DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of bioinformatics, and, more specifically, to a portable supporting device for an impedance analyzer.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the field of bioinformatics, biosensors are analytical devices or tools that are designed to detect, quantify, and provide information about specific biological molecules present in a biological sample. In order to measure the biological molecules, the biosensors are coupled with an impedance analyzer, which measures the change in impedance of the biosensors due to interaction with the biological molecules. Further, the impedance analyzer is configured to utilize such changes in the impedance of the biosensor to analyze biological molecules present in the biological sample.
[0003] However, one of the major technical problems associated with the conventional impedance analyzers is the high complexity of measurement setup, typically involving adaptors and custom cable arrangements to establish a connection with the biosensor during measurement. Currently, certain attempts have been made to eliminate complex measurement setups and provide compact impedance analyzers to accommodate corresponding components in one place. One of such attempts include providing a housing for impedance analyzers having standard sized cavities with hinged coverings thereon, where the biosensor is placed within such cavities during measurement. However, such conventional impedance analyzers are compatible with only standard biosensors (such as electrochemical chips) and fail to accommodate biosensors with varying sizes or form factors, which negatively affects the versatility of conventional impedance analyzers in biomedical applications. Further, due to such limited versatility, the biosensors apart from the standard biosensors are needed to be handled manually while performing measurements, which require involvement of skilled personnel. Thus, there exist a technical problem of how to accommodate biosensors of different form factors (sizes) during measurements in conventional impedance analyzers and avoid manual handling of biosensors during measurements.
[0004] Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional impedance analyzers.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure provides a portable supporting device for an impedance analyzer. The present disclosure provides a solution to the technical problem of how to accommodate biosensors of different form factors (sizes) during measurements in conventional impedance analyzers and avoid manual handling of biosensors during measurements. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in the prior art and provide an improved portable supporting device for an impedance analyzer that is capable of accommodating biosensors of varying dimensions or form factors and avoids structural complexity in measurement setup of biosensors.
[0006] One or more objectives of the present disclosure is achieved by the solutions provided in the enclosed independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.
[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a portable supporting device for an impedance analyzer. The portable supporting device comprises a base body. Further, the base body comprises a first cavity configured to accommodate an electronic measurement device of the impedance analyzer, a second cavity configured to accommodate a sensing element of the impedance analyzer, and a third cavity configured to accommodate a flexible member. Further, the base body comprises a sliding lever. The sliding lever comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end is movably coupled to the base body through the flexible member accommodated within the third cavity. In addition, upon application of an input force is applied on the first end of the sliding lever in a first direction, an area of the second cavity is adjusted to accommodate the sensing element of the impedance analyzer within the second cavity. Further, when the input force is removed, the flexible member forces the sliding lever outward, causing the sliding lever to securely hold the sensing element in place within the second cavity, to prevent any unintended movement of the sensing element.
[0008] The portable supporting device comprises the sliding lever movably arranged within the portable supporting device to adjust the area of the second cavity, which enables the portable supporting device to accommodate and support biosensors of different form factors or sizes during biological measurements. The portable supporting device is compatible with various biosensors (or PCBs) with varying dimensions. By simply pressing the sliding lever, users can detach the biosensor and easily replace the biosensor with new one while performing measurements. The portable supporting device provides an adjustable cavity (i.e., the second cavity) to accommodate biosensors, which overcomes the limited versatility of conventional impedance analyzers due to the presence of standard sized cavities. The portable supporting device comprises multiple cavities (i.e., the first cavity, the second cavity and the third cavity) on a single structure (i.e., the base body) to accommodate components of the impedance analyzer, thereby avoiding use of complex experimental setup (such as adaptors or complex custom cable arrangements) to hold the impedance analyzer during experimentation. The flexible member (for example, a spring) securely holds the biosensors (or laboratory-on-PCBs used in the biosensors) of different sizes, thereby providing users with versatility and convenience during handling of the device. Due to the absence of the complex experimental setup, the portable supporting device prevents spillage of biological samples during assembly of the impedance analyzer. The portable supporting device being portable in nature thus enables the users to connect the portable supporting device to a computer system performing data acquisition through a universal serial bus (USB) connector. Due to less complexity as compared to conventional impedance analyzers, the portable supporting device prevents manual handling of the impedance analyzer and in case manual intervention is required, even unskilled personnel can perform experiments without compromising the accuracy of measurements (which may get compromised due to weak electrical connections involved in the complex setup of conventional impedance analyzers).
