Surface-Wave Liquid Sensor Sensitivity and Dynamic Range Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors face challenges in effectively controlling their sensitivity and dynamic range for determining properties of test substances, particularly in liquid systems, where surface waves are generated, leading to difficulties in distinguishing between different analytes.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided to control the sensitivity and dynamic range of a sensor by adjusting thermodynamic parameters of a liquid system, such as lateral surface pressure, using a movable barrier to change the surface area of a lipid monolayer, and measuring changes in light intensity to infer these parameters, thereby enhancing the sensor's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor uses a fixed liquid system configuration, then the device complexity is low, but the sensitivity and dynamic range cannot be adjusted for different analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the liquid system configuration adjustable rather than fixed. A movable barrier is introduced to dynamically change the surface area of the liquid system, thereby adjusting the sensitivity and dynamic range of the sensor for different analytes while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of surface area of the liquid system by moving a barrier. This parameter change allows the sensor to adjust its sensitivity and dynamic range without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple sensor components, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor operates with fixed sensitivity settings, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision for different analytes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by physically altering the surface area of the liquid system through a movable barrier. This simple mechanical parameter change enables precise adjustment of sensor sensitivity for different analytes, improving measurement precision without requiring complex electronic sensitivity control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensitivity control systems with a simple mechanical barrier movement system. This mechanical substitution achieves precise sensitivity adjustment through physical means, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the control mechanism simple.
3Quantity of substance
If the liquid system surface area is increased, then the dynamic range is improved, but the sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a movable barrier that can adjust the liquid system surface area in real-time. This dynamic adjustment allows the sensor to optimize the balance between dynamic range and sensitivity for different analytes, rather than being fixed in a compromised intermediate state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface area parameter of the liquid system using a movable barrier. By physically adjusting this parameter, the sensor can independently optimize both dynamic range and sensitivity for different analytes, resolving the contradiction between quantity of substance and measurement precision.
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 method allows for precise identification of different analytes using the same apparatus by optimizing sensitivity and dynamic range, ensuring accurate determination of test substance properties based on surface wave parameters.
Implementation Method 1
the response of the surface to a mechanical perturbation is given by properties such as surface tension and lateral compressibility. Similarly, the response of the surface to an electromagnetic perturbation is given by properties such as surface dipole moment. As a result of these perturbation, different types surface waves may be generated on a surface e.g. a surface of a fluid (e.g. a liquid) forming an interface with another fluid (e.g. air).
Implementation Method 2
the thin film exhibits an electrical response to mechanical stress and vice versa wherein said response depends on the thermodynamic state of the liquid system
Implementation Method 3
measuring changes in light intensity to infer these parameters
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an analytical method, using surface waves excited in a liquid system forming part of a sensor, to determine a property of a test substance. An aspect of the disclosure provides a method for controlling a sensor for determining a property of a test substance, the sensor having a sensitivity and dynamic range, the sensor comprising: a liquid system comprising: a bulk liquid phase carrying a thin film on the surface of the bulk liquid phase: wherein the thin film comprises a film material and wherein the thin film exhibits an electrical response to mechanical stress and vice versa wherein said response depends on the thermodynamic state of the liquid system, the sensor configured to: contact the surface of the liquid system with the test substance thereby to generate a surface wave on the liquid system: and, determine the property of the test substance based on parameters of the surface wave: wherein the method for controlling the sensor comprises: controlling the sensitivity by changing a thermodynamic parameter of the liquid system.