Dual-mode TMR and Hall Sensor for Breast Cancer Cell Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional magnetic particle detection methods, such as Tunnel Magneto Resistance (TMR) sensors, are limited in accuracy and linearity due to their inability to effectively detect three-dimensional accumulation of magnetic particles, which is crucial for breast cancer marker detection in blood samples.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode sensor system combining Hall sensors and TMR sensors, with reconfigurable multimode sensor interface circuits, is used to detect magnetic particles of varying sizes by measuring resistance changes and voltage information, allowing for accurate detection of breast cancer cells by coupling antibodies with magnetic nanoparticles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional TMR sensors are used to detect magnetic particles, then the sensor can operate with simple structure, but the detection accuracy and linearity deteriorate due to inability to detect three-dimensional accumulation of magnetic particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Hall sensors and TMR sensors into a dual-mode sensor system. The Hall sensor detects magnetic particles in three-dimensional space, while the TMR sensor provides high sensitivity detection. This merging of two different sensor types resolves the contradiction by achieving both high detection accuracy (through TMR) and three-dimensional detection capability (through Hall), overcoming the limitation of traditional single-mode TMR sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between Hall sensor mode and TMR sensor mode based on the detection requirements. The system can adaptively select the appropriate detection mode, allowing it to handle both three-dimensional accumulation detection (Hall mode) and high-precision linear detection (TMR mode), thus resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If Hall sensors are used to detect three-dimensional accumulation of magnetic particles, then the linearity and detection precision improve, but the device complexity increases due to need for dual-mode sensor system
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-mode sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in Hall sensor mode for three-dimensional accumulation detection and in TMR sensor mode for high-sensitivity linear detection. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address multiple detection scenarios, improving linearity and precision while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is segmented into two functional modes that can be independently activated. The Hall sensor component handles three-dimensional spatial detection, while the TMR sensor component handles high-precision resistance-based detection. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its performance for specific detection tasks, improving overall linearity without requiring complete system redesign.
3Measurement precision
If traditional TMR sensor structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the detection sensitivity deteriorates for magnetic particles of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the sensor system by implementing dual-mode operation. The Hall sensor mode uses different detection parameters optimized for three-dimensional accumulation, while the TMR sensor mode uses parameters optimized for high sensitivity. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high detection sensitivity for magnetic particles of different sizes while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized sensor fabrication processes.
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 dual-mode sensor system enhances detection accuracy and sensitivity, enabling the precise identification of breast cancer cells in blood samples by optimizing linearity and universality across different particle sizes, improving early diagnosis and monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Hall sensors and TMR sensors, with reconfigurable multimode sensor interface circuits, is used to detect magnetic particles of varying sizes by measuring resistance changes and voltage information
Implementation Method 2
Traditional Tunnel Magneto Resistance (TMR) sensors detect magnetic particles on the sensor surface by electrification of wires
Implementation Method 3
When a substance is subjected to an external magnetic field B0, it will be magnetized, generating an additional magnetic field B′
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-mode sensor structure applied to the detection of breast cancer cells in blood samples is disclosed, along with a method of using the dual-mode sensor to detect magnetic particles coupled with antibodies in blood. The sensor generates a magnetic field by electrification of a wire or coil to attract the magnetic particles to the surface of the sensor. The sensor includes a small-sized TMR sensor and Hall sensor array equivalent in size to magnetic particles, ensuring that the sensor can generate a significant output voltage when particles are present. A baffle in the TMR sensor can fix the particles, separating each particle to prevent particle concentration or multiple particles from accumulating along the depth of the sensor without being accurately detected. This improves the linearity and accuracy of the sensor output voltage and detection of the number of magnetic particles. The sensor can detect the number of magnetic particles quickly. Moreover, by combining two different sensor modes, the sensor is versatile and can switch working modes according to different applications and/or environments.