[0009] It is to be appreciated that all the aforementioned implementation forms can be combined. All steps which are performed by the various entities described in the present application as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities are intended to mean that the respective entity is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0010] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative implementations construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIGs. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a portable supporting device for an impedance analyzer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIGs. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B are diagrams illustrating operation of a portable supporting device for an impedance analyzer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
[0015] FIGs. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a portable supporting device for an impedance analyzer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1A, there is shown an exploded view of a portable supporting device 100 for an impedance analyzer. With reference to FIG. 1B, there is shown an assembled view of the portable supporting device 100 for an impedance analyzer. Hereinafter, the portable supporting device 100 is referred to as “the device 100”. The device 100 comprises a base body 102 and a sliding lever 114. The sliding lever 114 is movably connected to the base body 102 through a flexible member 116. In an implementation, the flexible member 116 is a helical compression spring. Hereinafter, the flexible member 116 is referred as “the spring 116”.
[0016] The impedance analyzer refers to an electronic device, which is configured to measure the electric impedance of a circuit over a wide range of frequencies. In the present embodiment, the impedance analyzer is configured to determine the number of biological molecules present in a biological sample based on the impedance change during electrical measurement of properties of the biological sample. Examples of the biological sample may include, but are not limited to, urine, blood, saliva and the like. Examples of the biological molecules may include, but are not limited to, glucose, proteins, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the like. The impedance analyzer comprises an electronic measurement device 112A and a sensing element 112B (interchangeably referred to as “the biosensor 112B). In an implementation, the electronic measurement device 112A (interchangeably referred to as the potentiostat 112A). The potentiostat 112A is an electronic instrument used to control and measure the electrical potential (voltage) between a working electrode and a reference electrode (which are part of the potentiostat 112A) during electrical measurement of the biological sample. The biosensor 112B refers to an electronic measuring device that is configured to detect, quantify, and provide information about specific biological molecules (such as proteins, haemoglobin, DNA etc.) present in a biological sample (such as blood, saliva, urine etc.). In an implementation, the biosensor 112B is in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB), and the measurements of the biological sample are performed over the PCB. During measurements, the biosensor 112B or the PCB is connected with the potentiostat 112A and the biological sample is placed over the biosensor 112B. Further, the potentiostat 112A is connected to a data processing device such as a computer or a smartphone or the like to measure change in the impedance of the biosensor 112B and display analysis data for the biological sample.
[0017] The base body 102 refers to a supporting structure, which is configured to provide space for accommodating the components of the impedance analyzer, that is, the potentiostat 112A and the biosensor 112B. The base body 102 includes a first cavity 104, a second cavity 106 and a third cavity 108. The term ‘cavity’ refers to a hollow area, which is configured over the base body 102 to hold multiple components of the device 100, that is, the potentiostat 112A, biosensor 112B, the sliding lever 114 and the spring 116. The first cavity 104, second cavity 106, and third cavity 108 in the base body 102 are strategically designed hollow areas that accommodate and organize essential components such as the potentiostat 112A, the biosensor 112B, the sliding lever 114, and the spring 116. By providing dedicated spaces for the plurality of components, the cavities enhance the structural integration of the device 100, ensuring that each element is securely housed, thereby reducing the risk of displacement or damage during operation.
[0018] Furthermore, the cavities (the first cavity 104, the second cavity 106 and the third cavity 108) contribute to the compactness and overall form factor of the device 100, minimizing its footprint while maintaining functional efficiency. The structured arrangement of the cavities (the first cavity 104, the second cavity 106 and the third cavity 108) also facilitates ease of assembly and maintenance, allowing for quick replacement or adjustment of components. Additionally, the design of the device 100 isolates individual components within their respective cavities, minimizing mechanical interference and ensuring precise operation.
[0019] The first cavity 104 is configured to accommodate the potentiostat 112A of the impedance analyzer. The second cavity 106 is configured to accommodate a biosensor 112B of the impedance analyzer. Further, the third cavity 108 is configured to accommodate the spring 116. In an embodiment, a first side 110A is a top-side portion of the base body 102 (which is visible from the top view), and a second side 110B is a bottom-side portion of the base body 102 (which is visible from the bottom view). In accordance with an embodiment, the device 100 includes a first cover 120A and a second cover 120B. The term ‘cover’ refers to a mechanical structure that is configured to provide an enclosure for the components of the impedance analyzer after installing the corresponding components within the cavities (i.e., the first cavity 104, the second cavity 106, and the third cavity 108) of the device 100. The potentiostat 112A is enclosed with the first cavity 104 by covering the first cavity 104 with the first cover 120A and the sliding lever 114 is enclosed within the third cavity 108 by fastening the second cover 120B with the third cavity 108. During the assembling of device 100, the potentiostat 112A is positioned within the first cavity 104 and the first cover 120A is fastened with the first cavity 104 so that the potentiostat 112A is sandwiched between the first cavity 104 and the first cover 120A. In accordance with an embodiment, the third cavity 108 accommodates a portion of the sliding lever 114. The sliding lever 114 is strategically placed inside the third cavity 108, and the second cover 120B is fastened over the third cavity 108. The configuration effectively sandwiches the sliding lever 114 between the third cavity 108 and the second cover 120B. The arrangement not only provides structural stability to the sliding lever 114 but also ensures precise alignment and smooth operation. By securely enclosing the sliding lever 114, the design of the device 100 minimizes unwanted movement, reduces mechanical wear, and enhances the durability of the assembly, making the device 100 a robust solution for its intended application. In accordance with an embodiment, the base body 102 further includes a plurality of fasteners positioned around the first cavity 104. The plurality of fasteners is configured to secure the potentiostat 112A within the first cavity 104 and to prevent lateral movement during operation. The first cover 120A and the second cover 120B are fastened with the first cavity 104 and the third cavity 108, respectively, through removable fasteners. Examples of the removable fasteners may include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts and the like. The first cover 120A, and the second cover 120B, provide a protective enclosure to the potentiostat 112A, biosensor 112B and the sliding lever 114, thereby preventing dismantling of the device 100 due to frequent usage.
[0020] The sliding lever 114 refers to a mechanical structure that is movably connected to the base body 102 and manipulated by a user during the operation of the device 100. The sliding lever 114 includes a first end 114A and a second end 114B opposite to the first end 114A. The movement of the sliding lever 114 is performed by pressing and releasing the first end 114A by the user. Due to pressing of the first end 114A, the position of the second end 114B gets changed accordingly, whereas the position of the second end 114B gets restored after releasing the first end 114A. The change in position of the second end 114B results in the change in the area of the second cavity 106.
[0021] The spring 116 refers to an elastic element arranged between the first end 114A of the sliding lever 114 and the third cavity 108, which is configured to compress or expand upon the application of force over the sliding lever 114. The second end 114B of the sliding lever 114 is movably coupled to the base body 102 through the spring 116 accommodated within the third cavity 108. In an implementation, one end of the spring 116 is positioned in contact with the sliding lever 114 and the other end of the spring 116 is positioned in contact with an internal surface of the third cavity 108. The change in position of the second end 114B has resulted due to compression and expansion of the spring 116. The spring 116 applies a calculated, consistent force to prevent excessive pressure on delicate sensing elements. The resilience of the spring 116 to repeated compressions ensures durability during multiple experiments. The spring 116 can accommodate slight variations in the dimensions of the biosensor 112B. In some examples, the spring 116 may be composed of stainless steel, which shows corrosion resistance in environments involving liquid analytes ( i.e., the biological molecule) and designed to fit securely in the third cavity 108, with enough elasticity to compress when the sliding lever 114 is pressed and expand when released.
