Residual Chlorine Meter Component Deterioration Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing residual chlorine meters lack an effective method to determine the appropriate timing for replacing deteriorated components, such as electrodes and motors, which can lead to performance degradation and unnecessary costs.

Innovation Solution

The residual chlorine meter incorporates a controller that measures the concentration of residual chlorine based on diffusion current and detects the degree of deterioration of replaceable components by analyzing motor current and diffusion current using AC-type and DC-type analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If component replacement is performed based on fixed schedule, then maintenance timing is simplified, but performance degradation occurs due to premature replacement and unnecessary costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance schedulingVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/time-based maintenance scheduling with an electronic detection system that uses current analysis (AC-type and DC-type analysis) to automatically determine component deterioration state. The controller analyzes motor current and diffusion current to detect electrode and motor deterioration, substituting fixed schedule maintenance with intelligent, condition-based maintenance that improves measurement accuracy while reducing unnecessary replacements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The residual chlorine meter performs self-diagnosis by automatically analyzing its own operational currents (motor current for motor health, diffusion current for electrode health) to detect component deterioration. This self-service capability allows the device to autonomously determine when maintenance is needed, eliminating the need for external monitoring and enabling precise, timely component replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of substance

If component replacement is delayed, then costs are reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to component degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance costsVSAvoidresidual chlorine measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors motor current and diffusion current, providing real-time feedback on component deterioration state. The controller analyzes these current signals using AC-type analysis (for periodic variations indicating electrode deterioration) and DC-type analysis (for steady-state changes indicating motor deterioration), enabling timely detection and replacement of components before they significantly impact measurement accuracy, thus optimizing the balance between maintenance costs and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple components are monitored separately, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple monitoring functions into a single integrated controller that simultaneously analyzes both motor current (for motor health) and diffusion current (for electrode health) using unified AC-type and DC-type analysis methods. This consolidation allows accurate detection of multiple component deteriorations through a single control unit, improving detection accuracy while avoiding the complexity of separate monitoring systems for each component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach allows for timely replacement of deteriorated components, maintaining the meter's performance and reducing unnecessary costs by accurately detecting component deterioration based on current analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a controller configured to measure a concentration of residual chlorine in the sample water based on a diffusion current flowing between the indicator electrode and the counter electrode in a case in which a voltage is applied between the indicator electrode and the counter electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion current: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12265051B2Residual chlorine meter, control method thereof, and chlorine meter system

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A residual chlorine meter for measuring the concentration of residual chlorine in sample water includes an indicator electrode and a counter electrode to be immersed in the sample water and a controller that measures the concentration of residual chlorine in the sample water based on a diffusion current flowing between the indicator electrode and the counter electrode in a case in which a voltage is applied between the indicator electrode and the counter electrode. The controller detects a degree of deterioration of a replaceable component of the residual chlorine meter based on a motor current, flowing through a motor that rotates the indicator electrode in the sample water, and/or the diffusion current.