Capillary Biofluid Sensor Chip for Continuous Wearable Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable technologies are limited in their ability to provide continuous and non-invasive monitoring of biofluids, such as sweat, saliva, and tears, which are essential for comprehensive health and wellness assessment, as they are bulky, non-scalable, and lack real-time capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated multi-function device on a single chip, incorporating semiconductor sensors, micro/nano-fluidic channels, and a reference electrode, capable of detecting biochemicals and biomarkers in biofluids, with a compact form factor suitable for wearable applications, allowing for continuous and real-time monitoring without the need for active pumping or external energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blood testing is used for biomarker monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but invasiveness increases and continuous monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential sensing function from traditional laboratory blood testing equipment and implements it in a miniaturized wearable form factor. The semiconductor sensor chip contains only the necessary sensing elements, fluidic channels, and electronics required for biomarker detection, separating the monitoring function from the invasive blood draw procedure itself by using alternative biofluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-monitoring through passive capillary action that automatically draws biofluid through the microfluidic channels without requiring external pumps or power sources. The system serves itself by utilizing the natural capillary forces present in the biofluid to drive the analytical process.
2Measurement precision
If conventional biosensor systems are used for biofluid monitoring, then sensing capability is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components into a single integrated chip: the semiconductor sensor, microfluidic channels, reference electrode, and electronic circuitry are all combined on one substrate. This consolidation maintains full sensing capability while dramatically reducing device size and complexity for wearable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The design embeds the microfluidic channels within and around the semiconductor sensor structure, with the reference electrode integrated into the chip substrate. The nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to coexist in a compact configuration, with smaller features embedded within larger structures.
3Measurement precision
If active pumping systems are used for biofluid transport, then flow control precision is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic channels are designed to exploit passive capillary action, where the natural surface tension and adhesion forces of the biofluid drive it through the channels without requiring external pumps. The channel geometry and surface properties are engineered to provide sufficient capillary pressure for reliable fluid transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pumping systems with a passive capillary-based fluid transport mechanism. By substituting active mechanical components with passive physical phenomena, the system eliminates the need for motors, batteries, and control electronics associated with active pumping.
4Measurement precision
If laboratory-based analytical methods are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but portability and continuous monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core analytical function from the laboratory setting and implements it in a portable wearable device. By taking out only the essential sensing and detection capabilities and removing unnecessary laboratory infrastructure, the system achieves laboratory-grade measurement accuracy in a lightweight form factor suitable for continuous wear.
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
Enables non-invasive, continuous, and real-time biofluid monitoring, providing comprehensive health data, enhancing the accuracy of health and wellness assessments, and facilitating preventive healthcare through wearable devices like smart patches and wrist-based devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of micro/nano-fluidic channels (006) configured to transfer the biofluid from the inlets (007) to the outlets (008) by capillary motion
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of semiconductor sensors (002) configured to analyze the received bio-fluid
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An on-body wearable bio-fluid collection and sensing device including an interface or interface surface comprising at least one biocompatible material for contacting a bodily part; at least one inlet for receiving the bio-fluid, at least one outlet for evacuating the bio-fluid, a plurality of semiconductor sensors configured to analyze the received bio-fluid, at least one reference electrode for biasing a bio-fluid gate of at least one of the semiconductor sensors, and at least one micro-fluidic or nano-fluidic channel in fluid communication with the at least one inlet, the at least one outlet and the at least one reference electrode; the at least one micro-fluidic or nano-fluidic channel includes the plurality of semiconductor sensors.