Sensor Assembly With Layered Electrodes For Multi-Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing technologies require increased sample volumes with the number of analytes detected, which is undesirable for limited or expensive samples, such as in neonatal cases.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a layered structure comprising substrates with opposing and co-planar electrode configurations, allowing for multiple analytes to be tested concurrently using a small sample volume, where electrodes are arranged to face each other in a sandwich configuration and alongside each other in a coplanar configuration within a fluid flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to detect multiple analytes, then the detection capability is improved, but the sample volume requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor portions detecting different analytes are merged into a single sensor assembly with a shared fluid flow path. The first sensor portion detects a first analyte while the second sensor portion detects a second analyte, both using the same sample volume passed through the common fluid flow path between the first and second substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly utilizes a layered three-dimensional structure with first and second substrates positioned at different spatial levels. The fluid flow path is configured to pass between these substrates, allowing multiple sensor portions to be arranged in different spatial dimensions (opposing configuration across the flow path or co-planar configuration on the same substrate surface) while all accessing the same sample volume.
2Productivity
If multiple analytes are tested concurrently, then the testing efficiency is improved, but the sample volume requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor portions for detecting different analytes are merged into a single sensor assembly with a shared fluid flow path. The first sensor portion detects a first analyte while the second sensor portion detects a second analyte, both using the same sample volume passed through the common fluid flow path between the first and second substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly enables continuous concurrent detection of multiple analytes as the sample flows through the fluid flow path. Both sensor portions operate simultaneously and continuously during the same sample passage, eliminating the need for sequential testing that would require separate sample volumes for each analyte.
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
Enables concurrent testing of multiple analytes with significantly reduced sample volume requirements, suitable for limited or expensive samples, while maintaining accurate detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the first sensor portion aligned with the second sensor portion across the fluid flow path to form an electrochemical type of sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a method in which a sample is passed through a fluid flow path of a sensor assembly such that the sample intersects at least one sensor comprising at least three electrodes arranged such that two or more electrodes are opposing and two or more electrodes are beside one another. The sensor is read by a reader monitoring changes to the sensor due to the presence of the sample. The reader measures the presence and/or concentration of one or more analytes within the sample based upon data obtained by the reader.