Stacked Sensor Assembly for Neonatal Blood Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor assemblies face challenges in accurately analyzing multiple blood parameters from small blood samples, particularly in neonatal applications, where frequent and large numbers of samples are required, leading to potential anemia and increased blood transfusions due to excessive blood draws.
Innovation Solution
A stacked sensor assembly with a molded separation panel and dual fluid channels, allowing for a sample volume of no greater than 30µL, which houses potentiometric and amperometric chips to measure electrolytes and blood gases, minimizing the required blood volume and enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional sensor assemblies are used to analyze multiple blood parameters, then comprehensive blood gas and electrolyte analysis is achieved, but large blood sample volumes are required leading to excessive blood draws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar sensor layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple sensor layers arranged vertically. This dimensional change allows multiple sensors to occupy overlapping horizontal spaces at different heights, dramatically reducing the required sample volume while maintaining the ability to measure multiple parameters simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple sensor layers are stacked within a compact vertical space. Each sensor layer is contained within the overall sensor assembly boundary, with sensors positioned at different heights but within the same horizontal footprint, enabling comprehensive analysis in a minimized volume
2Volume of moving object
If sensor size is reduced to enable portable point of care testing, then portability and reduced turnaround time are achieved, but sensor accuracy and functionality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vertical stacking of multiple sensor layers to achieve comprehensive functionality within a compact horizontal footprint. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the analyzer to maintain full analytical capabilities while significantly reducing the overall device volume for portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions and measurement capabilities into a single integrated stacked sensor assembly. By merging blood gas sensors, electrolyte sensors, and other analytical components into one compact unit, the system achieves portable size without sacrificing measurement precision or functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are arranged in traditional configurations, then comprehensive analyte measurement is achieved, but the physical geometry and connections increase device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple sensors with different analyte measurement capabilities in a vertical stack rather than spreading them horizontally. This dimensional reorganization allows comprehensive analyte coverage while minimizing the horizontal area occupied by the sensor assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple sensor layers within a compact vertical structure, with each layer contributing to the overall analytical versatility. The nested arrangement allows sensors for different analytes to be positioned at different heights within the same horizontal envelope, maximizing functionality while minimizing 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
The solution allows for accurate and efficient analysis of multiple blood parameters with minimal blood sample volume, reducing the need for transfusions and associated risks, while maintaining sensor accuracy over extended exposure to electrolytes and blood samples.
Implementation Method 1
Electrolytes are determined by potentiometric measurements, a form of electrochemical analysis. In potentiometry, the potential or voltage is measured between the two electrodes in a solution.
Implementation Method 2
Amperometric methods measure the current flow produced from oxidation-reduction reactions.
Implementation Method 3
By using a membrane that is semipermeable to the ion, different concentrations of the ion can be separated.
Implementation Method 4
The ion-selective electrode measures the free ion concentration of the desired analyte on a selectively produced membrane.
Implementation Method 5
Glucose in the blood diffuses through the semipermeable membrane and reacts with the glucose oxidase. Glucose is converted by glucose oxidase to hydrogen peroxide and gluconic acid.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor assembly for analysis of physical parameters and chemical constituents of small volume samples of bodily fluids with at least two analyte sensors. The sensor assembly including a separation panel with an upper surface and a lower surface and upper and lower fluid channels disposed within the upper and lower surfaces respectively. The fluid channels extending substantially between the first and second ends and when in an operating mode bodily fluid is in fluid communication with both the upper and lower fluid channels. The sensor assembly including a potentiometric chip positioned atop and an amperometric chip positioned beneath the separation panel with at least one analyte sensor positioned above and beneath each of the fluid channels and when the sensor assembly is in an operating mode the fluid is in fluid communication with the analyte sensors. A bonding media is disposed beneath the amperometric chip.