Integrated Cell Probe for Mechanical and Electrical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting cell characteristics can only measure either mechanical or electrical properties, lacking a combined solution that is simple, compact, and cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A driving device incorporating two driving units for linear motion, a piezoelectric stack, flexible hinge mechanisms, a lead screw guide rail, and sensors for detecting both mechanical and electrical characteristics of cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate devices are used to detect mechanical characteristics and electrical characteristics of cells, then detection functions are specialized, but device complexity and research cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical detection (through the piezoelectric driver and force sensor) and electrical detection (through the electrode and electrical impedance analyzer) into a single integrated device. The driver main body integrates both the piezoelectric stack for mechanical actuation and the electrode for electrical measurement, allowing simultaneous detection of both mechanical and electrical characteristics of cells through one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver main body serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical actuator through the piezoelectric stack, a force sensor through the integrated sensor, and an electrical probe through the electrode. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for mechanical and electrical characterization, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate detection technologies are used, then comprehensive cell characteristics are detected, but operational difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical probing and electrical measurement capabilities into a single integrated probe system. The driver main body simultaneously performs mechanical indentation through the piezoelectric-driven needle and electrical impedance measurement through the integrated electrode, allowing comprehensive cell characterization through a single operational interface rather than requiring coordination of multiple separate devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If piezoelectric drivers are used for micro-nano precision driving, then positioning accuracy is high, but the ability to detect both mechanical and electrical characteristics simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric driver main body is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides high-precision positioning through the piezoelectric stack while simultaneously serving as a force sensor and an electrical probe. The integration of the force sensor and electrode into the driver main body enables the same positioning mechanism to also perform mechanical and electrical detection, making the system both precise and versatile.
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 device achieves precise detection of mechanical and electrical characteristics of cells with a simple and compact structure, reducing research costs and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric stack, a bridge-type flexible hinge mechanism, a parallel hinge mechanism
Implementation Method 2
an output of large displacement is achieved by a lead screw guide rail
Implementation Method 3
a linear displacement sensor is used to obtain micron-scale displacement
Implementation Method 4
The mechanical characteristics of cells are detected by the combination of a force sensor and a ceramic needle
Implementation Method 5
the electrical characteristics of cells are detected by an electrical impedance analyzer through the connection of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a driving device for detecting mechanical characteristics and electrical characteristics of cells. A structure of the driving device includes a piezoelectric stack, a bridge-type flexible hinge mechanism, a parallel hinge mechanism, a lead screw guide rail, a stepping motor, a linear displacement sensor, a force sensor, a ceramic needle, a first electrode, a second electrode, a cell container, an XY axis displacement platform, a positioning hole, a first metal base, a second metal base, a first metal connecting plate, a second metal connecting plate, a first pre-tightening wedge, a second pre-tightening wedge, screws, and a pre-tightening screw. During the operation of the driving device, the piezoelectric stack is driven under an excitation effect of a driving electric field signal, such that the bridge-type flexible hinge mechanism stretches, and the ceramic needle is driven by the parallel flexible hinge mechanism to move downwards.