Cross-Reactive Fluid Sensor Array for Hazardous Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid sensors lack the capability to accurately and efficiently identify individual constituents and mixtures of fluids in real-time, especially at low concentrations, and often require complex external systems for confirmation, which can lead to false positives and increased costs due to prolonged facility shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensor array on a semiconductor substrate with densely packed, cross-reactive sensors functionalized differently, coupled with an application-specific integrated circuit implementing a machine learning model that generates initial predictions and communicates with external systems for final confirmation, enabling rapid and accurate identification of hazardous fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fluid sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and detection accuracy deteriorate, especially for low-concentration analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple sensor sub-arrays, each containing densely packed cross-reactive sensors functionalized differently. This segmentation allows the system to detect multiple analytes simultaneously with high precision while managing complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-sensor or simple array configurations to multi-dimensional sensor arrays with sensors positioned at different spatial locations and functionalized with different recognition elements. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive analyte detection through pattern recognition across multiple dimensions
2Reliability
If complex external confirmation systems are implemented, then reliability improves, but loss of time increases due to prolonged facility shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and generates initial predictions using the densely packed cross-reactive sensors and machine learning model before external confirmation is needed. This preliminary action reduces the time required for external confirmation while maintaining reliability through the sophisticated sensor array and algorithm
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cross-reactive sensors functionalized differently create redundant detection pathways that copy and verify each other's signals. This internal verification mechanism reduces reliance on external confirmation systems and accelerates the detection-confirmation process
3Measurement precision
If densely packed cross-reactive sensors are used, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the functionalization parameters of cross-reactive sensors rather than relying solely on precise spatial positioning. By varying the chemical functionalization of sensors while maintaining a densely packed array, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for sensor placement
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated sensor array may include a semiconductor substrate. The integrated sensor array may be arranged in multiple sensor sub-arrays formed on the substrate. Each sensor sub-array may include multiple, densely packed cross-reactive sensors. Each cross-reactive sensor of within the same sensor sub-array may be functionalized differently than each of the other cross-reactive sensor of the same sensor sub-array.