Composite Sensor Electrode for High Selectivity Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensing technologies face challenges with cross-sensitivity to interferences, particularly at low analyte concentrations, and require complex sensor arrays and frequent calibrations, making them inefficient for detecting volatile and non-volatile analytes like explosives and particulates.

Innovation Solution

A single sensor system with a sensor electrode, a conducting element, and an activation material in operational contact, which induces an irreversible response to analytes while being insensitive to interferences, allowing for high selectivity and reduced calibration needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor array with multiple sensors coated with different sensing materials is used to address cross-sensitivity, then analyte detection capability is improved, but device complexity and fabrication complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing materials into a single composite coating on one sensor, merging the functions of multiple sensors into a single device. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to detect analytes with high selectivity through the composite material's combined properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite sensing materials that integrate multiple sensing functionalities into a single material system. This composite approach allows one sensor to perform the work of multiple sensors with different coatings, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If a sensor array is used to correct for interferences, then measurement accuracy is improved over short periods, but frequent calibrations are required due to independent drift of each sensor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference correction accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a homogeneous composite sensing material where all sensing components are integrated into a single coating system. This homogeneity ensures that all sensing elements experience identical environmental conditions and drift together, eliminating independent drift and reducing calibration frequency compared to heterogeneous sensor arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The composite sensing material performs multiple functions simultaneously - detecting different analytes and self-correcting for interferences through its integrated design. This multi-functionality in a single sensor eliminates the need for separate correction mechanisms and frequent calibrations required by traditional sensor arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional particle detection equipment with pumps, filters, and baffles is used, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection system simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex particle detection equipment, isolating only the critical sensing element. By removing unnecessary components like pumps, filters, and baffles, the system achieves particle detection capability with a simple sensor that directly interacts with the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical particle separation systems (pumps, filters, baffles) with a chemical/sensing-based detection approach. The sensor directly detects particles in the air without mechanical preprocessing, substituting complex mechanical systems with a simpler sensing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system achieves high analyte selectivity and low interference response, simplifying material deposition, data analysis, and fabrication, while enabling rapid and effective detection of both volatile and non-volatile compounds, including explosives and particulates.

Implementation Method 1

an activation material in operational contact with the conducting element and configured to induce an irreversible sensor response

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

allowing the activation material to interact with the analyte; inducing the irreversible sensor response

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10551338B2Systems and methods for sensing compounds in an environment

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for sensing analytes with a high selectivity and low responses to interferences in an environment. In one embodiment, a sensor was developed which comprises a sensor electrode, a coupling element operationally coupled to a discrete segment of the sensor electrode, and an activation material in operational contact with the coupling element and configured to induce an irreversible sensor response for a selected sensing application.