Sensor Flow Cell Lid Support via Perimeter Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cell designs with lids supported by columns on the active surface of sensors reduce the usable area for sensing, often limiting it to one-third or less of the active surface.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a supporting structure with a sensor having an active surface, paired columns on the supporting structure that are taller than the sensor active surface, and a lidding layer supported by these columns, creating an opening above at least half of the active surface, forming a flow cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If columns are placed on the active surface of the sensor to support the lid, then the lid can be properly supported above the sensor, but the usable area of the active surface is reduced to one-third or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the columns from the active surface plane to the perimeter region, utilizing the lateral dimension around the sensor rather than occupying the central active area. This spatial reconfiguration allows the lid to be supported while preserving the active surface area, directly resolving the contradiction between lid support stability and usable sensor area.
2Strength
If columns are positioned on the active surface, then structural support is achieved, but fluidic exchange is compromised due to entrainment or trapping of reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the columns from the active surface location and repositions them to the perimeter region. This separation removes the harmful interference of columns from the fluidic exchange zone while maintaining their essential structural support function, thereby eliminating reagent entrapment issues while preserving structural integrity.
3Volume of moving object
If the lid is placed close to the active surface for compactness, then device size is reduced, but the active surface area available for sensing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the perimeter dimension around the sensor to position columns, creating vertical support structures that do not occupy horizontal active surface area. This allows the lid to be positioned close to the active surface for compactness while maintaining full access to the active surface area for sensing, resolving the contradiction between device compactness and sensor area utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus and method of forming, including a supporting structure, a sensor on the supporting structure, a pair of columns on the supporting structure at opposite sides of the sensor, the pair of columns having a column height relative to a top surface of the supporting structure, the column height being higher than a height of the active surface of the sensor relative to the top surface of the supporting structure, and a lidding layer on the pair of columns and over the active surface, the lidding layer being supported at opposite ends by the pair of columns. The active surface of the sensor, the lidding layer and the pair of columns form an opening above at least more than about half of the active surface of the sensor, and the supporting structure, the sensor, the lidding layer and the pair of columns together form a flow cell.