Biochip Sensor Reaction Sites for Uniform Sample Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biochips face issues with non-uniform fluidic velocity distribution across reaction sites, leading to inconsistent sample loading rates and potentially inaccurate test results.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a flow channel and reaction sites of varying sizes, where reaction sites closer to the fluidic boundary are larger than those farther away, to compensate for the parabolic flow velocity profile, and conductive layers to generate dielectrophoretic or electrophoretic forces for improved sample loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If reaction sites are made uniform in size across the flow channel, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sample loading rate becomes non-uniform due to parabolic fluidic velocity distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making reaction sites have different sizes depending on their location within the flow channel. Reaction sites closer to the center of the flow channel (where fluidic velocity is higher) are made smaller, while those near the boundaries (where velocity is lower) are made larger. This local variation in size compensates for the non-uniform fluidic velocity distribution, ensuring uniform sample loading rates across all reaction sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter (size/diameter) of reaction sites based on their position in the flow channel. By adjusting the diameter of each reaction site according to a predetermined pattern that accounts for the parabolic velocity profile, the system achieves uniform sample loading despite varying fluid velocities at different locations.
2Reliability
If reaction sites near the fluidic boundary are made larger to compensate for lower velocity, then sample loading uniformity improves, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by tailoring the size of each reaction site to its specific location within the flow channel. Sites near the fluidic boundary receive larger dimensions to compensate for lower sample flow rates in those regions, while central sites are smaller. This localized adaptation ensures that all reaction sites achieve comparable sample loading rates, improving the reliability and accuracy of testing results across the entire device.
3Ease of operation
If all reaction sites are positioned equidistantly from the flow channel boundary, then the layout is symmetric and simple, but fluidic velocity differences cause non-uniform sample delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the reaction site configuration by positioning sites at different distances from the flow channel boundary and assigning different sizes accordingly. This asymmetric layout breaks the symmetry that would otherwise exist in a regular grid, allowing the system to compensate for the inherent asymmetry in the parabolic velocity profile and achieve uniform sample loading across all sites.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor device is provided. The sensor device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a flow channel and a first reaction group. The second substrate is disposed opposite the first substrate. The flow channel is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the flow channel includes a fluidic boundary. The first reaction group is disposed on the first substrate and includes a first reaction site, a second reaction site and a third reaction site. The first reaction site is closer to the fluidic boundary than the second reaction site, and a size of the first reaction site is greater than or equal to a size of the second reaction site. The second reaction site is closer to the fluidic boundary than the third reaction site, and the size of the second reaction site is greater than a size of the third reaction site.