Flexible Membrane Sample Cartridge for High-Resolution Sensor Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing technologies face challenges in achieving high-resolution measurements of microscopic samples due to the need for close proximity to the sensor surface, which can lead to contamination and increased time for sample delivery and sensor cleaning, especially when dealing with liquid suspensions or dry particle powders.
Innovation Solution
A sample cartridge system using a thin, flexible membrane that supports samples and can be pneumatically actuated to bring them into close contact with a sensor surface, minimizing contamination and allowing for rapid measurement without cleaning the sensor between samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sample is deposited directly onto the sensing surface to minimize standoff distance, then measurement precision and signal strength are improved, but sensor contamination increases and cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thin, flexible membrane as an intermediary between the sample and the sensing surface. The membrane allows the sample to be positioned in close proximity to the sensor (minimizing standoff distance) while preventing direct contact between the sample and the sensing surface, thereby eliminating contamination issues. The membrane acts as a barrier that transmits the measured quantity (e.g., magnetic fields, optical signals) while blocking physical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the sample-sensing interface into two separate components: the flexible membrane that contacts the sample and the sensing surface that remains clean. This segmentation allows the membrane to be easily replaced or cleaned while the expensive or sensitive sensing surface remains protected and reusable without cleaning between samples.
2Measurement precision
If the sample is deposited directly onto the sensing surface, then measurement precision is improved, but the time for sample delivery and sensor cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves as a reusable intermediary that can be rapidly exchanged between samples. Instead of depositing samples directly on the sensor and then cleaning the sensor, the membrane is placed on the sensor, the sample is applied to the membrane, measurement is performed, and then the membrane is quickly removed and replaced for the next sample. This eliminates the time-consuming sensor cleaning step.
Solution Approach 2:
The system treats the flexible membrane as a disposable or easily replaceable component that is discarded (or quickly cleaned) after each use, while the valuable sensing surface is recovered and reused without cleaning. This approach significantly reduces the time loss associated with sample transfer and sensor maintenance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid sample holder is used to support the sample, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to bring the sample into close contact with the sensor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane (thin film) to support the sample instead of a rigid holder. This flexible membrane can be deformed or displaced to bring the sample into close contact with the sensing surface, minimizing the standoff distance. The membrane provides sufficient structural support for the sample while allowing the necessary displacement for close-proximity measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, rigid sample holder to a dynamic, flexible membrane that can change its position and shape. The membrane is displaced (e.g., using pneumatic pressure or mechanical actuation) to bring the sample close to the sensor during measurement, and then returned to its original position afterward. This dynamic capability enables close contact while maintaining sample support stability.
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 enables high-resolution measurements while preventing sensor contamination and reducing the time required for sample transfer, as only the membrane, not the sample, comes into contact with the sensor, allowing for multiple samples to be measured sequentially without cleaning the sensor.
Implementation Method 1
each flexible membrane configured and arranged to be displaceable away from the membrane frame such that the sample is moved to a position closer to a sensor surface of the sensor under a differential pressure between a sample side and a sensor side of the flexible membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a sensor system that includes a sensor having a sensor surface, a sample cartridge including one or more flexible membranes and a membrane frame, the membrane frame including one or more openings covered by the one or more flexible membranes defining one or more wells for holding one or more samples, the flexible membrane having a sample side supporting the sample and an opposite sensor side, the sample cartridge being removably insertable in the sensor system such that the sensor side of the flexible membrane is positioned above and faces the sensor surface, a displacement mechanism that can be actuated to displace the flexible membrane toward the sensor surface such that the sample is moved to a position closer to the sensor surface, and an optical imaging system that detects light emitted from the sensor. Disclosed also are a cartridge cassette and a method of use.