Embedded Microsensor Chip for Low-Power Chemical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical detection systems are bulky, expensive, and inflexible, making them difficult to deploy in new environments and limiting their functionality, especially for detecting hazardous materials in security applications.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized chemical detection system integrated onto a single semiconductor chip, featuring a sensor circuit responsive to target chemicals, a transducer for resistance state detection, a magnetoelectronic processing circuit for confirmation, and micromechanical structures to release a readout substance upon detection, allowing for low-power operation and easy deployment in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional chemical detection systems are used, then detection capability is achieved, but system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chemical detection element, transducer, and signal processing components into a single integrated microsensor device. This merging of previously separate system components enables the detection function to be achieved in a miniaturized format that can be incorporated into articles, eliminating the need for bulky traditional detection systems while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The microsensor device is designed to be nested within or incorporated into the article itself. The detection element is positioned to interact with the article surface or interior, allowing the detection system to be contained within the article structure rather than requiring external equipment.
2Reliability
If traditional chemical detection systems are used, then detection capability is achieved, but deployment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the detection system directly into the article, the patent enables the article to perform detection functions at its location without requiring transport to external laboratories or detection facilities. This merging allows the article to adapt to various deployment environments including field conditions, secure locations, and mobile applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The article equipped with the microsensor performs detection autonomously at its current location. The integrated device requires no external infrastructure, power supply, or specialized equipment to operate, enabling self-service detection capability that enhances deployment flexibility across diverse environments.
3Ease of operation
If miniaturized sensors are integrated into articles, then ease of deployment improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a manufacturing process that segments the integration into distinct steps: applying the detection mixture to the article, drying to form a coating, and activating the sensors. This segmentation of the manufacturing process makes the complex task of integrating microsensors into articles manageable and scalable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assembly processes with chemical and thermal processes. The detection mixture is applied as a coating that is then dried and activated through controlled heating, eliminating the need for precise mechanical assembly of microsensor components and simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 system enables efficient detection of hazardous chemicals and environmental conditions with low power consumption, ease of deployment, and high functionality, suitable for use in small, inexpensive, disposable formats, including integration into everyday articles like paper or clothing, enhancing detection capabilities in diverse settings.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor circuit configured with a resistance state that is responsive to the presence of a target chemical when exposed to a target environment
Implementation Method 2
a transducer coupled to the sensor circuit configured to detect the resistance state and generate an output corresponding thereto
Implementation Method 3
a magnetoelectronic (ME) processing circuit coupled to the transducer and including one or more magnetoelectronic gates adapted to perform a first sequence of operations during an operational mode on the output from the transducer
Implementation Method 4
one or more micromechanical structures responsive to the detection output, and adapted to cause the first readout substance to be released from the chamber in response to the detection value
Data Source
AI summary
A process is disclosed for using microsensors elements embedded in or on articles for detecting target chemical and/or target environmental conditions of interest, including materials hazardous to human health and/or associated with illegal activity. The microsensor elements can be fabricated on a single semiconductor chip, and can be made indetectable to facilitate secure surveillance of potentially illegal activities.