Tubular Sensor Array for Reduced Sample Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bio-sensor arrays face challenges in reducing sample volume requirements while maintaining or decreasing the number of sensors, as the reduction in flow channel cross-section and length limits sensor membrane volume and capacity.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a flexible substrate configured to form a tube, where analyte sensors are positioned on both the interior and exterior surfaces, eliminating the need for a spacer and allowing for increased sensor density without increasing sample volume, using flexible materials like glass, plastic, or ceramic for the substrate and conductive inks for electrical contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the flow channel cross-section and length are reduced to decrease sample volume, then sample volume requirements are reduced, but the sensor membrane cross-section and total volume are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar sensor arrangement to a three-dimensional tubular configuration. Sensors are positioned both on the exterior surface and interior surface of the tube, utilizing the third dimension (radial direction) to increase sensor density without expanding the flow channel cross-section or length, thereby maintaining small sample volume while accommodating more sensors with adequate membrane volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places sensors on both the exterior and interior surfaces of the tubular substrate, effectively nesting sensor layers one inside the other. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space within the constrained flow channel dimensions, allowing increased sensor count without proportionally increasing sample volume requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of sensors is increased to measure more parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor functions into a single integrated tubular structure. By positioning sensors on both the exterior and interior surfaces of the same substrate, multiple measurement capabilities are combined in one compact assembly, increasing versatility without proportionally increasing overall device size and weight
Solution Approach 2:
The transition to a three-dimensional tubular arrangement allows sensors to be distributed in multiple spatial locations (exterior surface, interior surface, different angular positions) rather than requiring linear expansion. This dimensional utilization enables higher sensor density and measurement capability within a compact form factor, preventing proportional increases in weight
3Quantity of substance
If the flow channel cross-section and length are reduced to decrease sample volume, then sample volume requirements are reduced, but the number of sensors that can be integrated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension of the tubular structure to accommodate multiple sensors. By positioning sensors on both the exterior and interior surfaces at different angular positions around the tube, the design maximizes sensor integration within the constrained cross-sectional area, enabling high sensor count without increasing sample volume
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement of sensors on opposing surfaces of the tube allows maximum utilization of the available spatial volume. This configuration enables a high density of sensors to be packed into the constrained flow channel dimensions while maintaining adequate spacing and functional performance
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly has a substrate with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one analyte sensor positioned on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate, and at least one electrical contact positioned on the substrate in electrical communication with a corresponding one of the at least one analyte sensor. The substrate is configured to define a tube having an interior surface, and an exterior surface. At least a portion of the first surface of the substrate defines the interior surface of the tube, and the at least one analyte sensor is disposed on at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the tube.