Combined Pump-Sensor Arrangement for Rapid Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor devices with integrated pumps for analyte delivery are too large and expensive for portable applications, such as smartphones, due to the need for separate components and fluid channels, resulting in slow measurement times from natural diffusion.

Innovation Solution

A combined pump-sensor arrangement where a micropump and sensor are integrated on a substrate within a compact package, eliminating the need for external fluid channels and support structures, allowing for faster analyte delivery through convection and miniaturization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional sensors are operated by diffusion, then the sensor package can be simple in structure, but the measurement time becomes very long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor package structureVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive diffusion mechanism with an active micropump system that mechanically conveys the analyte through integrated fluid channels, transforming the transport mechanism from passive to active to achieve rapid analyte delivery without extending package complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The micropump, fluid channels, and sensor are merged into a single integrated package where the pump is arranged on the same substrate as the sensor with fluid channels directly connecting them, eliminating the need for separate components and external connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If pumps are provided to convey analyte faster than diffusion, then measurement speed improves, but the device size and cost increase due to separate components and connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte delivery speedVSAvoidpackage size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The micropump and sensor are merged into a single integrated package on the same substrate, with fluid channels formed directly on the substrate connecting the pump inlet to the sensor and pump outlet to the environment, eliminating the need for separate connectors and tubes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional separate component assembly to a planar two-dimensional integration on the substrate surface, with fluid channels formed as surface features, enabling compact packaging while maintaining functional performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If pumps are provided to convey analyte faster than diffusion, then measurement speed improves, but the device cost increases due to separate components and connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte delivery speedVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The micropump, fluid channels, and sensor are combined into a single integrated package that can be manufactured as one unit, eliminating the need for separate connectors, tubes, and assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the micropump, forms the fluid channels, provides structural housing, and integrates the sensor, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 rapid analyte detection with reduced package size and cost, suitable for integration into portable devices, while minimizing dead volume and maintaining sensor accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The slow diffusion may be replaced by faster convection. Here, usually pumps are provided which pump the analyte into the sensor package and towards the sensor.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

For miniaturization purposes, conventional sensors can be operated by means of diffusion. Here, the sensors are arranged in a sensor package, the sensor package comprising openings through which the medium to be measured (i.e. the analyte) can diffuse into the sensor package by means of diffusion.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS11486381B2Combined pump-sensor arrangement

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

AI summary

The invention relates to a combined pump-sensor arrangement having a substrate having a first main surface and an opposite second main surface. A package lid which defines a package having a measuring cavity is arranged on the first main surface of the substrate. Additionally, the pump-sensor arrangement has a micropump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, the micropump being configured to suck in an analyte fluid present in the measuring cavity through the pump inlet and eject the same to an environment outside the measuring cavity via the pump outlet. Furthermore, the pump-sensor arrangement has a sensor for detecting at least one component of the analyte fluid present within the measuring cavity and movable by means of the micropump. In accordance with the invention, both the sensor and the micropump are commonly arranged on the first main surface of the substrate and within the measuring cavity.