Pore-Based Microparticle Measurement with Pressure-Driven Clog Clearing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microparticle measurement methods using pore-based devices face challenges with pore clogging, which conventional polarity reversal techniques are ineffective due to current limitations and electrolysis risks, necessitating device replacement.

Innovation Solution

A microparticle measuring apparatus with a pressure controller to generate a pressure difference between liquid chambers to resolve clogging, avoiding large current application and electrolysis, using a pressure controller to clear clogs effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polarity reversal technique is used to resolve pore clogging, then clogging can be cleared, but large current causes electrolysis and measurement integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclogging resolution capabilityVSAvoidelectrolysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical field-based polarity reversal technique with a pressure-based mechanical system. A pressure controller applies pressure difference across the pore to physically clear clogs without using large currents, thereby avoiding electrolysis while maintaining clogging resolution capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pressure controller as an intermediary device between the liquid chambers to resolve clogging. This intermediary applies mechanical pressure rather than electrical current, serving as a mediator that clears pores without causing electrolytic damage to the measurement system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If large current is applied to clear clogs, then clogging is resolved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to electrolysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclogging resolutionVSAvoidparticle size distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical current with mechanical pressure to clear clogs. The pressure controller applies controlled pressure difference across the pore to dislodge and remove clogging substances, achieving reliable pore clearance without the electrolysis that would compromise measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If device replacement is performed due to clogging, then measurement integrity is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement integrityVSAvoidmeasurement throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the measurement device to clear its own clogs autonomously through the pressure controller. The system performs self-maintenance by applying pressure to clear pores during or between measurements, eliminating the need for device replacement and maintaining continuous productivity while preserving measurement integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous measurement operation by implementing real-time pressure-based clog clearance. The pressure controller can clear pores during measurement pauses or between measurements, maintaining uninterrupted useful action and high productivity without compromising measurement integrity through device replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 accurate microparticle measurement by resolving clogging with pressure, preventing electrolysis and maintaining measurement integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure controller structured to generate a pressure difference between the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

measuring instrument structured to measure a current signal that flows between a first electrode provided in the first liquid chamber and a second electrode provided in the second liquid chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical current flow: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

The inside of the pore-based device 100R is separated by a pore chip 102 into two spaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPore-based separation: Nanopore

Data Source

PatentUS20260092857A1Microparticle measuring apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.04.02 ADVANTEST CORP

AI summary

The microparticle measuring apparatus is used in combination with a pore-based device. The pore-based device has a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber separated by a partition having a pore. A measuring instrument is structured to measure a current signal that flows between a first electrode provided in the first liquid chamber and a second electrode provided in the second liquid chamber. Upon detection of the clogging of the pore-based device during the measurement, the pressure controller generates a pressure difference between the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber.