Nanopore Array Contact Grid for ESD-Protected Sensor Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and are often reserved for laboratory use due to the risk of performance and reliability issues when used in uncontrolled environments, discouraging their use in field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular component with an array of electrodes protected by a conductive structure or grid that inhibits ESD, allowing removably connectable sensors to be used in uncontrolled environments by dissipating electrostatic charges away from the sensor recesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are made sensitive for high performance analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to electrostatic discharge in uncontrolled environments
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive grid structure is introduced as an intermediary between the external environment and the sensor electrodes. The grid acts as a protective mediator that intercepts and dissipates electrostatic discharge away from the sensitive sensor elements, allowing high-performance sensors to operate reliably in uncontrolled environments without compromising their sensitivity
2Reliability
If sensors are protected from electrostatic discharge, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional protective structures
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is implemented as a thin conductive grid that can be deposited as a film or patterned layer over the sensor electrodes. This thin-film approach provides ESD protection while maintaining a compact form factor and minimizing the increase in device complexity compared to bulky protective enclosures
Solution Approach 2:
The grid structure parameters (conductivity, mesh density, thickness) are optimized to provide adequate ESD protection while maintaining electrical signal integrity for sensor operation. By carefully controlling these parameters, the protection mechanism achieves reliability improvement without excessive complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are used in uncontrolled environments, then adaptability is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to electrostatic discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive grid is designed to actively attract and channel electrostatic discharge toward designated discharge paths away from the sensor electrodes. By converting the harmful ESD effect into a controlled current flow through the grid, the system enables sensor operation in uncontrolled environments where ESD would otherwise be detrimental
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 conductive structure effectively protects the sensor from ESD, enabling reliable operation in uncontrolled environments and allowing for cost-effective, disposable use of sensors in field conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A modular component with an array of electrodes protected by a conductive structure or grid that inhibits ESD, allowing removably connectable sensors to be used in uncontrolled environments by dissipating electrostatic charges away from the sensor recesses
Data Source
AI summary
A component (8) adapted to engage with a receiver (6) has an array of contact pads (16) to removeably connect with a corresponding array of connectors (18) on the receiver (6). Each contact pad (16) of the array is electrically connected to the electrode (26) of a corresponding recess or well (28) that is part of a sensor, wherein a membrane is formable across each recess. A conductive grid (102) is configured between the contact pads (16) of the array, to inhibit an electrostatic discharge (ESD) conducting across the recesses or wells and/or direct an ESD away from the recesses or wells.