Acoustic Wave Biomarker Detection via Injection-Locked Oscillator
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing systems utilizing acoustic wave devices face limitations in efficiently detecting multiple biomarkers and require complex and costly microprocessor-based systems, leading to potential false positives and negatives in health-related tests.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system utilizing an acoustic wave device configured as an injection-locked oscillator, which functions similarly to a neural network, eliminating the need for microprocessors and ASICs, and utilizing multiple acoustic wave devices to create a low-cost, commercially available platform for detecting multiple biomarkers by shifting frequency in response to biomarker presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If microprocessor-based systems are used for detecting multiple biomarkers, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces microprocessor-based electronic systems with a mechanical oscillation-based system. Multiple acoustic wave devices are coupled together to form a unified oscillating system where each device's resonant frequency corresponds to a specific biomarker. The system uses physical coupling and resonance interactions rather than electronic data processing, thereby eliminating the need for microprocessors while maintaining multi-biomarker detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled acoustic wave devices system serves multiple detection functions simultaneously. Each acoustic wave device can detect a specific biomarker, and when coupled together, they form a unified system that can detect multiple biomarkers in a single platform. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate detection systems or complex microprocessor-based multi-parameter analysis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If microprocessor-based systems are used for detecting multiple biomarkers, then detection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive microprocessor-based systems with simpler mechanical oscillation-based detection. The coupled acoustic wave devices utilize physical resonance and coupling phenomena that can be manufactured using standard acoustic device fabrication techniques, avoiding the need for expensive electronic components, microprocessors, and associated data acquisition circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs acoustic wave devices that can be manufactured as cost-effective, potentially disposable units. Each device contains the essential detection functionality through its acoustic resonance characteristics, eliminating the need for expensive, complex electronic systems. This approach enables low-cost production and distribution of multi-biomarker detection platforms.
3Device complexity
If single indicator tests are used, then system simplicity is improved, but reliability decreases due to false positives and negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple acoustic wave devices into a coupled oscillating system where each device detects a different biomarker. The system requires the simultaneous presence of multiple biomarkers to produce a positive indication, thereby reducing false positives and negatives. This combination approach maintains relative simplicity while significantly improving diagnostic reliability through multi-parameter verification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a low-cost, user-friendly platform with reduced false positives and negatives, capable of detecting multiple biomarkers, improving diagnostic performance and eliminating the need for complex data acquisition circuitry, suitable for home use in testing for conditions like asthma, allergies, and cancers.
Implementation Method 1
an input electrode assembly mounted on the body of piezoelectric material whereby the input electrode assembly when activated produces an acoustic wave across the body of piezoelectric material
Implementation Method 2
the induced frequency shift of an acoustic wave device would be due to the presence of biomarkers, which participate in a cascade of molecular events in a cell or a group of cells
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system includes an acoustic wave device comprising a body of piezoelectric material, and a first electrode assembly mounted on the piezoelectric body whereby an appropriate input applied to the electrode assembly produces an acoustic wave in the piezoelectric body and a first frequency response. The acoustic wave device also has a second electrode assembly to produce a second frequency response, the second electrode assembly being in contact with an area sensitive to a supplied stimulus to cause a characteristic of the sensitive area to change when a supplied stimulus is sensed to thereby change the second frequency response. The acoustic wave device has an output connected to the input of an amplifier, the amplifier having an output connected to the input of a coupling device. The coupling device is connected to the input of the acoustic wave device and has an output connected to a detector. The acoustic wave device, the amplifier and the coupling device are configured to be in an “off” condition when no supplied stimulus is sensed by the sensitive area of the acoustic wave device and to be in an “on” condition when a supplied stimulus is sensed by the sensitive area. The coupling device is configured to send a change signal to the detector when a change from the “off” condition to the “on” condition occurs.