TSM Biosensor for Skin Viscoelastic Characterization

The patent replaces mechanical tensile testing with acoustic resonance measurement. A quartz crystal resonator generates acoustic waves that propagate through the skin sample, and the resonant frequency and damping characteristics are measured electrically. This substitution of mechanical testing with acoustic field-based measurement eliminates the need for complex mechanical loading systems while providing more homogeneous and reproducible measurements across different skin samples.

The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical stress-strain (tensile test) to acoustic resonance frequency and quality factor. By measuring the resonant frequency shifts and damping ratios of acoustic waves in the skin, the method captures viscoelastic properties without requiring mechanical deformation. This parameter transformation enables more consistent measurements by avoiding non-linear mechanical effects.

The patent replaces mechanical tensile testing with acoustic resonance measurement. A quartz crystal resonator generates acoustic waves that propagate through the skin sample, and the resonant frequency and damping characteristics are measured electrically. This substitution of mechanical testing with acoustic field-based measurement eliminates the need for complex mechanical loading systems while providing more homogeneous and reproducible measurements across different skin samples.

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary to characterize skin properties. Instead of directly applying mechanical loads and measuring stress-strain relationships, the method uses acoustic waves as a mediator that interacts with the skin's viscoelastic properties. The acoustic resonance characteristics serve as an intermediary parameter that reflects skin mechanical properties without requiring direct mechanical manipulation, thereby improving reproducibility.

The patent makes the quartz crystal resonator serve multiple functions: it acts as both the acoustic wave generator and the sensor for measuring skin properties. The same resonator structure that generates the acoustic waves also detects their resonance characteristics, eliminating the need for separate transducers and reducing overall system complexity despite the specialized nature of the measurement.

The quartz crystal resonator performs self-measurement by detecting its own resonance characteristics when acoustic waves propagate through the skin sample. The resonator's electrical response (impedance, quality factor) directly reflects the acoustic wave propagation properties in the skin, allowing the device to self-characterize without requiring external measurement systems. This self-service approach simplifies the overall biosensor system.