Organic Photoconductive Sensor for Portable Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical spectrometry methods for sensing analytes are expensive and non-portable, limiting their practicality for real-time, cost-effective analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a detection sensing element and a control sensing element with variable electrical properties, paired with detection and control optical elements that transmit optical light when in contact with an analyte or control medium, allowing for an indication of analyte presence based on electrical property differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical spectrometry is used to sense analytes, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical spectrometry instrumentation with a simplified sensor system that uses organic photoconductive materials. The sensing mechanism substitutes mechanical/optical measurement equipment with photoconductive materials that directly convert optical signals from analyte interaction into electrical signals, eliminating the need for expensive spectrometers while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct optical measurement to electrical property measurement. By using organic photoconductive materials whose electrical properties (conductivity, resistance) change in response to analyte-induced optical changes, the system transforms the measurement parameter to enable simpler, more portable detection while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If optical spectrometry is used to sense analytes, then measurement precision is improved, but cost is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive organic photoconductive materials that can be manufactured at low cost compared to optical spectrometry equipment. These materials can be produced through simple fabrication processes and deposited onto substrates, creating affordable sensors that sacrifice the need for expensive instrumentation while maintaining adequate detection precision for practical applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive optical spectrometry hardware with low-cost organic photoconductive sensing materials. This replacement eliminates the need for costly optical components, detectors, and complex instrumentation, achieving significant cost reduction while preserving the essential measurement function through photoconductive material properties
3Measurement precision
If a sensor system with multiple sensing elements is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated sensor structure. The detection and control optical elements are positioned adjacent to each other and share common electrical contacts and substrate, merging what would otherwise be separate sensor devices into one unified structure. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the precision benefits of differential measurement
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 sensor system provides a cost-effective and portable means to sense analytes by utilizing organic photoconductors and a colour filter, enabling accurate detection with minimal power consumption and scalable readout voltage signals.
Implementation Method 1
a detection sensing element having an electrical property variable with the amount of optical light received by the detection sensing element
Implementation Method 2
a control sensing element having an electrical property variable with the amount of optical light received by the control sensing element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor for sensing an analyte. The sensor comprises a detection sensing element having an electrical property variable with the amount of optical light received by the detection sensing element, a control sensing element having an electrical property variable with the amount of optical light received by the control sensing element, a detection optical element for contacting an analyte and transmitting a first amount of optical light received thereby to the detection sensing element in response to the contact with the analyte, a control optical element for contacting a control medium and transmitting a second amount of optical light received thereby to the control sensing element in response to the contact with the control medium, and an output arrangement configured to provide an indication based on the electrical property of the detection sensing element when the first amount of optical light is received by the detection sensing element, with respect to the electrical property of the control sensing element when the second amount of optical light is received by the control sensing element, thereby sensing said analyte. In various embodiments, the sensor is a pH sensor and electrical resistance is the electrical property variable in response to the amount of optical light received by the sensing elements.