，可以轻松实现通用复杂的多功能运输平台的自助服务构建。