Microelectronic Sensor Wetting Grade Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical examination methods for biological samples are sensitive to disturbances and variations caused by the exchange of samples and/or sample carriers, leading to inaccurate results due to changes in wetting conditions, such as gas bubbles at the contact surface.
Innovation Solution
A microelectronic sensor device with a light source, detector, and evaluation unit that determines the wetting grade of the contact surface by analyzing the output light beam, allowing for robust and accurate optical examinations by considering the wetting conditions and automatically adjusting the measurement process based on detected changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical examination methods are used for biological samples, then measurement capability is provided, but sensitivity to disturbances and variations from sample/carrier exchange leads to inaccurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a light detector to monitor the output light beam from the contact surface and feed this information back to an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit analyzes changes in the light beam characteristics to detect wetting grade variations and automatically adjusts measurement parameters or notifies the user, thereby compensating for disturbances caused by sample or carrier exchange and improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting wetting grade changes through optical monitoring. The evaluation unit independently assesses the light beam characteristics and determines whether wetting conditions are adequate, eliminating the need for manual intervention to check wetting status and enabling automatic adaptation to varying conditions.
2Ease of operation
If manual exchange of disposable carriers and sample fluids is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but disturbances and variations in operating conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors the optical properties of the contact surface and automatically detects changes in wetting conditions resulting from manual carrier or sample exchange. This allows the system to adapt to new operating conditions automatically, maintaining measurement reliability despite frequent manual exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system responds to wetting grade changes by adjusting measurement parameters such as light intensity, exposure time, or detection thresholds. This dynamic parameter adjustment compensates for variations introduced by manual carrier exchange, ensuring consistent measurement quality across different operating conditions.
3Reliability
If gas bubbles are present at the contact surface, then wetting conditions deteriorate, but detection of this condition is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the light beam as an intermediary to detect wetting conditions. Instead of directly observing gas bubbles, the system measures changes in the output light beam caused by the presence of bubbles at the contact surface. The light beam interacts with the wetting interface and carries information about bubble presence to the detector, making invisible bubble effects measurable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects changes in light properties (intensity, distribution, or spectral characteristics) of the output light beam that result from different wetting conditions. These optical changes serve as indicators of bubble presence, allowing indirect detection of wetting quality through measurable light parameter variations.
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 improves the robustness and accuracy of optical examinations by optically determining the wetting grade, enabling timely adjustments and ensuring reliable biochemical assays by detecting and addressing insufficient wetting conditions, thus reducing errors and enhancing reproducibility.
Implementation Method 1
The US 2005/0048599 A1 discloses a method for the investigation of microorganisms that are tagged with particles such that a (e.g. magnetic) force can be exerted on them. In one embodiment of this method, a light beam is directed through a transparent material to a surface where it is totally internally reflected.
Implementation Method 2
Light of this beam that leaves the transparent material as an evanescent wave is scattered by microorganisms and/or other components at the surface and then detected by a photodetector
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a method and a microelectronic sensor device for making optical examinations in an investigation region (13) at the contact surface (12) of a carrier (10), wherein an input light beam (L1, L1') is sent from a light source (20) towards the investigation region (13), and wherein an output light beam (L2, L2') coming from the investigation region (13) is detected by a light detector (30). An evaluation unit (50) that is coupled to the light detector (30) is adapted to determine the wetting grade of the investigation region (13) based on a characteristic parameter of the output light beam (L2, L2'), e.g. its intensity. In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit (50) is adapted to determine a change in the light intensity caused by a liquid contacting the contact surface (12). The wetting grade may particularly be detected in a test region (14) that is located adjacent to the investigation region (13) and that has a higher roughness than the investigation region (13).