Capillary Sensor Flow Channel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor apparatuses using surface acoustic wave elements lack a built-in mechanism for liquid suction, making the measurement process complex and requiring external instruments, while those with enzyme-based reagents are limited in the number of characteristics that can be inspected.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with a detection element of certain thickness, incorporating a flow channel surrounded by cover members with specific contact angles to facilitate capillary suction of analyte liquids, allowing efficient delivery to the detection section without external instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detection element with certain thickness is used, then detection performance is improved, but liquid flow path is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid flow path is segmented into multiple regions: an inflow region that receives the analyte liquid, a flow channel region that guides the liquid, and a detection region where the liquid contacts the detection element. This segmentation allows the thick detection element to be positioned without blocking the overall flow path, as the liquid flows through designated channels around and to the detection region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar flow path to a three-dimensional structured flow system with vertical layering. The cover members are arranged in multiple layers (first cover member, second cover member) with the detection element positioned between them, creating a three-dimensional flow channel structure that accommodates the thick detection element while maintaining liquid flow capability.
2Device complexity
If no built-in suction mechanism is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus is designed to be self-sufficient by integrating a built-in suction mechanism directly into the device structure. This mechanism automatically draws the analyte liquid through the flow channel and into contact with the detection element without requiring external instruments or manual intervention, making the device easy to operate while maintaining simple overall structure.
3Measurement precision
If external instruments are used for liquid suction, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suction function, which was previously performed by external instruments, into the sensor apparatus itself. The built-in suction mechanism is integrated with the flow channel structure and detection element, combining multiple functions (liquid delivery, flow control, and detection) into a single unified device, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall apparatus complexity.
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 simple and efficient measurement operations by ensuring analyte liquids flow smoothly to the detection section, even with detection elements of significant thickness, thereby improving the measurement process without the need for external suction instruments.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a flow channel surrounded by cover members with specific contact angles to facilitate capillary suction of analyte liquids
Implementation Method 2
a detection section which reacts with a constituent contained in an analyte liquid, and is configured to detect the properties or constituents of the analyte liquid by measuring variation in surface acoustic waves propagating through the detection section
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor includes an inflow section into which an analyte liquid flows; a first cover member; a detection element including an element substrate located on an upper surface of the first cover member, and a detection section which is located on an upper surface of the element substrate and is configured to detect a target contained in an analyte liquid; an intermediate cover member including a first upstream portion; a second cover member including a second upstream portion; and a flow channel which is surrounded by the intermediate cover member and the second cover member, is continuous with the inflow section, and extends at least to the detection section. A contact angle θ2a of a lower surface of the second upstream portion of the second cover member with the analyte liquid is smaller than a contact angle θ3 of an upper surface of the detection element with the analyte liquid.