SAW Sensor Module with Magnetic Alignment and Capacitive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SAW sensor technologies are complex and require intricate adjustments and wiring for fluid analysis, limiting their practical application in chemical and biological fluid analysis.
Innovation Solution
A SAW sensor module with a disposable cartridge and a control and readout device that uses capacitive coupling and magnetic alignment, allowing for simple and stable signal transmission and alignment without complex adjustments, and includes a fluid frame for uniform travel distances and a RFID chip for identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional SAW sensor technologies are used for fluid analysis, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable control and readout device and a disposable cartridge containing the SAW sensor. This segmentation allows the complex sensor to be pre-assembled and tested in the cartridge, while the user only needs to replace cartridges rather than perform complex adjustments or wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge containing the SAW sensor is designed as a disposable component. This eliminates the need for complex recalibration and adjustment after each use, as users simply replace the entire cartridge with a new pre-calibrated one, significantly reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If precise alignment of coupling electrodes is required for signal transmission, then measurement reliability improves, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical alignment system is replaced with magnetic alignment. Magnetic elements in the cartridge interact with corresponding magnetic elements in the control device to automatically align the coupling electrodes, eliminating the need for precision mechanical positioning and reducing manufacturing tolerance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic alignment system enables self-alignment of the cartridge with the control device. When the cartridge is placed on the control device, the magnetic attraction automatically positions the coupling electrodes in the correct relative positions without requiring manual adjustment or high-precision manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If capacitive coupling is used for signal transmission, then connection simplicity improves, but signal loss may increase
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling liquid is introduced as an intermediary medium between the coupling electrodes to enhance capacitive coupling. The coupling liquid with appropriate dielectric properties improves the electrical connection between electrodes, reducing signal loss while maintaining the simplicity of capacitive coupling without direct physical contact.
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
Facilitates easy, reliable, and cost-effective fluid analysis with reduced measurement errors and environmental protection, enabling simultaneous measurement and identification of fluid samples.
Implementation Method 1
The alignment of the device coupling electrodes to the cartridge coupling electrodes is achieved simply by the magnetic attraction between the at least one alignment element and the at least one magnetic element, which automatically aligns the cartridge on the control and readout device.
Implementation Method 2
signal transmission from the control and readout device to the cartridge and back to the control and readout device is achieved simply and with low loss via capacitive coupling between the control and readout device and the cartridge.
Implementation Method 3
Since an externally applied electric field causes mechanical deformation of the piezoelectric substrate, the substrate is alternately stretched and contracted.
Implementation Method 4
At the transmitter, the alternating voltage signal is converted into a surface acoustic wave and emitted into the substrate. The surface acoustic wave causes charge displacements in the piezoelectric substrate, which in turn generate an alternating voltage signal in the finger-like structures of the receiver.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a SAW sensor module comprising a cartridge with a sensor chip made of piezoelectric material and at least one SAW sensor formed thereon, and at least one control and readout device for the at least one SAW sensor.According to the invention, the control and readout device has a circuit board on the front of which device coupling electrodes are formed, which are connected to a device connection formed on the circuit board by means of electrical conductors passing through the circuit board, and the cartridge has cartridge coupling electrodes which are capacitively coupled on the one hand to the device coupling electrodes and on the other hand to sensor electrodes of the at least one SAW sensor, wherein at least one magnetic element is formed on the circuit board and the cartridge has at least one metallic and/or magnetic alignment element which aligns itself with the at least one magnetic element.