Resonant Sensor Assembly for Fluid Impedance Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current resonant sensors lack selectivity and sensitivity, particularly in impedance spectroscopy, which limits their application in medical diagnostics, life sciences, water, oil, and gas industries due to low sensitivity and long acquisition times over broad frequency ranges.
Innovation Solution
A method using a sensor assembly with a plurality of resonant circuits and tuning elements that probes samples with multiple frequencies, determining impedance spectra, and applying multivariate statistical analysis to relate sensor responses to environmental properties, allowing for tomographic information and detection of physical, chemical, and biological constituents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional impedance spectroscopy is used to analyze samples, then a broad frequency range can be covered, but sensitivity is low and acquisition time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into multiple resonant circuits, each tuned to probe specific frequency ranges or depths within the sample. This segmentation allows parallel measurement at multiple frequencies simultaneously, improving sensitivity while reducing total acquisition time compared to sequential scanning of broad frequency ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly uses dynamically adjustable resonant circuits that can be tuned to different frequencies based on measurement requirements. This dynamic tuning capability allows the system to adaptively select optimal frequency ranges for different sample types, enhancing sensitivity without requiring exhaustive broad-spectrum scanning
2Measurement precision
If resonant sensors are used to probe samples, then detection capability is improved, but selectivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a depth dimension by using resonant circuits with different penetration depths. Each resonant circuit probes a specific depth range within the sample, creating a tomographic measurement space. This dimensional approach enables selective detection of constituents at different depths, significantly improving selectivity while maintaining enhanced detection capability through resonant probing
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to achieve tomographic information, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single sensor assembly by integrating multiple resonant circuits with different penetration depths into one unified structure. This allows tomographic information acquisition from a single sensor assembly rather than requiring multiple separate sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a multi-functional device where a single assembly performs multiple sensing functions at different depths and frequency ranges. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors, simplifying the overall system while providing comprehensive tomographic characterization of the sample
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 approach enhances sensitivity and selectivity, enabling efficient detection of biological and chemical species in fluids, reducing the need for multiple sensors and improving analysis speed, particularly in medical diagnostics and water technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Impedance spectroscopy is often used for materials science and materials characterization. Impedance spectroscopy provides a number of advantages in the analysis of biological species as it provides a non-invasive, non-toxic platform for analysis of biological species.
Implementation Method 2
The resonant transducers provide a mechanism to more accurately probe the dielectric properties of any samples in the presence of uncontrolled ambient environmental noise contributions as compared to non-resonant transducers.
Implementation Method 3
electrically exciting at least one pair of electrodes of the plurality of electrode pairs by a power varying electromagnetic signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for analyzing a sample includes providing a sensor assembly having a sensing region with a plurality of resonant circuits, and a plurality of tuning elements. The method further includes exposing the sensor assembly to an environment comprising the sample, and probing the sample with one or more frequencies generated by the sensor assembly. Furthermore, the method includes determining an impedance of a sensor response over a measured spectral frequency range of the sensor assembly, and relating measurement of impedance of the sensor assembly to at least one environmental property of the sample.