Liquid Specimen Sensor Layout for Balanced SAW Signal Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid specimen sensors have complex configurations that increase costs and may compromise detection accuracy due to variations in permittivity caused by liquid specimen contact with IDT electrodes and connection conductors.
Innovation Solution
A liquid specimen sensor with a pair of IDT electrodes and layered conductors arranged in a flow path, where the sum of line lengths of input and output conductors on both sides are equal, improving detection accuracy with a simpler configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If covers are provided to guide liquid specimen flow, then contact of liquid specimen with IDT electrodes and connection conductors is suppressed, but device complexity increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow path guidance function from physical covers and relocates it to the sensor substrate structure itself. The sensor substrate is designed with a recess that forms the flow path, eliminating the need for separate cover components while maintaining the ability to guide liquid specimen flow and protect internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the flow path structure with the sensor substrate by forming the recess directly in the substrate. This integration combines multiple functions (structural support, flow path definition, component mounting) into a single component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions are formed to guide liquid specimen, then contact with IDT electrodes and connection conductors is suppressed, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the surface treatment requirement by providing physical protection through the recess structure and cover plate assembly. This eliminates the need for complex hydrophilic/hydrophobic region patterning while achieving the same goal of preventing liquid contact with sensitive electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple cover plate that can be easily manufactured and potentially replaced. This disposable-like approach uses basic structural components rather than complex surface treatments, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining functionality.
3Measurement precision
If connection conductors are exposed to liquid specimen, then permittivity variation occurs causing detection accuracy to fall, but providing covers increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cover plate as an intermediary barrier between the liquid specimen and the connection conductors. This cover plate physically separates the liquid from the electrical components, preventing permittivity variations that would affect detection accuracy, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensor assembly into distinct functional zones: the recess area for IDT electrodes, the cover plate area for protection, and the flow path area for liquid specimen. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining simplicity in the overall design.
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 equal line lengths of conductors reduce unintended phase delays and noise, enhancing detection accuracy and simplifying the sensor design.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid specimen sensor in which a liquid specimen is placed between a pair of IDT (interdigital transducer) electrodes and a property or ingredient of the liquid specimen are measured based on the influence of that liquid specimen exerted upon a signal transmitted and received between the pair of IDT electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a liquid specimen sensor in which a liquid specimen is placed between a pair of IDT (interdigital transducer) electrodes and a property or ingredient of the liquid specimen are measured based on the influence of that liquid specimen exerted upon a signal transmitted and received between the pair of IDT electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid specimen sensor includes a pair of first IDT electrodes and a pair of second IDT electrodes, a pair of first input connection conductors connected to one of the pair of first IDT electrodes and extending to the outside of the flow path, a pair of first output connection conductors connected to the other of the pair of first IDT electrodes and extending to the outside of the flow path, a pair of second input connection conductors connected to one of the pair of second IDT electrodes and extending to the outside of the flow path, and a pair of second output connection conductors connected to the other of the pair of second IDT electrodes and extending to the outside of the flow path. The sum of the line lengths in the flow path of the pair of first input connection conductors and the pair of first output connection conductors and the sum of the line lengths in the flow path of the pair of second input connection conductors and the pair of second output connection conductors are equal.