Electrolyte Flow Voltage Generation for Microfluidic Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatus for providing time varying voltages to detect analytes in samples are complex and require multiple components such as microcontrollers and dedicated software, making them cumbersome for practical applications.

Innovation Solution

A simplified apparatus comprising a channel with electrodes and an electrolyte that moves through the channel, creating a current path and enabling a time varying voltage to be provided, which can be used to detect analytes in samples without the need for complex electronics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electronics (microcontroller, timing circuitry, memory, dedicated software/firmware, power management) are used to provide a time varying voltage, then the voltage can be provided with precise control, but the device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic control system (microcontroller, timing circuitry, software) with a passive electrochemical system. The time-varying voltage is generated automatically through the flow of electrolyte through the channel, eliminating the need for active electronic components while maintaining voltage generation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolyte flow system is self-regulating and automatically generates the time-varying voltage without external control. The system uses the natural flow properties of the electrolyte through the channel to create the desired voltage waveform, requiring no external power management or control circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional electronics are used to provide time varying voltage, then the voltage generation is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage generation reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable test strip format where the electrolyte-containing channel and electrodes are integrated into a single-use device. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex electronics while enabling reliable voltage generation for each test instance through the consumable nature of the strip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional electronics are used to provide time varying voltage, then the voltage can be precisely controlled, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage control precisionVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky electronic control components with a compact microfluidic channel structure. The time-varying voltage generation is achieved through the physical flow of electrolyte through the channel, enabling precise voltage control in a miniaturized format suitable for portable or point-of-care testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If traditional electronics are used to provide time varying voltage, then the voltage generation is stable, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage generation stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyte flow system generates voltage passively without requiring external power input for control circuitry. The time-varying voltage is produced automatically through the electrochemical interactions as electrolyte flows through the channel, eliminating continuous power consumption associated with microcontrollers and timing circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides a cost-effective and compact method for generating time varying voltages, enabling efficient analyte detection in samples with reduced complexity and cost, suitable for disposable devices.

Implementation Method 1

an electrolyte configured to move through the channel such that when the electrolyte is positioned between the at least one pair of electrodes the electrolyte provides a current path between the at least one pair of electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolyte flow:

Implementation Method 2

the electrolyte may comprise an ionic solution configured to undergo an electrochemical reaction with the at least one pair of electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS11506629B2Apparatus and method for providing a time varying voltage

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus and method wherein the apparatus includes a channel; at least one pair of electrodes provided within sides of the channel; an electrolyte configured to move through the channel such that when the electrolyte is positioned between the at least one pair of electrodes the electrolyte provides a current path between the at least one pair of electrodes; and wherein the at least one pair of electrodes are configured such that movement of the electrolyte through the channel enables a time varying voltage to be provided.