Fluid Sensing Device with Controllable Stop Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing devices face challenges in achieving reproducible results due to variable fluid transport times and the risk of contamination when used with analyzing apparatuses, as fluid flow is not controllably managed between the inlet port and measurement chamber.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device with a fluid stop unit and pressure control system that allows for controlled release of fluid into the measurement chamber, using a cap to create pressure differences and prevent contamination, ensuring reproducibility and safe use with analyzing apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cartridge is inserted into the analyzer after the fluid has been applied to the inlet port, then the measurement can proceed immediately, but there is a danger of contamination of the analyzer
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a disposable sensing cartridge and a reusable analyzer. The cartridge contains all fluid-handling components and is discarded after use, separating the contamination risk from the analyzer.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing cartridge is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates contamination risk to the expensive analyzer while maintaining rapid measurement capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cartridge is inserted into the analyzer before the fluid is applied into the inlet port, then contamination of the analyzer is prevented, but reproducible results are difficult to achieve due to variable fluid transport times
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is prepared and inserted into the analyzer beforehand, but the fluid is not applied until the system is ready. The cartridge contains fluid channels with controlled capillary properties that ensure consistent fluid transport timing once the fluid is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid channel geometry and capillary properties are optimized to control fluid transport time and flow rate, ensuring reproducible measurements regardless of when the fluid is applied relative to cartridge insertion.
3Device complexity
If capillary fluid channels are used for autonomous fluid transport, then no external power is needed, but fluid transport time varies between 10 and 60 seconds affecting measurement reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary channel dimensions, surface properties, and geometry are precisely controlled during manufacturing to standardize fluid transport time. This maintains the simplicity of passive capillary-driven flow while achieving reproducible transport characteristics.
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 solution enhances reproducibility of fluid sensing results by controlling fluid flow and preventing contamination of analyzing apparatuses, allowing for reliable and accurate analysis of fluid properties.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid channels are typically capillary fluid channels such that a fluid introduced into the inlet port autonomously travels through the fluid channel to the measurement chamber.
Implementation Method 2
a pressure control unit for controlling a pressure in a first part of the fluid channel between the inlet port and the fluidic stop element by changing the pressure in the first part of the fluid channel to force the fluid past the at least one fluidic stop element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensing device for sensing a fluid. The sensing device comprises an inlet port (20) for receiving the fluid (100) and a measurement chamber (25) for sensing the fluid (100). The sensing device further comprises a fluid channel (30) coupling the inlet port (20) and the measurement chamber (25) for transporting the fluid (100) from the inlet port (20) to the measurement chamber (25) and a fluid stop unit (50) for stopping and controllably releasing the flow of fluid between the inlet port (20) and the measurement chamber (25). This allows stopping the fluid before reaching the measurement chamber (25) and controllably releasing the fluid for allowing the fluid to flow into the measurement chamber (25), if the sensing device is ready for analyzing the fluid.