Depletion Force Sensor for Particle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods for characterizing and measuring the size and concentration of particles in colloidal fluids, which is crucial for ensuring uniformity and quality control in various applications, including biological fluids and emulsions.
Innovation Solution
A microfabricated system comprising a well, a mass, a sensor, and a processor that measures depletion forces induced by particles in a fluid, allowing for the determination of particle size and concentration using a sensing element and actuator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used for particle characterization, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient for quantitative analysis of particle size and concentration in colloidal fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical measurement systems with a microfabricated sensor system that measures depletion forces. The sensor detects changes in force caused by particle-induced depletion interactions, enabling quantitative measurement of particle size and concentration with high precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through integration of sensing elements and microfabricated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in depletion force parameters as a measurable signal to characterize particles. By monitoring the force exerted on the sensing element, which varies with particle size and concentration, the system converts physical particle properties into measurable force parameters, achieving precise quantitative analysis without complex measurement apparatus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If no measurement method is available for colloidal fluids, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and applicability are insufficient for quality control in biological and industrial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal measurement system that can characterize particles in various colloidal fluids including biological fluids and emulsions. The sensor system measures depletion forces that arise from particle interactions with the sensing element, providing a universal approach that works across different fluid types and particle compositions, enabling quality control applications in diverse fields from biology to industry.
3Measurement precision
If quantitative measurement of particle properties is implemented, then the measurement precision is high, but the device complexity increases due to the need for sensors, actuators, and processing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into an integrated microfabricated system. The sensing element, actuator, and signal processing elements are combined in a single microfabricated device structure, allowing quantitative measurement of particle properties while minimizing overall device complexity through integration. This merging enables the system to perform sophisticated measurements without requiring separate complex subsystems.
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 precise and quantitative measurements of particle size and concentration in colloidal fluids, facilitating quality control and uniformity in applications such as biological diagnostics and emulsion production.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a depletion force induced by particles in a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for quantitative measurements of colloid properties with a depletion force sensor. An example system of the present disclosure may include a well, a mass, a sensor, and a processor. The well may be contain a test fluid. The mass has a surface which may be immersed in the test fluid during operation. The sensor may include a sensing element which may be immersed in the test fluid during operation. The sensing element may include a sensor face separated from the surface of the mass by a gap. The sensor may measure a force on the sensing element relative to the mass. The processor may be coupled to the sensor and may determine properties of the test fluid based on the force.