Integratable-fluid flow and property microsensor assembly
First Claim
1. A sensor assembly for monitoring the flow of a fluid which is easily incorporated into a card assembly, the sensor assembly comprising:
- a sensor die having a sensing surface which is responsive to the flow of fluid, the sensor die producing a signal indicative of the flow of fluid, the sensor die further having a plurality of electrical contacts for transmitting the electrical signals produced;
a sensor housing containing the sensor die while also providing access to the electrical contacts, the sensor housing having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a flow channel between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the flow channel configured to direct fluid past the sensing surface, wherein the housing includes a substantially planar channeled portion and a substantially planar cover portion, wherein the flow channel is formed by a groove in the channeled portion which is enclosed by the attachment of the cover portion, and wherein the cover portion includes an opening to receive the sensor die; and
a plurality of connectors electrically connected to the electrical contacts for allowing access to the electrical signals by a related system.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An integratable fluid flow and property microsensor assembly is configured to be operably embedded in a microfluidic cartridge of the type used in lab-on-a-chip systems. The assembly is a robust package having a microstructure flow sensor contained within a housing in order to achieve a robust sensing device. The cartridge provides a flow path to the assembly, which directs the fluid across the flow sensor and returns the fluid to the cartridge flow path. The flow sensor monitors the controlled flow of fluid and transmits signals indicative of that flow. The assembly structure provides a robust sensor that is operable and accurate in many different applications.
56 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A sensor assembly for monitoring the flow of a fluid which is easily incorporated into a card assembly, the sensor assembly comprising:
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a sensor die having a sensing surface which is responsive to the flow of fluid, the sensor die producing a signal indicative of the flow of fluid, the sensor die further having a plurality of electrical contacts for transmitting the electrical signals produced;
a sensor housing containing the sensor die while also providing access to the electrical contacts, the sensor housing having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a flow channel between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the flow channel configured to direct fluid past the sensing surface, wherein the housing includes a substantially planar channeled portion and a substantially planar cover portion, wherein the flow channel is formed by a groove in the channeled portion which is enclosed by the attachment of the cover portion, and wherein the cover portion includes an opening to receive the sensor die; and
a plurality of connectors electrically connected to the electrical contacts for allowing access to the electrical signals by a related system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification