Analysis device with transducer stiffening elements

A biochemical analysis device comprising an analysis device for use with an external testing apparatus to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample, the analysis device comprising:

• a transducer formed of a layer of pyroelectric or piezoelectric material sandwiched between first and second electrode layers, the transducer being arranged to produce an electrical voltage across the electrode layers in response to heating or straining of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer;
• and
• first and second stiffening elements for the transducer, the transducer being sandwiched between the stiffening elements, each of the stiffening elements defining a planar surface for maintaining the transducer in a flat condition,
• wherein each of the stiffening elements exposes a portion of a respective electrode layer of the transducer for electrically connecting the transducer to the external testing apparatus, the exposed portions being laterally offset from each other such that the exposed portions are each supported across the whole of their area by the stiffening element on the opposite side of the transducer.

A biochemical analysis system comprising:

• a biochemical analysis device for use with an external testing apparatus to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample, the analysis device comprising:
• a transducer formed of a layer of pyroelectric or piezoelectric material sandwiched between first and second electrode layers, the transducer being arranged to produce an electrical voltage across the electrode layers in response to heating or straining of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer;
• and
• first and second stiffening elements for the transducer, the transducer being sandwiched between the stiffening elements, each of the stiffening elements defining a planar surface for maintaining the transducer in a flat condition,
• wherein each of the stiffening elements exposes a portion of a respective electrode layer of the transducer for electrically connecting the transducer to the external testing apparatus, the exposed portions being laterally offset from each other such that the exposed portions are each supported across the whole of their area by the stiffening element on the opposite side of the transducer;
• and
• a testing apparatus electrically connected to the exposed portions of the first and second electrode layers of the transducer, the testing apparatus having a microprocessor for processing electrical signals received from the first and second electrode layers.

A method of manufacturing an analysis device for use with an external testing apparatus to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample, the method comprising:

• forming a transducer by forming first and second electrode layers over opposite surfaces of a layer of pyroelectric or piezoelectric material, the transducer being arranged to produce an electrical voltage across the electrode layers in response to heating or straining of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer;
• and
• providing first and second stiffening elements over respective electrode layers of the transducer, each of the stiffening elements defining a planar surface for maintaining the transducer in a flat condition,
• wherein the stiffening elements are arranged such that each of the stiffening elements exposes a portion of a respective electrode layer of the transducer for electrically connecting the transducer to the external testing apparatus, the exposed portions being laterally offset from each other such that the exposed portions are each supported across the whole of their area by the stiffening element on the opposite side of the transducer.