Groove-Based Sensor Device for Broad Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic sensor devices are limited to specific analytes, are costly due to complexity and require specialist materials, and suffer from long-term capacitance signal degradation, often needing pre-treatment and high-power setup for hydrogen gas detection.
Innovation Solution
An electronic sensor device with a substrate groove structure featuring electrically non-insulating portions and a detection medium that provides a first and second response phase upon analyte engagement, allowing for broad analyte detection without pre-treatment and using reduced electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional capacitor materials and arrangements are used, then the sensor can detect specific analytes, but the device becomes complex and expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is segmented into three functional layers: a substrate providing mechanical support, a detection medium layer containing analyte-sensitive materials, and electrode layers for signal detection. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection medium is designed to be universally responsive to multiple types of analytes through its composition of analyte-sensitive materials, eliminating the need for different specialized structures for different analytes. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable detection across various analyte types.
2Reliability
If accurate spacing between electrodes is implemented, then the sensor can provide capacitance signal, but the manufacturing cost increases due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode layers are merged with the detection medium in a co-formed structure, where the detection medium is applied over the substrate and the electrodes are integrated within or on the detection medium. This merging eliminates the need for separate, precisely spaced electrode components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining capacitance signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are nested within the detection medium structure, with the detection medium surrounding or encapsulating the electrodes. This nested arrangement naturally maintains proper spacing and alignment without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If specialist materials are used for specific analyte detection, then the sensor responds accurately to target analytes, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection medium is constructed as a composite material containing multiple analyte-sensitive materials dispersed within a matrix material. This composite structure provides accurate response to specific analytes through the sensitive materials while the matrix provides structural integrity, allowing use of specialist materials without proportionally increasing production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The analyte-sensitive materials are distributed locally within the detection medium at positions where they can effectively interact with target analytes. This local concentration of specialist materials maximizes detection accuracy while minimizing the total amount of expensive specialist material required, reducing production cost.
4Reliability
If pre-treatment and thermal treatment are applied, then the sensor can be decontaminated for accurate response, but the energy consumption and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection medium is pre-configured during manufacturing with analyte-sensitive materials positioned and oriented to immediately respond to target analytes upon contact. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for runtime thermal treatment or decontamination procedures, reducing energy consumption and setup time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection medium is designed to be self-activating upon analyte contact, with the analyte-sensitive materials automatically responding to analyte presence without requiring external thermal treatment or power-intensive preparation. The sensor provides accurate response through the inherent properties of the detection medium materials, eliminating energy-consuming pre-treatment steps.
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 device offers reliable, immediate detection of various analytes with reduced power consumption and simplified manufacturing, providing stable and quick signal responses without the need for pre-treatment or extensive setup.
Implementation Method 1
certain sensors provide a measurable change in capacitance in response to an analyte
Implementation Method 2
the specific response of capacitor dielectric material to the analyte in question
Implementation Method 3
the analyte absorbs or adsorbs the detection medium or changes the dielectric constant of the detection medium
Implementation Method 4
the analyte absorbs or adsorbs the detection medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor device, in particular the invention relates to an electronic sensor device formed within a groove of a substrate adapted such that in response to engagement with an analyte a signal response is provided. The invention also relates to a method of forming such a sensor device. The electronic sensor device comprises a substrate comprising at least one groove, said groove including a first face and a second face, said groove having a cross-sectional profile including at least a groove depth In within the substrate and a groove width at a surface of said substrate. Said first face includes a first electrically non-insulating portion and said second face including a second electrically non-insulating portion wherein, within said profile, said first electrically non-insulating portion is electrically separated from said second electrically non-insulating portion. A detection medium is provided within said groove, arranged to contactingly engage said first and second electrically non- insulating portions, and adapted to be contactingly engaged by an analyte. Furthermore, said profile or said detection medium is adapted such that, in use, a signal response is provided comprising a first response phase and a subsequent second response phase in response to an engagement of the analyte with the detection medium.