Dual Micropump Sensor Arrangement for Compact Gas Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas sensors face challenges in being compact and integrated into mobile devices due to large dead volumes and the need for bulky pumps and active valves, which limit their sensitivity, specificity, and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement featuring two micropumps with normally closed safety valves, fluidically coupled to a sealed sensor chamber, allowing for the generation of both negative and positive pressures, enabling efficient regeneration and measurement while minimizing dead volume and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a large dead volume pump is used to generate negative pressure in the sensor chamber, then the desired pressure can be achieved, but the pump becomes bulky and the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate micropumps (first and second micropumps) that work in alternation. Each pump handles a portion of the pressure generation task, allowing them to be smaller than a single large pump would need to be. The segmented operation enables compact design while achieving the required negative pressure in the sensor chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The two micropumps operate in a periodic alternating manner - when one pump is active, the other is inactive, and vice versa. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain negative pressure in the sensor chamber using smaller pumps with lower individual capacities, thereby reducing overall device size while still achieving the desired pressure levels.
2Ease of operation
If active valves are used to control gas flow, then precise flow control is achieved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The micropumps are equipped with integrated normally closed safety valves that automatically open when the pump generates sufficient pressure. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate active valve components, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise flow control capability through the pump's inherent pressure-dependent valve operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single pump is used to generate pressure, then the system is simpler, but only one pressure state (positive or negative) can be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two micropumps based on the desired pressure state. By controlling which pump is active, the system can dynamically transition between generating negative pressure, positive pressure, or maintaining atmospheric pressure in the sensor chamber. This dynamic configuration provides versatility in pressure control while keeping each individual pump relatively simple.
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 a compact, sensitive, and specific gas sensor that can be easily integrated into mobile devices, enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing dispersion of fluid particles, thereby improving sensitivity and specificity.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second micropump are configured to provide a defined operation mode of the sensor arrangement based on the respective activation or operation condition of the first and second micropump for providing (1) a defined negative fluid pressure in the sensor chamber, (2) a defined positive fluid pressure in the sensor chamber
Implementation Method 2
The measuring channel has a gas sensor for detecting the gas and a heating unit for heating the gas sensor
Implementation Method 3
The process of adsorption and desorption of different gas molecules with the sensor layer is affecting sensitivity, specificity and drift of the gas sensor. These adsorption and desorption mechanisms can be influenced, e.g., by heating the sensor layer, wherein heating the sensor layer usually increases the desorption of molecules.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a sensor arrangement comprises a first micropump, e.g. a microfluidic or peristaltic pump, having a normally closed (NC) safety valve, e.g. at the micropump output, a second micropump, e.g. microfluidic or peristaltic pump, having a normally closed (NC) safety valve, e.g. at the micropump output, and a sensor having a sensor chamber, e.g. a sensor cavity or sensor volume, with a sensor element, e.g. an active sensitive region or layer, in the sensor chamber, wherein the sensor is configured to provide a sensor output signal based on a condition of the fluid, e.g. a gas or liquid, in the sensor chamber. The sensor chamber of the sensor is fluidically coupled between the first and second micropump, and the first and second micropump are configured to provide a defined operation mode of the sensor arrangement based on the respective activation or operation condition of the first and second micropump for providing (1.) a defined negative fluid pressure in the sensor chamber, (2.) a defined positive fluid pressure in the sensor chamber or (3.) a defined fluid flow, e.g. fluid throughput, through the sensor chamber.