Light Sensing Charge Track for Contactless Particle Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional particle processing devices struggle with accurately moving target particles to a predetermined target region along a predetermined path without the particles coming into contact with the external environment.

Innovation Solution

A particle accommodating device with a light sensing structure and mating structure, utilizing a charge track with concentrated charges for electrostatic adsorption and a dielectrophoresis pattern to move and hold particles, preventing contact with external environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional electric field methods are used to move particles, then particles can be moved, but they cannot be accurately positioned along a predetermined path without contacting the external environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle positioning precisionVSAvoidparticle contact with external environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electric field-based particle manipulation with a contactless optical system. A light source illuminates the particle through a transparent substrate, and a camera captures images to determine particle position. This optical measurement system eliminates the need for physical contact or external electric fields that would cause particle environment contact, achieving precise positioning without harmful interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If particles are moved using external electric fields, then particles can be transported, but the path accuracy and control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle movement controlVSAvoidtarget region accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a camera continuously captures particle position information, and this information is fed back to control the light source or substrate to adjust particle positioning. This closed-loop feedback enables precise control and accurate delivery of particles to target regions, significantly improving both ease of operation and positioning precision compared to open-loop electric field methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If conventional particle handling methods are used, then particles can be processed, but damage to particles occurs due to external environment contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle processing efficiencyVSAvoidparticle integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a controlled inert environment by using a transparent substrate that allows optical access while physically isolating particles from the external environment. The particle processing occurs within this protected environment, maintaining particle integrity and preventing damage from external factors while still enabling efficient processing through optical manipulation and controlled light exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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

Accurately positions and moves target particles along a charge track using electrostatic adsorption and dielectrophoresis, preventing damage and ensuring precise particle handling.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric layer (113) formed on the first substrate (111)... The photoelectric layer (113) is operable to generate a plurality of charges concentrated on the charge track

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The light driving device (3) is configured to drive the light sensing structure (11) to form a dielectrophoresis (DEP) pattern by emitting light onto the light sensing structure (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectrophoresis: Electrophoretic Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS20250345795A1Particle accommodating device, particle contactless processing apparatus, and light sensing structure of particle accommodating device

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 CYTOAURORA BIOTECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A particle accommodating device is configured to accommodate a liquid specimen having a plurality of particles therein. The particle accommodating device includes a light sensing structure and a mating structure spaced apart from the light sensing structure. The light sensing structure includes a substrate, an electrode layer formed on the substrate, a photoelectric layer formed on the substrate, and an insulating body that is formed on the photoelectric layer. The insulating body includes a charge track. The photoelectric layer is operable to generate charges concentrated on the charge track, such that a density of the charges concentrated on the charge track is greater than a density of the charges on an outer surface of the photoelectric layer for enabling at least one of the particles to be moved and held onto the charge track through electrostatic adsorption.