Self-correcting Resonant Sensor Array for Environmental Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resonant sensors are affected by environmental conditions such as temperature, pressure, and humidity, which can mask the detection or identification of target substances, as they respond to multiple physical and chemical parameters, making it difficult to accurately measure the true mass of substances of interest.
Innovation Solution
An array of resonant sensors with varied frequency responses to environmental and chemical parameters, where a processor determines individual parameter values using calibration terms and detected frequency responses from multiple sensors, allowing for self-correction and accurate measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If resonant sensors use polymer films and coatings with selective adsorption for specific agents, then sensitivity to target substances is improved, but the sensors become responsive to multiple environmental parameters (temperature, pressure, humidity) which masks detection of true substance mass
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple independent resonant sensors, each with different frequency responses to environmental parameters. By dividing the measurement task across multiple sensors with varied characteristics, the system can isolate the true substance mass signal from environmental interference through comparative analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the sensor system by using sensors with different resonant frequencies and different sensitivities to environmental parameters. This parameter diversity allows the system to differentiate between signals caused by environmental changes versus those caused by actual substance adsorption.
2Reliability
If a single resonant sensor is used to detect substances, then device complexity is minimized, but the ability to distinguish between environmental effects and true substance detection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple resonant sensors serve universal functions in the system: they all detect frequency changes, but their varied responses to different parameters make them collectively capable of distinguishing between environmental effects and substance detection. This multi-functionality approach allows one system to perform both environmental monitoring and substance detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensor readings to continuously adjust and refine the interpretation of each sensor's response. By comparing frequency changes across sensors with known different environmental sensitivities, the system can feedback-correct for environmental interference and isolate true substance detection signals.
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
Enables accurate detection and identification of substances by accounting for environmental influences, enhancing sensitivity and specificity in sensing applications.
Implementation Method 1
Resonant sensors use target molecules adsorbed in the sensing material to change properties that are reflected in the resonance frequency
Implementation Method 2
These cMUTs rely on the very large electric field (E>108 V/m) in the gap of the capacitor to provide an electromechanical coupling coefficient close to unity
Implementation Method 3
The mechanical resonance frequency of the functionalized membrane is responsive to binding of an agent to the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
An array of resonant sensors self-corrects measured values for the effects of environmental conditions, such as operating temperature, pressure or humidity. The resonant sensors have varied frequency responses to N environmental parameters and M chemical parameters. Each of the sensors has a different, non-zero frequency response to at least two of the parameters. The device also comprises at least one detector for detecting frequency responses of the resonant sensors. Individual parameter values are determined for each of the N environmental parameters and M chemical parameters according to the detected frequency responses and a system of equations using calibration terms that relate the frequency responses to the individual parameter values.