Nanomechanical Sensor Receptor Low-Hygroscopic Material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nanomechanical sensors face difficulties in accurately detecting trace components in samples containing high water content due to water-induced masking effects, where water absorption saturates the receptor layer and inhibits the detection of other analytes.

Innovation Solution

A nanomechanical sensor receptor made of low-hygroscopic materials, such as polysulfone, polycaprolactone, poly(vinylidene fluoride), and poly(4-methylstyrene), is used to reduce water's negative influence, allowing for improved detection capabilities by minimizing water absorption and signal masking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional receptor material is used in a nanomechanical sensor, then the sensor can detect analytes through adsorption, but water absorption saturates the receptor layer and masks the detection signal of trace components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of trace componentsVSAvoidwater-induced masking effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the receptor layer by selecting low-hygroscopic materials (such as certain polymers and organic compounds) that have inherently lower water absorption characteristics. This parameter change in material selection directly reduces water-induced masking effects while preserving analyte detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material strategies by combining low-hygroscopic receptor materials with appropriate binders or coating matrices. This composite approach maintains the hydrophobic properties for water resistance while ensuring proper adhesion and functional performance of the receptor layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If the receptor layer absorbs water, then the change in physical quantity such as surface stress is produced, but the majority of the detection signal becomes water-derived and masks the signal from trace components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection capabilityVSAvoidmasking of trace component signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the hygroscopic parameter of the receptor material to minimize water absorption. By selecting materials with low water affinity, the sensor reduces water-derived signal changes, thereby preventing signal masking and preserving information about trace components in the sample

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If a material that strongly adsorbs analytes is used as the receptor, then the change in physical quantity is maximized, but the same material also absorbs water in large amounts causing saturation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity to analytesVSAvoidwater absorption amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality differentiation by designing a receptor layer with specific material properties that create selective affinity - hydrophobic character for water resistance while maintaining specific adsorption sites or functional groups for analyte binding. This localized functional differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of water rejection and analyte detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the balance between adsorption capacity and hygroscopicity by carefully selecting materials and controlling coating parameters. The receptor material is chosen to have appropriate surface properties that limit water uptake while preserving or enhancing analyte adsorption capability through controlled material composition and structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 use of low-hygroscopic receptor materials significantly reduces the impact of water on sensor outputs, enabling more accurate detection of trace components even in high-humidity samples, and allows for the combination of sensors to enhance identification and measurement capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a receptor absorbs water contained in a large ratio in the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Nanomechanical sensor receptor made of low-hygroscopic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHygroscopy:

Data Source

PatentUS11215585B2Nanomechanical sensor receptor made of low-hygroscopic material and nanomechanical sensor using the same as receptor

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 NAT INST FOR MATERIALS SCI

AI summary

The present invention provides a nanomechanical sensor in which a negative influence of water in a sample on measurement is suppressed. In an embodiment of the present invention, as a receptor material of the nanomechanical sensor, a low-hygroscopic material such as polysulfone, polycaprolactone, poly(vinylidene fluoride), or poly(4-methylstyrene) is used. According to this embodiment, a negative influence, such as saturation of a receptor layer by water in the sample, or masking of an output signal based on trace components by an output signal based on water contained in the sample in a large amount, can be suppressed.