[0022] The spring 116 may be tailored with variable pitch (coil spacing) to allow adaptability for a range of sizes of the biosensor 112B. Further, the spring 116 may be given conical shape for compact storage in the third cavity 108 while maintaining functional range. A retainer clip may be added within the third cavity 108 to ensure the spring 116 stays aligned during operation. In some implementations, the spring 116 may be coated with teflon or similar materials for smoother operation and resistance to the liquid analytes ( i.e., the biological molecule).
[0023] FIG. 2A to 3B are diagrams illustrating operation of a portable supporting device for an impedance analyzer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGs. 2A and 2B, there are shown top views of the device 100 during operation. With reference to FIGs. 3A and 3B, there are shown bottom views of the device 100 during operation.
[0024] In operation, to adjust the device 100 for the placement of the biosensor 112B within the second cavity 106, an input force is applied to the first end 114A of the sliding lever 114 in the first direction 122A, as illustrated in FIGs. 2A and 3A. When the input force is applied, the sliding lever 114 moves in the first direction 122A, compressing the spring 116. The movement increases the distance between the second end 114B of the sliding lever 114 and a border 106A of the second cavity 106 to a first distance D1 (as shown in FIG. 2A). The dimensions of the biosensor 112B, represented by its length L and breadth D, determine the magnitude of the first distance D1, which is designed to be greater than the length L of the biosensor 112B.
[0025] The input force must be continuously applied to the first end 114A to maintain the first distance D1. While the force is applied, the biosensor 112B can be placed within the second cavity 106. Once the biosensor 112B is positioned, the input force on the first end 114A is released. Upon release, the spring 116 exerts a restoring force that moves the sliding lever 114 in the second direction 122B (as shown in FIGs. 2B and 3B). Such action reduces the first distance D1 to a second distance D2, which closely matches the length L of the biosensor 112B.
[0026] As a result, the second end 114B of the sliding lever 114 comes into contact with the biosensor 112B, securing it within the second cavity 106. The restoring force of the spring 116 ensures that the biosensor 112B remains firmly in place, while the sliding lever 114 is positioned within the third cavity 108.
[0027] The design of the device 100 allows the device 100 to securely hold the impedance analyzer during measurement operations. Moreover, the device 100 accommodates biosensors 112B of varying form factors, where the form factor refers to the size, shape, and physical specifications of the biosensor, primarily determined by its length L and breadth D. In an example, the minimum value of the length L may be 35 mm, and the maximum value of the length L may be 50 mm. Further, the minimum value of the breadth D may be 38 mm, and the maximum value of the breadth D may be 50 mm. Furthermore, the maximum weight of the biosensor 112B (or the PCB of the biosensor 112B) may be 15 grams and the weight of the device 100 without the biosensor 112B may be 140 grams. Further, the spring constant of the spring 116 may be 497 newton per metre (N/m). Therefore, the force required to push the sliding lever 114 per mm may be 320 N/m. The spring 116 is designed to have the spring constant higher than the force required to push the sliding lever (even at maximum values of the length L and the breadth D) to avoid failure of the spring 116. The compression spring provides quick retraction after the removal of the input force as well as provides a restoring force to maintain the biosensor 112B in a secured position.
