Multiplexed Chemosensor for Multi-Ion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current chemosensor devices are limited to detecting a single ion type, requiring multiple devices and optical systems for detecting multiple ions, which increases costs and space usage.

Innovation Solution

A single optical system with a multiplexer is used to multiplex multiple chemosensor films, allowing for the detection of multiple ion types with inline calibration, utilizing a light-emitting diode and photodetector with a multiplexer that selects and positions chemosensor films for illumination and fluorescence measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chemosensor devices are deployed to detect multiple ion types, then the detection capability for multiple ions is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability for multiple ion typesVSAvoidnumber of chemosensor devices and optical systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple chemosensor films (each specific to different ion types) into a single integrated device. Multiple Pb-specific, Hg-specific, and As-specific chemosensor films are layered together with a multiplexer mechanism, allowing one device to detect multiple ion types simultaneously, thereby reducing the number of separate devices needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single chemosensor device is designed with multi-functionality to detect various ion types (Pb2+, Hg2+, As3+) through different chemosensor films. The multiplexer enables the device to switch between different sensing functions, making one device universal for multiple detection purposes rather than requiring dedicated devices for each ion type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chemosensor devices are deployed to detect multiple ion types, then the detection capability for multiple ions is improved, but the space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability for multiple ion typesVSAvoidspace occupied by chemosensor devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple chemosensor films are merged into a single compact device structure. The layered arrangement of different chemosensor films (Pb-specific, Hg-specific, As-specific) within one device reduces the physical footprint compared to deploying multiple separate devices, thereby saving installation space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chemosensor devices are deployed to detect multiple ion types, then the detection capability for multiple ions is improved, but the component duplication increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability for multiple ion typesVSAvoidnumber of optical system components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system components (light source, photodetector, multiplexer) are merged into a shared infrastructure for multiple chemosensor films. Instead of each chemosensor having its own complete optical system, one optical system serves all chemosensor films through the multiplexer, thereby reducing component duplication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical system is designed with multi-functionality where a single light source and photodetector combination can detect multiple ion types by switching between different chemosensor films via the multiplexer. This universal optical system replaces multiple dedicated optical systems, reducing the quantity of components needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enables efficient detection of multiple ion types using a compact setup, reducing costs and space requirements while maintaining accurate inline calibration.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a light-emitting diode and photodetector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

operation is based on photoinduced electron transfer principles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP4257957A1Chemosensor, use thereof, and method of detecting ions
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4257957A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4257957A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4257957A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Aspects concern a chemosensor device (100) comprising an optoelectrical transducer comprising a light source (104); a sensor layer (106) placed in the optoelectrical transducer, the sensor layer comprising a plurality of compounds, each of the plurality of compounds associated with an ionophore moiety and fluorophore moiety couple; a multiplexer (110) arranged to operatively select at least one of the compounds to be illuminated by the light source and obtain a fluorescent measurement associated with the at least one compound.