Biodegradable Sensor for Continuous Cold Chain Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors in cold chain distribution systems often fail to monitor parameters continuously due to removal during transfers, leading to gaps in data collection for temperature-sensitive and perishable goods.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable sensor system with multiple sensor elements made from conductive materials that degrade in response to specific parameters (like temperature and food borne pathogens), providing visual or RFID signals for continuous monitoring and degrading after a predetermined time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensors are removed during transfers in cold chain distribution, then sensor cost and complexity are reduced, but monitoring continuity and data integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable biodegradable sensors that are discarded after a single use or after a predetermined time period. These sensors are designed to degrade naturally after serving their monitoring purpose, eliminating the need for complex removal procedures during transfers while ensuring continuous monitoring throughout the cold chain distribution process.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used for sensor elements, then environmental harm and waste are reduced, but sensor durability and reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in biodegradable materials, specifically their degradation rate, to indicate monitored parameters. The biodegradable sensor elements change their physical or chemical properties in response to temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors, allowing them to maintain reliability for the required monitoring period while ultimately degrading to reduce environmental harm.
3Measurement precision
If sensor elements degrade in response to parameters, then measurement capability and sensitivity are improved, but long-term stability and consistency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by designing biodegradable sensors that maintain their structural integrity and measurement capability throughout the required monitoring period. The sensors continuously monitor parameters and provide real-time data until they complete their designated service life, at which point they degrade. This approach maintains measurement precision when needed while accepting composition changes only after the useful monitoring function is complete.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous monitoring of perishable goods from production to consumption, ensuring data integrity and product safety by providing real-time parameter tracking without the need for sensor removal or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the first sensor element degrades to decrease the first sensor element height of the first ridge in response to the first parameter of interest
Implementation Method 2
the second sensor element degrades to decrease the second sensor element height of the second ridge in response to the second parameter of interest
Implementation Method 3
transmitting the first parameter of interest via an RFID transmission, wherein the first biodegradable material is conductive and the first sensor element height corresponds to the RFID transmission
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and apparatus for monitoring a product is provided, the sensor includes a first sensor element formed from a first biodegradable material and having a first sensor element height, wherein the first sensor element height changes in response to a first parameter of interest of the product.