Radial Electrode Array for Contactless Particle Detection in Fluids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle detection methods in fluidic environments face challenges with electrode polarization, electrochemical corrosion, and non-uniform flow rate, and existing methods fail to effectively address the challenges of effectively addressing the challenges of effectively addressing the technical problem of effectively solving the technical problem of effectively solving the technical problem of accurately detecting particles such as bacteria, viruses, and other biomolecules in a fluidic environment.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electrode probing structure with a first array of electrodes and a second array of electrodes, the first array of electrodes and the second array of electrodes, the second array of electrodes, and a spatial point, with an inlet and outlet for detecting particles, and a controller for controlling particle flow, and a data acquisition unit for analyzing particle characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electrical sensing methods with direct electrode contact are used, then particle detection capability is achieved, but electrode polarization and electrochemical corrosion occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric layer as an intermediary between the electrode and the fluid containing particles. This dielectric barrier prevents direct contact between the electrode and fluid, eliminating electrode polarization and electrochemical corrosion while still allowing capacitive coupling for particle detection. The dielectric acts as a mediator that enables detection without harmful direct interaction.
2Measurement precision
If conventional particle detection methods are used, then basic detection is achieved, but non-uniform flow rate and limited accuracy for biomolecule detection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple individually addressable electrodes arranged in a specific geometric pattern. This segmentation allows for selective activation of electrode pairs and creates defined flow channels between adjacent electrodes, ensuring uniform flow distribution across the detection region and improving measurement accuracy for biomolecules.
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 electrode probing structure enables precise detection and analysis of particle characteristics, such as type, size, number, and motion, with enhanced accuracy and scalability, supporting both dynamic and static fluid conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Latest advancements in this field utilize capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) for the detection of particles, including biomolecules, using capillary electrophoresis
Implementation Method 2
On-chip manipulation of particles using electrophoresis is widely used for many applications, including microfluidic sensing, bioanalysis, and macromolecular data collection
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode probing structure includes a first array of electrodes arranged to be radially spaced apart about a spatial point. A second array of electrodes is arranged parallel to the first array of electrodes, creating a space between the first array and the second array. An inlet is disposed adjacent the first or the second array of electrodes to introduce a fluid containing particles into the space between the first and the second array of electrodes. One or more outlets are disposed adjacent the first or the second array of electrodes to remove the particles from the space between the first and second array of electrodes. Each pair of parallel electrodes of the first array of electrodes and the second array of electrodes, when provided with an electric potential, generates signals corresponding to at least one characteristic of the particles present in the space between the electrodes.