Sensor Device for Target Particles in Sample
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the amount of target particles at a contact surface adjacent to a sample chamber lack accuracy and reliability, particularly in distinguishing between particles bound to the surface and those in the bulk sample.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device that employs a combination of sensor elements and evaluation units to detect target particles in both a first zone at the contact surface and a second zone away from it, using optical or magnetic measurements, and incorporates a manipulation device for moving particles and a method to differentiate between bound and unbound particles, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor element is used to detect target particles in the sample chamber, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it cannot distinguish between particles at the contact surface and particles in the bulk sample
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device divides the detection space into multiple zones using multiple sensor elements positioned at different locations. At least one sensor element is positioned to detect target particles in a first zone at the contact surface, while another sensor element detects target particles in a second zone away from the contact surface. This spatial segmentation allows the system to distinguish between surface-bound and bulk particles, resolving the measurement precision issue without requiring a single complex sensor.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are used to detect particles in different zones, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the detection system by positioning sensor elements at different locations within the sample chamber. Instead of using a single sensor with complex processing, the system uses multiple sensors arranged in space to detect particles in different zones (first zone at contact surface, second zone away from surface). This dimensional approach simplifies the individual sensor elements while achieving high measurement precision through their collective spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit serves as an intermediary that receives sensor signals from multiple sensor elements and processes them to determine the amount of target particles in different zones. This intermediary component coordinates the data from multiple sensors, applying evaluation criteria to distinguish between surface-bound and bulk particles, thereby managing the complexity of multiple sensor elements through systematic signal processing.
3Reliability
If only bulk sample concentration is measured, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates because surface-bound particles are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system segments the sample chamber into distinct zones: a first zone at the contact surface where target particles bind to the sensor element, and a second zone representing the bulk sample. By using multiple sensor elements positioned in these different zones, the system simultaneously measures both surface-bound and bulk particle concentrations, providing reliable and comprehensive assay results that account for all target particles.
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 device provides accurate and reliable determination of target particle amounts by accounting for both surface-bound and bulk concentrations, enhancing the precision of assays and diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor element may achieve the detection of target particles by any suitable method or principle, for example by optical, magnetic, mechanical, acoustic, thermal and/or electrical measurements
Implementation Method 2
the sensor element may achieve the detection of target particles by any suitable method or principle, for example by optical, magnetic, mechanical, acoustic, thermal and/or electrical measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device and a method for the determination of the amount of target particles at a contact surface adjacent to a sample chamber include detecting, by a detector, the target particles in the sample chamber by a sensor element, and providing at least one corresponding sensor signal. An evaluation unit determines the amount of target particles in a first zone at the contracts surface and in a second zone a distance away from the contact surface based on this sensor signal. In an optical measurement approach, frustrated total internal reflection taking place under different operating conditions, such as wavelength and/or angle of incidence, may be used to extract information about the first and second zones. In a magnetic measurement approach, different magnetic excitation fields may be used to excite magnetic target particles differently in the first and second zone.