Microfluidic Impedance Sensor for Fluid Level Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cell-based diagnostic tools are often expensive, require specialized training, and are not suitable for point-of-care settings, limiting their accessibility and effectiveness in detecting infectious and chronic diseases outside centralized hospitals.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidics sensing system that includes a microfluidic device with embedded pumps, drop ejectors, impedance sensors, and thermal sensors, controlled by a portable computing device, allowing for laboratory-level diagnostic performance in a portable and cost-effective manner, capable of capturing and analyzing digital data for rapid results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cell-based diagnostic tools are used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic system is segmented into modular components: a microfluidic chip with integrated channels and chambers, embedded sensors for detection, and a portable computing device for data processing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall diagnostic accuracy, reducing the complexity burden on any single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical cell-based diagnostic systems are replaced with a microfluidic-based system that uses controlled fluid flow through microchannels to transport samples and reagents. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical manipulation while maintaining diagnostic functionality through automated fluid handling and integrated sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional cell-based diagnostic tools are used, then diagnostic capability is maintained, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple diagnostic functions are merged into a single integrated microfluidic chip that combines sample processing, reagent mixing, cell analysis, and detection in one device. This merging maintains comprehensive diagnostic capability while simplifying operation to a single integrated unit that requires minimal user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microfluidic system incorporates automated fluid handling, pumping, and mixing mechanisms that operate without manual intervention. The embedded sensors automatically detect and analyze cells as they flow through the system, and the portable computing device autonomously processes data and provides results, making the system self-sufficient and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional cell-based diagnostic tools are used, then diagnostic performance is maintained, but cost and accessibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The microfluidic chip is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that can be manufactured using standard microfabrication techniques. Each chip is inexpensive to produce and can be discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for expensive cleaning and sterilization processes while maintaining diagnostic performance. This approach significantly reduces the overall cost per test compared to reusable conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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, cost-effective, and portable laboratory-level diagnostic performance at the point of care, providing timely and accurate results for infectious and chronic disease detection, suitable for both household and remote settings.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor being an impedance sensor that produces an elongated electric field region along the channel such that the electric field region is interrupted by a particle flowing across the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical impedance: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

A microfluidics sensing system that includes a microfluidic device with embedded pumps, drop ejectors, impedance sensors, and thermal sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal sensing: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentUS11035814B2Microfluidics detection

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A method of microfluidic detection can include detecting, using an impedance sensor, an impedance of a fluid to indicate whether a threshold amount of fluid has been received in a reservoir of a microfluidic chip. The method can include initiating a test performed by the microfluidic chip on the received fluid when the threshold amount of fluid has been received.