Sensor Module Buffer Tanks Stabilize Fluid Conditions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor modules face challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy due to variations in component concentrations and temperature of fluids supplied directly to the detection chamber, leading to unstable voltage signals and reduced detection precision.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating buffer tanks for both the first and second fluids to homogenize their components and temperature for a fixed time interval before supply to the detection chamber, using piezoelectric pumps for controlled fluid delivery, and employing a controller to manage fluid supply and detection processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluids are supplied directly to the detection chamber without buffering, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in component concentrations and temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer tanks perform preliminary action by holding and homogenizing the first and second fluids before they are supplied to the detection chamber. This preliminary buffering action stabilizes the fluid conditions (component concentrations and temperature) to ensure consistent and accurate sensor readings, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If buffer tanks are introduced to stabilize fluid conditions, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer tanks perform preliminary action by holding and homogenizing the first and second fluids before they are supplied to the detection chamber. This preliminary buffering action stabilizes the fluid conditions (component concentrations and temperature) to ensure consistent and accurate sensor readings, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If fluids are supplied without controlled timing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to unstable voltage signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage signal stabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer tanks perform preliminary action by holding the fluids for predetermined time intervals before supply to the detection chamber. This timing control ensures that the fluids are ready at the optimal moment, stabilizing voltage signals and improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated timing management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11703484B2Sensor module

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

A sensor module includes a sensor configured to detect a specific substance in a sample, a first channel, and a second channel The first channel supplies a first fluid as the sample to the sensor. The second channel supplies a second fluid different from the first fluid to the sensor. The second channel includes a second fluid buffer tank for holding the second fluid for a fixed time interval.