Electrochemical Sensor Capillary Fluid Channel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical sensors for glucose measurement are not downsized effectively, leading to larger device sizes due to conventional fluid channel configurations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a concave part on the base plate with a through-hole and a reagent layer containing enzymes, where the working electrode surrounds the fluid channel, and the counter electrode is on the bottom, with a gap between them for insulation, and an air channel in the cover for capillary action, allowing for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional fluid channel configurations are used, then fluid introduction is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes capillary action (a hydraulic phenomenon) through the air channel configuration to automatically draw fluid through the sensor without requiring external pumping mechanisms. The air channel creates a pressure differential that drives fluid flow through the porous layer and measurement chamber, enabling downsizing while maintaining fluid introduction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional planar fluid channels to a three-dimensional configuration with vertical air channels and porous layers. This dimensional change allows fluid to be introduced through the air channel from above, eliminating the need for lateral fluid paths and reducing the overall device footprint
2Measurement precision
If working electrode and counter electrode are closely positioned, then measurement sensitivity improves, but electrical insulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conductive porous layer as an intermediary between the working electrode and counter electrode. This porous layer serves dual functions: it maintains close proximity of electrodes for sensitive measurement while providing electrical insulation through its non-conductive material properties, and simultaneously serves as the fluid pathway for capillary action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin non-conductive porous film or layer that separates the working and counter electrodes. This thin film structure provides sufficient electrical insulation while minimizing the distance between electrodes, thereby maintaining measurement sensitivity without requiring complex insulation structures
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 enables the electrochemical sensor to be downsized by utilizing capillary action for fluid introduction, reducing the device's planar size while maintaining effective glucose measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an air channel comprising an opening in said cover
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An electrochemical sensor (10) includes a base plate (11) provided with a concave part (12) formed on one of surfaces thereof, a fluid channel (13) formed so that a bottom part (12a) of the concave part (12) and the other one of the surfaces of the base plate (11) are communicated with each other, a plurality of electrodes (16 and 17) formed on the concave part; a reagent (19) fixed on the electrodes, a cover (18) which covers the concave part, and an air channel (18a) which causes the inside and outside of the concave part to be communicated with each other.