Electrode Device for Electrochemical Sensor Piercing Insulation Sheet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical sensor chip electrode devices face challenges with reduced sensitivity due to long conduction paths and electromagnetic noise, and are not suitable for multi-point measurements or as disposable products, especially when dealing with liquid samples that can cause short-circuiting.

Innovation Solution

An electrode device comprising an insulation sheet with conductive electrode members piercing through it, reducing conduction paths and preventing sample infiltration, combined with a biocompatible coating and a matrix distribution for enhanced sensitivity and reliability, allowing for compact multi-point measurements and disposable use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a planar electrode device with long conduction path is used, then the electrode device can be formed by printing method to reduce manufacturing costs, but the detection sensitivity is reduced due to electromagnetic noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddetection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional electrode structure to a three-dimensional configuration where electrode members pierce through the insulation sheet. This vertical arrangement shortens the conduction path length and reduces electromagnetic noise exposure while maintaining the inexpensive printing formation method for the electrode members and insulation sheet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If a planar electrode device is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the device size is increased and multi-point measuring requires large space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By arranging electrode members in a matrix pattern that pierces through the insulation sheet in the thickness direction, the patent achieves compact planar footprint while maintaining multiple measurement points. The three-dimensional structure allows multiple electrodes to be densely packed without increasing the overall device area, enabling multi-point measurement in a compact configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If an integrated circuit chip with electrode is used, then additional circuit for amplifying current can be integrated to achieve high-sensitive measurement, but liquid sample can infiltrate through fine cracks causing short-circuiting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement sensitivityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulation sheet as an intermediary barrier between the liquid sample and the electrode members. This insulation sheet prevents liquid infiltration through the electrode structure, eliminating the short-circuiting risk while allowing the electrode members to maintain electrical connection for sensitive measurements. The insulation sheet acts as a protective mediator that preserves both sensitivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If an integrated circuit chip with electrode is used, then high-sensitive measurement can be achieved, but the electrode device becomes expensive and not suitable for disposable use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement sensitivityVSAvoiddisposable suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrode device into separate, inexpensive components: electrode members, insulation sheet, and substrate. This modular structure allows each component to be manufactured independently using cost-effective printing methods, making the entire device affordable for disposable use while maintaining measurement sensitivity through the optimized three-dimensional electrode configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enhances measurement sensitivity and reliability by minimizing electromagnetic interference and preventing short-circuiting, while enabling compact design and disposable functionality for liquid samples.

Implementation Method 1

electrode members having a conductivity and held by the insulation sheet with the electrode members piercing the insulation sheet in a thickness direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

an electrochemical sensor chip comprises electrodes modified by a molecular recognition element formed of biologically derived substances, chemicals, and the like selectively reacting with an analyte in a sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolecular recognition:

Implementation Method 3

mixing therein an intercalated material specifically binding with double-stranded DNA and reversible with respect to redox reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS8691061B2Electrode device for an electrochemical sensor chip
Publication Date: 2014.04.08 JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS IND LTD
  • US8691061B2 patent drawing
  • US8691061B2 patent drawing
  • US8691061B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrode device for an electrochemical sensor chip includes an insulation sheet having an insulating property and including a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to each other in a thickness direction, and electrode members having a conductivity and held by the insulation sheet with the electrode members piercing the insulation sheet in a thickness direction, one ends of the electrode members located on the top surface side of the insulation sheet being connected to an analyte, the other ends located on the bottom surface side of the insulation sheet being connected to an electrodes of a transducer.