Polymeric Micro-Arm Apparatus with Embedded Piezoresistive Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass micropipettes are not soft enough and lack a mechanism to detect contact, which can result in damage to tested materials during biological applications such as patch clamping, material extraction, or cell extraction.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric micro-arm apparatus with an elongated hollow structure, embedded sensing elements, and a pumping and vacuum device to detect contact and measure pressure, allowing for controlled movement and fluidic operations, is developed. The apparatus can be moved in multiple axes and includes features like heaters and fluidic channels for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glass micropipettes are used, then structural strength is maintained, but contact sensitivity and softness are insufficient causing damage to tested materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to polymeric materials (such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, or cyclic olefin copolymer) to alter the mechanical properties. This enables the micropipette to be softer and more compliant, allowing it to gently contact and manipulate biological samples without causing damage, while still maintaining sufficient structural strength through optimized polymer selection and design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining polymeric materials with embedded sensing elements and functional components. The polymeric body provides softness and compliance, while integrated elements such as piezoresistive sensors, piezoelectric elements, or capacitive sensors provide measurement capabilities. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of gentle contact properties and functional capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If glass micropipettes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but contact detection capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the micropipette structure with embedded sensing elements and detection mechanisms into a single integrated device. The sensing elements (such as piezoresistive, piezoelectric, or capacitive sensors) are incorporated directly into the polymeric micropipette body, allowing contact detection to be built into the manufacturing process rather than added as a separate component. This integration maintains manufacturing feasibility while providing sophisticated contact detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The micropipette incorporates self-sensing capabilities where the polymeric structure itself or embedded elements can detect contact events through changes in electrical properties (resistance, capacitance, or charge). This self-service detection mechanism eliminates the need for external complex detection systems, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling reliable contact measurement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If polymeric micro-arm apparatus is used, then contact sensitivity and softness are improved, but device complexity increases due to embedded sensing elements and pumping devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding sensing elements and functional components only in specific locations where they are most needed. For example, piezoresistive or piezoelectric sensors are placed at the distal end where contact detection is critical, while pumping devices are integrated only at the proximal end for fluid manipulation. This localized approach provides the necessary functionality to reduce material damage while minimizing overall device complexity by avoiding unnecessary components throughout the entire structure.
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 polymeric micro-arm apparatus provides a soft and sensitive solution for biological applications, reducing the risk of material damage and enabling precise control over contact and fluid manipulation, facilitating efficient cell lysis, PCR amplification, and real-time analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The element is a piezoresistive element configured to detect when the polymeric structure contacts an object and measure the pressure that the object exerts upon the polymeric structure
Implementation Method 2
The element is a piezoelectric element configured to detect when the polymeric structure contacts an object and measure the pressure that the object exerts upon the polymeric structure
Implementation Method 3
a pumping device attached to the proximal end of the polymeric structure
Implementation Method 4
a vacuum device attached to the proximal end of the polymeric structure
Data Source
AI summary
A polymeric micro-arm apparatus and method to use the same. The apparatus comprises of an elongated hollow polymeric structure with a distal end and a proximal end, an opening near the distal end, a main body attached to the polymeric structure means to move the polymeric structure, means to generate fluid flow through the opening, means to measure a flowrate of the fluid flow through the opening; and an element embedded in the polymeric structure, wherein the element is configured to detect when the polymeric structure contacts an object and measures the force that the object exerts upon the polymeric structure.