[0028] In accordance with an embodiment, the first cavity 104 and the second cavity 106 are disposed at the first side 110A of the base body 102, and the third cavity 108 is disposed at the second side 110B of the base body 102. Moreover, the first side 110A of the base body 102 is opposite of the second side 110B of the base body 102. The first side 110A, and the second side 110B, are shown in FIG. 1A. With reference to FIG. 1A, the first side 110A refers to a top side portion of the base body 102 (which is visible from the top view of the device 100) and the second side 110B refers to the bottom side position of the base body 102 (which is visible from the bottom view of the device 100). The potentiostat 112A and the biosensor 112B of the impedance analyzer are positioned together on the first side 110A of the base body 102, and the sliding lever 114 is positioned on the second side of the base body 102. The opposite positioning of the impedance analyzer and the sliding lever 114 enables smooth installation of the impedance analyzer (i.e., the biosensor 112B and the potentiostat 112A) and the sliding lever 114 within the device 100 without interference with each other.
[0029] In accordance with an embodiment, the second end 114B of the sliding lever 114 has a projection 114C that extends from the third cavity 108 to the second cavity 106 through a slot 102A, extending from the second cavity 106 and the third cavity 108. The slot 102A is shown in FIG. 1A. The slot 102A refers to a through hole (i.e., end-to-end hole) made on a portion of the base body 102 falling within the second cavity 106 (or the third cavity 108). Such a through hole extends from the second cavity 106 to the third cavity 108 (or vice versa). The projection 114C refers to a portion of the sliding lever 114 (or the second end 114B), which protrudes from the second end 114B up to a definite distance in a direction from the second side 110B to the first side 110A. During assembly of the device 100, the spring 116 is positioned within the third cavity 108, and the projection 114C is inserted into the slot 102A from the second side 110B to the first side 110A (i.e., from the third cavity 108 to the second cavity 106) so that the sliding lever 114 remains engaged with the spring 116 as well as the third cavity 108. The projection 114C comes in contact with the biosensor 112B after the input force from the first end 114A is removed. The engagement between the projection 114C and the biosensor 112B in the device 100 is shown in FIG. 2A. The projection 114C extending through the slot 102A acts as a supporting surface for the biosensor 112B and prevents dislocation of the biosensor 112B during experimentations.
[0030] In accordance with an embodiment, the sliding lever 114 comprises an L-shaped extension. The L-shaped extension is configured to facilitate easier gripping and releasing of the biosensor 112B within the second cavity 106. The L-shaped extension creates two distinct interaction planes, enabling multi-directional force application and increasing the effective lever arm for precise manipulation. A first arm (horizontal component) of the L-shaped extension provides initial contact and guidance, distributes initial insertion force across a broader surface, and reduces point-load stress on the sliding mechanism. Further, a second arm (vertical component) of the L-shaped extension offers enhanced gripping control, creates a perpendicular grip point for more precise lever movement, and allows the user to apply force at an optimal mechanical advantage angle precise sensing element accommodation. Further, the L-shaped extension enables controlled vertical and horizontal movement, minimum play or unintended lateral displacement, precise alignment within the second cavity, and consistent and repeatable sensing element positioning.
[0031] The L-shaped extension reduces direct stress on the sliding lever 114 connection by creating a secondary support point, which minimizes the potential for mechanical fatigue and enhances the overall stability of the mechanism during the handling of the biosensor 112B. The design of the L-shaped extension also prioritizes ergonomic and handling optimization, providing a gripping surface that facilitates user interaction. By reducing direct contact with the sensitive measurement area ( i.e., the biosensor 112B), it enables one-handed operation and minimizes user-induced positioning errors, ensuring precise and efficient use. Furthermore, the L-shaped extension incorporates design flexibility and adaptability through its geometric versatility. The L-shaped extension transforms linear user input into a controlled, multi-directional movement, creating a sophisticated yet simple mechanical interface for precise sensing element management.
