Ferromagnetic Wire Sensor with Molecular Reagent for Wireless Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensors lack the capability to detect a wide range of target materials inexpensively and sensitively, particularly in unobtrusive objects, and often require physical power sources and complex alignments.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system utilizing ferromagnetic metal wires coupled with molecular recognition reagents that expand upon exposure to target materials, inducing changes in magnetic switching characteristics detectable through alternating magnetic domains, allowing for wireless and inexpensive detection without radioactive sources or physical power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional sensors are used to detect target materials, then detection capability is achieved, but the sensors require physical power sources and complex alignments, increasing device complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structureVSAvoiddetection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electronic sensors requiring power sources and complex alignments with a passive magnetoelastic sensing system. The sensing element uses ferromagnetic metal wires that respond mechanically and magnetically to target material exposure, eliminating the need for electronic power sources and complex alignment mechanisms while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing element is designed to be self-powered through its magnetoelastic properties. The ferromagnetic metal wire inherently responds to stress changes caused by molecular recognition reagent expansion, generating detectable magnetic domain changes without requiring external power or active electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional sensors are used to detect a wide range of target materials, then detection versatility is achieved, but the sensors become expensive and less sensitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget material detection rangeVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal sensing platform using ferromagnetic metal wires that can detect various target materials through different molecular recognition reagents. The same basic sensing element structure can be adapted to detect explosives, hazardous substances, and other target materials by changing only the molecular recognition layer, achieving both versatility and high sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing element combines ferromagnetic metal wires with molecular recognition reagents to create a composite structure. This composite material integrates the magnetic responsiveness of ferromagnetic metals with the selective binding capability of molecular recognition reagents, enabling sensitive and versatile detection across multiple target material types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If radioactive sources are used in sensors, then detection capability is improved, but safety hazards and regulatory complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidradioactive safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for radioactive sources by utilizing the inherent magnetoelastic properties of ferromagnetic metal wires. The sensing mechanism converts mechanical stress from molecular recognition reagent expansion into detectable magnetic domain changes, providing a safe, non-radioactive alternative that maintains detection capability without radioactive safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 sensor system provides rapid, selective, and sensitive detection of various target materials, including explosives and hazardous substances, using amorphous ferromagnetic wires and diverse molecular recognition reagents, enabling identification through unique 'fingerprints' generated by changes in magnetic properties.

Implementation Method 1

The molecular recognition reagent is operable to expand upon exposure of the target material such that the molecular recognition reagent changes a tensile stress upon the ferromagnetic metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExpansion:

Implementation Method 2

detect changes in magnetic switching characteristics of the ferromagnetic metal caused by the inducing mechanism and changes in the tensile stress of the ferromagnetic metal caused by exposure of the target material by the molecular recognition reagent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetoelastic effect: Magnetoelastic Effects

Implementation Method 3

a detection mechanism having an inducing mechanism to induce alternating magnetic domains in the ferromagnetic metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9255920B1Wireless sensor

Publication Date: 2016.02.09 CONSOLIDATED NUCLEAR SECURITY LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is a sensor for detecting a target material. The sensor includes a ferromagnetic metal and a molecular recognition reagent coupled to the ferromagnetic metal. The molecular recognition reagent is operable to expand upon exposure to vapor or liquid from the target material such that the molecular recognition reagent changes a tensile stress upon the ferromagnetic metal. The target material is detected based on changes in the magnetic switching characteristics of the ferromagnetic metal caused by the changes in the tensile stress.