Field Effect Reference Potential Adjustment for Bio Sensors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3-electrode type measurement apparatuses face challenges in manufacturing bio sensors due to the need for additional processes, limited solution options, shortened sensor lifespan due to oxidation-reduction reactions, and sensitivity to environmental factors when using traditional reference electrodes like Ag or AgCl.

Innovation Solution

A reference potential adjusting apparatus using a field effect device, such as carbon nanotubes or graphene, to measure and adjust the solution potential, replacing traditional reference electrodes and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining stable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional reference electrodes (Ag/AgCl, SCE) are used in 3-electrode measurement apparatus, then reference potential can be maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases and sensor lifespan decreases due to oxidation-reduction reactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference potential stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the reference electrode material (Ag or AgCl) from the measurement apparatus and replaces it with a field effect device. This removal eliminates the need for complex reference electrode manufacturing processes while maintaining reference potential measurement capability through the field effect device's sensitivity to solution potential

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the electrochemical reference electrode system with a field effect device that uses electrical field effects rather than chemical reactions. This replacement eliminates oxidation-reduction reactions, extending sensor lifespan while maintaining reference potential stability through the field effect device's electrical response to solution potential changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional reference electrodes are used, then reference potential measurement is achieved, but sensor lifespan is shortened due to oxidation-reduction reactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference potential measurementVSAvoidsensor lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrochemical reference electrode with a field effect device that uses electrical field effects instead of chemical oxidation-reduction reactions. This substitution maintains reference potential measurement precision through the field effect device's electrical response while eliminating the wear and degradation associated with chemical reactions, thereby extending sensor lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional reference electrodes are used, then reference potential can be maintained, but the apparatus becomes sensitive to environmental factors like temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference potential stabilityVSAvoidenvironmental sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the chemically-based reference electrode with a field effect device that operates on electrical field principles. This replacement reduces sensitivity to environmental factors such as temperature because the field effect device's electrical response is less affected by thermal variations compared to the chemical equilibrium of traditional reference electrodes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If field effect device is used to replace reference electrode, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but reference potential stability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidreference potential stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic reference electrode component and replaces it with a field effect device that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor processes. This simplification maintains reference potential stability through the field effect device's inherent electrical response to solution potential, eliminating the need for complex reference electrode fabrication while preserving measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 approach reduces manufacturing costs and enhances economic efficiency by allowing for a simplified structure and improved stability of the measurement apparatus, enabling high-yield production and reducing sensitivity to environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

A reference potential adjusting apparatus using a field effect device, such as carbon nanotubes or graphene, to measure and adjust the solution potential

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField effect: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

a counter electrode disposed in the solution, and configured to change the potential of the solution through oxidation-reduction reactions with the solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation-reduction reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS8917079B2Reference potential adjustment device and a measuring device equipped with the same
Publication Date: 2014.12.23 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION
  • US8917079B2 patent drawing
  • US8917079B2 patent drawing
  • US8917079B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A reference potential adjusting apparatus is provided. The reference potential adjusting apparatus includes a reference potential measuring unit configured to measure a potential of a solution, a counter electrode disposed in the solution, and configured to change the potential of the solution through oxidation-reduction reactions with the solution, and a comparator configured to compare a measurement voltage provided by the reference voltage measuring unit to a reference voltage provided by a reference voltage supply unit, and to adjust reactions of the counter electrode with the solution according to the result of the comparison. The reference potential measuring unit includes a reference electrode, a common electrode disposed to be spaced apart from the reference electrode, and at least one nano structure contacting the reference electrode and the common electrode, and having electrical conductivity changing according to the potential of the solution.