Contoured Fluid Pathway for Miniaturized Blood Analyzer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor assemblies require larger blood volumes and are not optimized for efficient analysis of multiple analytes in small samples, particularly in neonatal applications, leading to increased blood loss and transfusion needs.
Innovation Solution
A compact, disposable sensor assembly with a contoured fluid pathway that minimizes the blood volume required for analysis by expanding in dimensions near analyte sensors and reducing between them, allowing for simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes using ion-specific or ion-selective electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional sensor assemblies are used, then multiple analytes can be measured, but the blood sample volume required is large
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor panel is divided into multiple discrete sensor locations, each dedicated to measuring a specific analyte. This segmentation allows the fluid pathway to be optimized for minimal volume while ensuring each sensor receives adequate fluid for accurate measurement, resolving the contradiction between small sample volume and comprehensive analyte analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pathway transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional contoured structure with varying depth. This dimensional change allows the pathway to minimize surface area footprint while maintaining sufficient volume near sensors, enabling small blood sample volume without compromising analysis efficiency
2Volume of moving object
If the analyzer size is reduced for portability, then point of care analysis is enabled, but sensor connections and geometries become constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cartridge integrates the sensor panel, fluid pathway, and connection interfaces into a single pre-assembled unit. This merging eliminates the need for complex separate connections between sensors and fluidic systems, enabling portable analyzer design without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cartridge base and sensor panel are designed with standardized interfaces that can accommodate multiple sensor configurations and analyte types. This universality allows a single portable analyzer design to perform multiple functions and measure various analytes without requiring complex specialized connections for each sensor type
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 accurate analysis of multiple analytes with a reduced blood sample volume of about 30 μL, reducing the need for transfusions and minimizing blood loss, especially in neonates, while maintaining efficient fluid pressure for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The contoured fluid pathway 48 mirrors the shape and span of the contoured fluid pathway cutout 36. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the volumetric capacity of the contoured fluid pathway 48 between the fluid inlet 42 and the fluid outlet 44 is preferably in the range of from about 20 to 35 μl
Implementation Method 2
Electrolytes are determined by potentiometric measurements, a form of electrochemical analysis. In potentiometry, the potential or voltage is measured between the two electrodes in a solution
Implementation Method 3
The sensors used for these measurements are ion-specific or ion-selective electrodes (ISE). These sensors are membrane-based electrochemical transducers that respond to a specific ion
Implementation Method 4
The adhesive layer 24 utilizes first and second longitudinal edges 30, 32 and a contoured fluid pathway cutout 36 spanning proximate the first and second longitudinal edges 30, 32
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for analysis of physical parameters and chemical constituents of small volume samples of bodily fluids. Disclosed herein is a sensor panel with an upper surface and a lower surface and at least one analyte sensor located on the lower surface. The sensor assembly also includes an optional adhesive layer and a contoured fluid pathway cutout. The upper surface of the adhesive layer is secured to the lower surface of the sensor panel. The sensor assembly also includes a sensor cartridge base with a fluid inlet and outlet and a contoured fluid pathway extending between the inlet and the outlet. The contoured fluid pathway mirrors the shape and span of the contoured fluid pathway cutout of the adhesive layer. As a fluid sample is input at the fluid inlet, the fluid traverses along the fluid pathway in contact with the at least one analyte sensor.