Sensor Chip Cap with Deflecting Mirror for Compact Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instruments for massively parallel analysis of biological and chemical samples are large, non-portable, require skilled operation, and are limited to laboratory settings due to their size, power needs, and cost, leading to long wait times for results.
Innovation Solution
A sensor chip package with a cap that includes an optical component, such as a mirror, to deflect excitation light for sample analysis, allowing for a compact design that reduces the vertical height profile and enables adjustable mirror tilt angles without additional mechanisms, enhancing portability and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional luminescent detection instruments are used, then accurate sample analysis can be performed, but the instruments are large, non-portable, and require laboratory settings
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into a reusable instrument housing and disposable sensor chip packages. Each sensor chip package is a self-contained unit with integrated optical components, sample wells, and detection elements. This segmentation allows the instrument to be compact while maintaining accurate analysis capabilities through the integrated chip design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor chip package employs a nested structure where the sensor chip is inserted into a cap that serves as a helmet, which is then placed into the instrument housing. The cap engages with the chip and provides structural support while the entire assembly nests within the compact instrument, enabling portability without sacrificing analytical precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional optical detection systems are used, then accurate luminescence detection is achieved, but the systems are complex and require skilled operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor chip integrates multiple functions into a single component: the sensor chip body contains sample wells, the cap provides structural support and engagement features, and optical components are embedded within the cap. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies operation while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor chip package is designed as a self-contained, disposable unit that requires no complex setup or calibration by the user. The optical components are pre-aligned within the cap, and the chip automatically interfaces with the instrument housing. This self-service design eliminates the need for skilled operation while preserving accurate luminescence detection.
3Measurement precision
If sample analysis is performed in centralized laboratories, then comprehensive analysis can be conducted, but wait times range from hours to days
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor chip package is prepared in advance with pre-aligned optical components, pre-formed sample wells, and integrated detection elements. This preliminary preparation allows the chip to be immediately used upon insertion into the instrument, eliminating setup time and enabling rapid analysis while maintaining comprehensive analytical capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment and setup procedures with a pre-integrated optical system embedded in the cap. The optical components are fixed in predetermined positions, and the chip automatically interfaces with the instrument housing through engineered engagement features. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with pre-engineered integration enables rapid deployment while preserving analysis precision.
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 solution enables a compact, portable, and user-friendly system for biological and chemical sample analysis, allowing for rapid and efficient analysis of samples at the point of care, reducing wait times and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the optical component may be a mirror or prism that provides a right angle coupling of excitation light signal to the sensor chip
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a sensor chip package that comprises a cap that engages the sensor chip and serving as a helmet that covers some or all of a top surface of the sensor chip. Aspects of the present disclosure provide a cap design that has an optical component to deflect an excitation light signal towards the top surface of sensor chip to excite samples within the sample wells. In some embodiments, the optical component may be a mirror or prism that provides a right angle coupling of excitation light signal to the sensor chip. Some embodiments are directed to a cap design in which a mirror is supported by multiple support surfaces of the cap body such that a mirror of a different length will provide a different tilt angle when supported by the same support surfaces.