Diagnostic Cartridge Fluid Layout for Portable CMOS Biosensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical-based biomedical sensing devices are bulky and challenging to miniaturize, limiting their portability and suitability for precise, portable diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A portable semiconductor biosensor diagnostic system with a diagnostic cartridge that includes a CMOS IC biosensor chip for direct signal conversion, a fluid-guide body for precise sample and buffer liquid flow, and a pumping mechanism to ensure contact with the biosensor chip, enabling miniaturized and efficient electrical signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical-based biomedical sensing devices are used, then sensing precision and reliability are improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (temperature, pH, glucose, lactate, cholesterol detection) into a single integrated biosensor chip. The chip integrates reference electrodes, working electrodes, and flow channels in one compact structure, eliminating the need for separate sensing devices while maintaining measurement precision across multiple parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The biosensor chip is nested within a portable diagnostic cartridge that contains reservoirs, flow channels, and pumping mechanisms. The chip itself is nested with multiple functional layers including electrode arrays, reference electrodes, and sensing zones, allowing complex functionality in a miniaturized format.
2Measurement precision
If electrical-based biomedical sensing devices are used, then sensing precision and reliability are improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biosensor chip, fluid handling system, pumping mechanism, and electronic readout into a single portable diagnostic cartridge. This integration enables the device to be handheld and used point-of-care while maintaining electrical-based sensing precision for multiple biomarkers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fluid handling systems with a miniaturized pumping mechanism that uses electrical actuation. The portable device uses integrated micro-pumps and capillary action to move fluids through the biosensor chip, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical pumps while maintaining precise flow control for accurate sensing.
3Volume of moving object
If device miniaturization is implemented, then portability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing process into modular components: the biosensor chip is manufactured separately with precise electrode patterns, then integrated with the cartridge body, reservoirs, and pumping mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with appropriate precision using specialized processes, then assembled into the complete miniaturized device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the manufacturing process, including controlling electrode deposition thickness, flow channel dimensions, and pumping mechanism geometry, to achieve the required precision in the miniaturized device. Material properties and geometric parameters are carefully controlled during fabrication to ensure consistent performance in the compact format.
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 provides high-quality, portable diagnostic results by directly converting biomedical signals to electrical signals, facilitating precise analysis of biological samples with improved portability and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
A portable semiconductor biosensor diagnostic system with a diagnostic cartridge that includes a CMOS IC biosensor chip for direct signal conversion
Implementation Method 2
a pumping mechanism to ensure contact with the biosensor chip, enabling miniaturized and efficient electrical signal processing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A diagnostic cartridge is provided. The diagnostic cartridge (10) includes a case body (102), a biosensor device (104), and a fluid-guide body (108). The case body (102) has a recess. The biosensor device (104) is embedded in the recess of the case body (102). The fluid-guide body (108) is in the case body (102). The fluid-guide body (108) includes a first pumping opening (118) in proximity to a side of the fluid-guide body (108); a second pumping opening (120) in proximity to the side of the fluid-guide body (108); a sample reservoir (124) and a buffer reservoir (112) laterally between the first pumping opening (118) and the second pumping opening (120) from a side view perspective; and a plurality of channels (126). One of the plurality of channels (126) connects the sample reservoir (124) and the buffer reservoir (112) and crossing over the biosensor device (104), and the sample reservoir (124) and the buffer reservoir (112) further connecting with the first pumping opening (118) or the second pumping opening (120) through the plurality of channels (126), respectively.