[0032] In accordance with an embodiment, the second cavity 106 includes alignment guides along its edges, designed to position the sensing element 112B precisely for optimal electrical contact with the electronic measurement device 112A. The alignment guides are structured to engage corresponding features on the sensing element 112B, such as grooves, protrusions, or edges, thereby ensuring accurate alignment during installation. By guiding the sensing element 112B into a predefined position, the alignment guides eliminate the possibility of lateral or angular displacement, which could otherwise lead to suboptimal electrical contact. The design of the alignment guides also addresses potential operational challenges by preventing slippage or movement of the sensing element 112B during use. The stability is achieved through either frictional engagement, interlocking mechanisms, or dimensional tolerances that securely hold the sensing element 112B ( i.e., the biosensor 112B) in place. The alignment guides not only position the sensing element 112B ( i.e., the biosensor 112B) with high precision but also maintain consistent contact with the potentiostat 112A. The precise alignment of the biosensor 112B ensures that the electrical pathways between the biosensor 112B and the potentiostat 112A are reliably connected, thereby minimizing contact resistance and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of electrical signals. As a result, the stability and precision of the alignment mechanism directly contribute to accurate data acquisition and reliable performance.
[0033] In accordance with an embodiment, the device 100 includes a data communication port (hereinafter “the port”) integrated within the base body 102. The port allows a direct connection between the potentiostat 112A and an external computing system, enabling seamless data acquisition. The external computing system runs the acquisition software to display the data.
[0034] The device 100 further includes a connecting wire 124 coupled to the potentiostat 112A. The connecting wire 124 establishes electric communication between the potentiostat 112A and the biosensor 112B within the impedance analyzer by extending from the potentiostat 112A, which is removably coupled with the biosensor 112B. The connecting wire 124 refers to an electrical wire extending from the potentiostat 112A, which is removably coupled with the biosensor 112B to establish electric communication therebetween. In an implementation, the connecting wire 124 is removably connected to both the potentiostat 112A and the biosensor 112B. In an implementation, the connecting wire 124 comprises a connector 124A to electrically connect the potentiostat 112A with the external computing system. In an example, the connector may be a USB type C connector. In an implementation, the connector 124A is a thump holder. In an example, the connector 124A may be a two-pin connector or a three-pin connector. In another implementation, the connecting wire 124 comprises two connectors at two ends thereof. One of the two connectors is removably coupled to the potentiostat 112A and another end of the connector is removably coupled to the biosensor 112B. During assembly of the device 100, the potentiostat 112A is placed within the first cavity 104 and the one end of the connecting wire 124 is plugged with the potentiostat 112A by keeping the other end free (as shown in FIG. 2A). Furthermore, the sliding lever 114 is pushed to accommodate the biosensor 112B and the other end of the connector 124A is coupled with the biosensor 112B (as shown in FIG. 2B) to establish a connection between the potentiostat 112A and the biosensor 112B (or PCB of the biosensor 112B).
[0035] In an implementation, the device 100 comprises a wire puller to effortlessly plug and remove wires from the biosensor 112B for impedance measurements. The connecting wire 124 enables quick connection and disconnection between the potentiostat 112A and the biosensor 112B, thereby allowing rapid interchange or replacement of multiple biosensors during experimentation. (i.e., one biosensor can be quickly removed after measurement to replace with another biosensor).
[0036] Using the port, the impedance measurements are seamlessly recorded and analyzed through the external computing system. Once the biosensor 112B is electrically coupled to the potentiostat 112A via the connecting wire 124, the device 100 initiates the impedance measurement process. The potentiostat 112A collects the impedance data by applying an excitation signal to the biosensor 112B and detecting the resulting response. The impedance data is transmitted in real time to the external computing system through the connector 124A. The computing system, running specialized acquisition software, processes the received data and displays the data in an intuitive graphical or tabular format. The software enables users to visualize the impedance spectra, perform analysis, and store results for further evaluation. Additionally, the connector 124A ensures high-speed data transfer, reducing latency and enhancing the accuracy of the measurements. The streamlined setup allows researchers to monitor experiments effectively, make real-time adjustments, and manage multiple biosensor measurements with minimal effort.
