Suspended-Beam Microacoustic Sensor for Low-Volume Blood Viscosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional viscometers are bulky, require large sample volumes, and are not suitable for portable or online measurement of fluid properties, particularly for non-Newtonian fluids like blood, which complicates the measurement of whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity, leading to inaccurate results and long turnaround times.
Innovation Solution
A vibration-damping sensor with acoustic fields inducing greater vibration amplitudes and penetration depths, allowing for simultaneous measurement of whole blood and plasma viscosities, density, and hematocrit without pre-processing, using a device with suspended beams that oscillate upon actuation to measure fluid properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional viscometers are used to measure fluid viscosity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device portability and sample volume requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microacoustic sensor that generates acoustic vibrations in the fluid sample to measure viscosity. The sensor induces shear waves in the fluid, and the attenuation of these waves is measured to determine viscosity. This vibration-based approach enables accurate viscosity measurement of non-Newtonian fluids like blood with minimal sample volume, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and sample volume requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical viscometer systems with a microacoustic sensing system. Instead of using mechanical rotation or moving parts that require large sample volumes, the patent uses acoustic wave propagation and attenuation measurement to determine viscosity. This substitution enables portable operation and reduces sample volume requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Volume of moving object
If high frequency acoustic sensors are used for viscosity measurement, then device size is reduced, but penetration depth and measurement accuracy for non-Newtonian fluids deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the acoustic frequency parameter to achieve an balance between device miniaturization and measurement accuracy. By selecting specific frequency ranges and adjusting vibration amplitudes, the system achieves sufficient penetration depth into non-Newtonian fluids like blood while maintaining compact device dimensions. The frequency and amplitude parameters are tuned to ensure the acoustic field penetrates adequately to probe bulk fluid properties rather than just surface characteristics
3Measurement precision
If conventional blood viscosity measurement methods are used, then measurement capability is improved, but turnaround time and operational complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The microacoustic sensor system is designed for self-contained operation with integrated sample handling and measurement capabilities. The device requires minimal operator intervention and can perform measurements rapidly without complex preparation steps. The acoustic measurement process itself is quick, enabling point-of-care blood viscosity measurement with short turnaround times suitable for clinical settings
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 rapid, real-time measurement of fluid properties with minimal sample volume, providing accurate and standardized results for blood coagulation monitoring and disease diagnosis, suitable for point-of-care diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration-damping based sensors when exposed to a fluid induce an acoustic vibration field in the medium
Implementation Method 2
the damping of the oscillation can be measured using the quality factor of the resonance, the resonance frequency, and/or the resonant motion amplitude
Implementation Method 3
When the vibration of the sensors corresponds to a resonance oscillation of the sensor, the damping of the oscillation can be measured using the quality factor of the resonance, the resonance frequency
Implementation Method 4
viscoelasticity of a fluid sample, viscosity of a bulk phase of a fluid sample, viscosity of a continuous phase of a fluid sample
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices for measuring, at one or more time points, one or more properties or changes in properties of a fluid sample. The devices may comprise a chamber defining an internal volume of the device suitable for receiving and retaining the fluid sample; a plurality of layers, the plurality comprising at least a bottom layer below the chamber and at least a substrate layer above the chamber, wherein: the substrate layer is linked to at least one suspended beam at each end of its length; the suspended beam is located above the chamber, the suspended beam having a face capable of physical contact with the fluid sample; and the suspended beam is configured to oscillate upon application of an actuating signal to at least one electrically conductive path, which runs across the suspended beam. Related methods and uses are also disclosed.