Capillary Biosensor Window Design for Visual Liquid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biosensors designed to analyze small sample volumes face difficulties in visually confirming the reach of sample liquid within the capillary due to narrow capillary widths and overlapping window designs, which complicates liquid detection and deteriorates the appearance by exposing internal structures.
Innovation Solution
The analytical tool features a window positioned to avoid direct alignment above the exposed electrodes, with an opaque region between the sample introduction port and the window, allowing for clear visual inspection of liquid movement and presence without compromising the device's appearance, utilizing a transparent cover with strategically placed opaque layers for high contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the window extends continuously from the sample liquid introduction port toward the air vent, then the sample liquid movement can be checked by visual inspection, but it becomes difficult to check which point in the capillary the sample liquid has reached and the internal structure is visible before use
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous window is segmented into a first window near the sample liquid introduction port and a second window near the air vent. This segmentation allows users to check sample liquid introduction at the first window and confirm reach at the second window, solving the difficulty of detecting the liquid reach point while maintaining ease of visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
An opaque portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the first window and the second window. This opaque portion blocks the view of the internal structure (working electrode and counter electrode) when viewed through the first window, preventing appearance deterioration while still allowing sample liquid movement to be tracked through the second window.
2Shape
If the insulating film covering the working electrode and counter electrode is colored, then the appearance is improved, but the color of the insulating film makes the color of the sample liquid indistinctive
Solution Approach 1:
The opaque portion is strategically positioned only in the region where the first window views the internal structure. This local application of opacity allows the insulating film to be colored for appearance improvement in other regions, while the specific viewing area remains opaque to block internal structure visibility and maintain sample liquid color distinguishability.
3Quantity of substance
If the capillary width is set small to analyze a small amount of sample, then the sample analysis capability is improved, but the visual inspection of sample liquid reach becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from a single-dimensional continuous window to a multi-dimensional arrangement with the first window, opaque portion, and second window positioned at different locations along the capillary. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows clear visual inspection of sample liquid reach even in narrow capillaries by providing distinct viewing points separated by the opaque portion.
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 reliable and easy visual confirmation of sample liquid introduction and presence within the capillary, improving usability and maintaining a clean appearance by minimizing visible internal components.
Implementation Method 1
The sample liquid introduced through the sample liquid introduction port 69a moves in the capillary 60 toward the air vent 69b by capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an analytical tool (1) including a capillary (5) for moving a sample liquid introduced through a liquid introduction port (51), and a window (43) for checking that the sample liquid of an amount necessary for measurement is supplied into the capillary (5). In the analytical tool (1), an opaque region (45) is defined between the liquid introduction port (51) and the window (43). For example, the analytical tool (1) includes a substrate (2), a cover (4) defining the capillary (5) together with the substrate (2), and a working electrode (21) and a counter electrode (22) which include respective exposed portions (21a, 22a) facing the interior of the capillary (5). Preferably, at least part of the window (43) is formed at a region which avoids a position directly above the exposed portions (21a, 22a).