[0037] The sliding lever 114 in the device 100 of the present disclosure is designed to move within the device 100 to adjust the area of the second cavity 106, enabling accommodation and support for biosensors of varying form factors or sizes during biological measurements. The device 100 is compatible with biosensors (or PCBs) of different dimensions, allowing users to detach and replace biosensors easily by simply pressing the sliding lever 114 during measurements. The device 100 integrates multiple cavities (i.e., the first cavity, the second cavity, and the third cavity) within a single structure (i.e., the base body) to house components of the impedance analyzer, eliminating the need for complex experimental setups such as adaptors or intricate custom cable arrangements. The design of the device minimizes the risk of biological sample spillage during assembly of the impedance analyzer. Additionally, the spring 116 securely holds biosensors (or laboratory-on-PCBs used in the biosensors) of varying sizes, offering versatility and convenience for users while handling the device 100. The device 100 is portable and may be connected to a computer system for data acquisition through a universal serial bus (USB) connector. With a simplified design compared to conventional impedance analyzers, the device 100 reduces the need for manual handling of the impedance analyzer. In cases where manual intervention is required, even unskilled personnel may perform experiments without compromising measurement accuracy, enhancing accessibility and ease of use.
[0038] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments. The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". It is appreciated that certain features of the present disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the present disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A portable supporting device (100) for an impedance analyzer, the portable supporting device (100) comprises:
a base body (102) comprising a first cavity (104) to accommodate an electronic measurement device (112A) of the impedance analyzer, a second cavity (106) to accommodate a sensing element (112B) of the impedance analyzer and a third cavity (108) to accommodate a flexible member (116); and
a sliding lever (114) comprising a first end (114A) and a second end (114B) opposite the first end (114A), wherein the second end (114B) of the sliding lever (114) is movably coupled to the base body (102) through the flexible member (116) accommodated within the third cavity (108);
wherein, upon application of an input force is applied at the first end (114A) of the sliding lever (114) in a first direction (122A), an area of the second cavity (106) is adjusted to accommodate the sensing element (112B) of the impedance analyzer within the second cavity (106), and
wherein, when the input force is removed, the flexible member (116) forces the sliding lever (114) outward, causing the sliding lever to securely hold the sensing element (112B) in place within the second cavity (106) to prevent any unintended movement of the sensing element (112B).
2. The portable supporting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end (114B) of the sliding lever (114) comprises a projection (114C) that extends from the third cavity (108) to the second cavity (106) through a slot (102A) extending from the second cavity to the third cavity.
3. The portable supporting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible member (116) is a helical compression spring.
4. The portable supporting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable supporting device (100) comprises a first cover (120A) configured to enclose the electronic measurement device (112A) within the first cavity (104); and
a second cover (120B) configured to enclose the sliding lever (114) within the third cavity (108).
5. The portable supporting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cavity (104) and the second cavity (106) are disposed at a first side (110A) of the base body (102) and the third cavity (108) is disposed at a second side (110B) of the base body (102), and wherein the first side (110A) of the base body (102) is opposite the second side (110B) of the base body (102).
6. The portable supporting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding lever (114) further comprises an L-shaped extension configured to facilitate easier gripping and releasing of the sensing element (112B) within the second cavity (106).
7. The portable supporting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base body (102) includes a plurality of fasteners positioned around the first cavity (104), to secure the electronic measurement device (112A) within the first cavity (104) and to prevent lateral movement during operation.
8. The portable supporting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable supporting device (100) comprises a data communication port integrated within the base body (102), configured to allow direct connection between the electronic measurement device (112A) and an external computing system for data acquisition.
9. The portable supporting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cavity (106) includes alignment guides along its edges, designed to position the sensing element (112B) precisely for optimal electrical contact with the electronic measurement device (112A).
10. The portable supporting device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third cavity (108) accommodates a portion of the sliding lever (114).