Ion-Diffusion Semiconductor Sensing for Power-Free Event Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors face challenges in accurately and reliably detecting environmental conditions without external power, as they rely on data storage by computer-readable memory devices, which is inaccessible in power-unavailable situations and have limited control over ion diffusion.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device incorporates a reservoir of ions with metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices to control ion diffusion into channel regions, enabling condition detection with minimal or no external power, using ion diffusion control devices and selected ion and oxide materials for efficient sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensors use computer-readable memory devices to store detection data, then data can be stored and accessed, but the data becomes inaccessible when external power is unavailable and the system lacks control over ion diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs self-service by using its own operational states (ion diffusion into channel regions) to store detection information, eliminating dependence on external power for data retention. The device detects conditions and automatically records them through physical ion movement, making the data inherently persistent without requiring powered memory devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic data storage in memory devices with a physical/chemical mechanism where ions physically diffuse into channel regions based on detected conditions. This substitution of electronic storage with a physical state change (ion positioning) ensures data persistence without external power and provides direct control over the storage mechanism through the ion diffusion process.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensors lack control over ion diffusion, then the structure is simpler, but the detection accuracy and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is segmented into distinct functional regions: a reservoir containing ions, a barrier layer controlling ion release, and channel regions where ions diffuse to indicate detected conditions. This segmentation allows precise control over ion diffusion while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The device controls ion diffusion by changing physical parameters such as applying voltages to the reservoir or barrier layer, which alters the diffusion rate and extent of ions into channel regions. This parameter control enables precise detection accuracy while the complexity remains manageable through controlled parameter adjustment rather than complex structural design.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensors operate without external power, then energy consumption is reduced, but they cannot actively control ion diffusion or access stored data
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs preliminary action by pre-positioning ions in the reservoir and preparing the barrier layer for controlled release. When detection is needed, the device can activate with minimal power to trigger ion diffusion, rather than requiring continuous power for operation or data access. This preliminary preparation enables low-power operation while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses self-service mechanisms where environmental conditions automatically trigger ion diffusion into channel regions without requiring active power consumption for the detection process itself. The physical chemistry of ion diffusion occurs passively in response to detected conditions, enabling energy-efficient operation while maintaining operational control through the designed response mechanisms.
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 allows for reliable detection of conditions with high accuracy and flexibility in sensing various conditions, operating as a memory device that records instances without external power, and minimizes contamination through primary and secondary barriers.
Implementation Method 1
An electric field generated by the ion diffusion control device controls diffusion of the ions from the reservoir into the one or more channel regions
Implementation Method 2
controls diffusion of the ions from the reservoir into the one or more channel regions
Data Source
AI summary
Semiconductor devices can include a reservoir of ions and one or more channel regions. Additionally, the semiconductor devices can include one or more diffusion control devices that control the flow of ions from the reservoir to the one or more channel regions. The presence of ions in the one or more channel regions can be detected and used to determine that the semiconductor devices have been subjected to one or more events.