Radial Nanowire Electrode Layout for Sensitive Fluid Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors have undesirably low sensitivity to analytes in bodily fluids, necessitating the development of more sensitive detection systems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sensor with a plurality of pairs of electrodes arranged radially around a center point, connected by nanowires, and a method involving the deposition of nanowires on a substrate to enhance sensitivity, where the nanowires are in electrical communication with the electrodes, forming a circular structure that promotes efficient analyte detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor configurations are used, then device complexity is low, but sensitivity to analytes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple pairs of electrodes (at least ten pairs) arranged radially around a center point, with each pair connected by individual nanowires. This segmentation allows each electrode pair to function as an independent sensing unit, collectively enhancing overall sensitivity while maintaining a structured, manageable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are arranged in a radial configuration around a center point rather than in a linear or planar array. This radial arrangement in two dimensions maximizes the interaction area with analytes in bodily fluids and improves sensitivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If nanowires are used to connect electrodes, then electrical communication is optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nanowires are deposited using a self-assembly process where nanowire-containing solution is applied to the substrate and allowed to evaporate, with replenishment of evaporated fluid. The nanowires spontaneously form connections between electrodes without requiring complex alignment or placement equipment, optimizing electrical communication while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid medium is used as an intermediary to transport and deposit nanowires onto the substrate. The nanowires are suspended in the fluid, which is applied to the electrode structure and allows nanowires to naturally bridge gaps between electrodes, facilitating reliable electrical communication through a simple deposition process.
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
This configuration significantly enhances the sensor's sensitivity to analytes, allowing for precise detection by optimizing the electrical communication between electrodes through nanowires, improving the overall performance in sensing bodily fluids.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of nanowires arranged to form a circular structure about a center point and the plurality of electrodes disposed on the plurality of nanowires
Implementation Method 2
sensors suitable for sensing bodily fluids... significantly enhances the sensor's sensitivity to analytes
Data Source
AI summary
Sensors having an advantageous design and methods for fabricating such sensors are generally provided. Some sensors described herein comprise pairs of electrodes having radial symmetry, pairs of nested electrodes, and/or nanowires. Some embodiments relate to fabricating electrodes by methods in which nanowires are deposited from a fluid contacted with a substrate in a manner such that it evaporates and is replenished.