Sensor Unit Non-Capillary Space for Leakage Current Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell culture devices fail to prevent leakage current due to condensation between measurement electrodes in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit with a connection part holder forming a non-capillary space between the connection terminal part and the sensor, combined with a water-repellent resist on the electrode surface, to prevent condensation from electrically connecting the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is placed in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment (incubator at 37°C, humidity ≥90%), then the cell culture analysis can be performed, but condensation occurs on the sensor surface causing leakage current between measurement electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
A connection part holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the connection terminal part and the sensor. This holder forms a non-capillary space that acts as a barrier to prevent condensation from reaching the measurement electrodes, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of leakage current while maintaining the sensor's functionality in the incubator environment
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful condensation is extracted or removed from the critical measurement area by creating a non-capillary space. This space prevents condensation accumulation near the electrodes, effectively separating the harmful moisture from the sensitive electrical components
2Reliability
If the connection part is positioned close to the connection terminal part to ensure good electrical contact, then electrical connection is improved, but condensation can more easily connect the measurement electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The connection part holder creates a localized non-capillary space specifically around the measurement electrodes and connection terminal part. This local structural modification maintains good electrical contact through proper positioning while simultaneously providing targeted protection against condensation in the critical area
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
Effectively suppresses leakage current occurrence in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, ensuring accurate cell culture analysis measurements.
Implementation Method 1
forms a non-capillary space between the opposing surface and the connection terminal part of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
with a water-repellent resist on the electrode surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit includes a sensor, a probe, and a probe holder. The probe makes contact with electrodes of a connection terminal part of the sensor and applies a specific voltage. The probe holder holds the probe so that the probe protrudes toward the connection terminal part of the sensor, has an opposing surface that is disposed opposite the connection terminal part of the sensor, and forms a non-capillary space between the opposing surface and the connection terminal part of the sensor to allow communication with the space facing the adjacent electrodes of the connection terminal part of the sensor.