Dual Flexible Element Fluid Probe for Viscosity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-cantilever sensors face limitations in sensitivity due to their rigid material composition, which restricts deflection range and accuracy in detecting fluid properties like viscosity.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two flexible elements with different thermal expansion coefficients, where one element is actuated to bend and the movement is sensed by a piezoresistive element, decoupling the actuator and sensor to reduce noise and enhance sensitivity, and a coupling member acts as a paddle to increase fluid interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid material is used for the micro-cantilever, then the structural stability is improved, but the deflection range and sensitivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to flexible, allowing the cantilever to achieve larger deflection ranges while maintaining sufficient structural stability through careful selection of flexible materials with appropriate mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures in the flexible cantilever design, combining materials with different properties to achieve both the required flexibility for large deflection and the structural stability needed for reliable operation
2Device complexity
If the actuator and sensor are integrated in the same flexible element, then the device complexity is reduced, but noise interference increases and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flexible element into separate functional segments: an actuator portion and a sensor portion. This segmentation allows the actuator to be positioned away from the sensor, reducing noise interference while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling member as an intermediary that connects the actuator portion to the sensor portion. This intermediary transmits mechanical motion from the actuator to the sensor while isolating the sensor from direct noise sources, thereby improving sensitivity without significantly increasing device complexity
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 configuration allows for more accurate and sensitive detection of fluid properties by minimizing noise interference and increasing the influence of viscosity on the sensor, enabling precise measurements of viscosity changes over time, such as in blood coagulation.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible element can be formed of two layers having different coefficients of thermal expansion. A heater can be incorporated into the flexible element, such that the element moves from a first configuration to a second configuration.
Implementation Method 2
An appropriate piezoresistive material can be used to determine the degree or rate of deflection of the element.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for measuring the properties of a fluid, a method of manufacture, and a method of operation is described. The device includes a body region, a first flexible element and a second flexible element. Each flexible element has a first end and a second end, the first end being fixedly located on the body region. Each flexible element is moveable from at least a first respective configuration to a second respective configuration via bending of the element. The first flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The second flexible element includes an integral movement sensor for sensing movement of the flexible element. The first flexible element is coupled to the second flexible element at a position distant from the body region. Only the actuating portion of the first flexible element is operable to move the first and second flexible elements.