Decoupled RF Antenna Array for In Vitro Analyte Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting analytes in in vitro samples using spectroscopic techniques with non-optical frequencies, such as radio or microwave frequencies, face challenges in accurately distinguishing analyte responses from direct electromagnetic interference, limiting the effectiveness of analyte detection.
Innovation Solution
The use of an analyte sensor with a decoupled antenna array, where transmit and receive antennas have intentionally different geometries and spacings to minimize direct electromagnetic interference, allowing for precise detection of analyte responses in in vitro samples by transmitting and receiving signals in the radio or microwave frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If transmit and receive antennas are placed close together for compact sensor design, then device size is reduced, but direct electromagnetic interference from transmit to receive antenna increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the transmit antenna and receive antenna with different geometries. The transmit antenna has a first geometric configuration while the receive antenna has a second geometric configuration that is different from the first. This asymmetric design reduces direct electromagnetic coupling between the antennas, thereby minimizing interference while allowing compact placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a decoupling structure as an intermediary element between the transmit and receive antennas. This decoupling structure acts as a mediator that blocks or reduces direct electromagnetic energy transfer from the transmit antenna to the receive antenna, allowing the antennas to be placed closer together without significant interference.
2Measurement precision
If transmit signal power is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then analyte detection capability is enhanced, but direct electromagnetic interference to receive antenna increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric geometric configurations of the transmit and receive antennas create different radiation patterns and coupling characteristics. This allows the transmit antenna to operate at higher power levels for improved sensitivity while the receive antenna's different geometry minimizes the direct coupling of this high-power signal, reducing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful direct electromagnetic coupling into a beneficial arrangement by using asymmetric geometries and decoupling structures. The direct path that would normally cause interference is transformed into a configuration where the coupling is minimized, allowing high transmit power to be used beneficially for improved detection sensitivity without the usual interference penalty.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If antenna elements are decoupled using different geometries, then electromagnetic interference is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While asymmetry does increase design complexity, the patent implements it through relatively simple geometric modifications to standard antenna elements. The different configurations can be achieved through straightforward fabrication processes such as printing different trace patterns or positioning elements at different orientations, keeping manufacturing complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves decoupling by changing geometric parameters of the antenna elements, such as element length, width, spacing, or orientation angles. These parameter changes can be implemented through standard manufacturing tolerances and adjustments without requiring complex fabrication processes, balancing interference reduction with manufacturing ease.
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
This approach enhances the detection capability of analytes by minimizing direct electromagnetic interference, enabling accurate measurement of analyte presence, concentration, and type in various in vitro samples, including biological and non-biological substances.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a signal in a radio or microwave frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum into an in vitro sample containing an analyte of interest
Implementation Method 2
detecting an analyte in an in vitro sample via spectroscopic techniques using non-optical frequencies that are in the radio or microwave frequency bands
Implementation Method 3
The decoupling between the transmit and receive antennas can be achieved using any one or more techniques that causes as much of the signal as possible that is transmitted by the transmit antenna to enter the sample and that minimizes or even eliminates the amount of electromagnetic energy that is directly received by the receive antenna from the transmit antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An analyte sensor for use in detecting an analyte in an in vitro sample via spectroscopic techniques using non-optical frequencies that are in the radio or microwave frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. The analyte sensor uses at least one transmit antenna (which may also be referred to as a transmit element) that functions to transmit a signal in the radio or microwave frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum into the in vitro sample containing an analyte of interest, and at least one receive antenna (which may also be referred to as a receive element) that functions to detect a response resulting from transmission of the transmit signal by the transmit antenna into the sample. The data can then be analyzed to detect the presence of the analyte and/or determine a concentration of the analyte.