Embedded Metal Layer Corrosion Protection in Sensor Flow Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological and chemical research protocols face challenges with expensive and bulky optical systems for fluorescent detection, and there is a need for more efficient and cost-effective solutions for detecting reactions in controlled environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a flow cell with a passivation layer and a detection device having an embedded metal layer that is electrically isolated from other detection circuitry, allowing for the application of electrical biases for protection and the use of optical sensors for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical system with lenses, filters, and light sources is used for fluorescent detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the complex optical system and integrates it directly into the microplate structure. The solid-state imager is embedded within the microplate, eliminating the need for separate optical components like lenses, filters, and light sources, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection device with the reaction chamber structure. The solid-state imager is integrated into the microplate substrate, combining the reaction vessel and detection system into a single unified device, which reduces overall system complexity and eliminates bulky optical assemblies.
2Measurement precision
If an optical system with lenses, filters, and light sources is used for fluorescent detection, then detection capability is improved, but the benchtop footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection device with the reaction chamber structure. The solid-state imager is integrated into the microplate substrate, combining the reaction vessel and detection system into a single unified device, which reduces overall system complexity and eliminates bulky optical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from the complex optical system and integrates it directly into the microplate structure. The solid-state imager is embedded within the microplate, eliminating the need for separate optical components like lenses, filters, and light sources, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
3Reliability
If metal layers are embedded in the detection device, then electrical isolation is achieved, but corrosion protection is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a passivation layer as an intermediary between the embedded metal layer and the external environment. This passivation layer serves as a protective barrier that prevents corrosion of the metal layer while allowing the metal to maintain its electrical isolation function, thus addressing both requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a passivation layer to the embedded metal layer during manufacturing to prevent corrosion before it can occur. This preliminary protective measure ensures that the metal layer remains corrosion-resistant throughout the device's operational life, addressing the corrosion issue proactively rather than reactively.
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 sensor system provides effective corrosion protection for metal components, reduces corrosion rates by thousands of times, and enables efficient detection of reactions with a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a flow cell, including a passivation layer having opposed surfaces and a reaction site at a first of the opposed surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a detection device in contact with a second of the opposed surfaces of the passivation layer, the detection device including an embedded metal layer that is electrically isolated from other detection circuitry of the detection device; and a controller to ground the embedded metal layer
Implementation Method 3
an optical sensor electrically connected to the other detection circuitry of the detection device to transmit data signals in response to photons detected by the optical sensor
Implementation Method 4
a lid operatively connected to the passivation layer to partially define a flow channel between the lid and the reaction site
Data Source
AI summary
An example sensor includes a flow cell, a detection device, and a controller. The flow cell includes a passivation layer having opposed surfaces and a reaction site at a first of the opposed surfaces. The flow cell also includes a lid operatively connected to the passivation layer to partially define a flow channel between the lid and the reaction site. The detection device is in contact with a second of the opposed surfaces of the passivation layer, and includes an embedded metal layer that is electrically isolated from other detection circuitry of the detection device. The controller is to ground the embedded metal layer.