Controlled-Potential Electrolysis Gas Sensor With Rapid Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Controlled potential electrolysis gas sensors require a significant amount of time to stabilize after activation, preventing immediate gas concentration measurement.

Innovation Solution

A controlled potential electrolysis gas sensor with a working electrode and counter electrode, utilizing an operation control circuit that includes a potentiostat to control the potential of the electrodes, applies a reverse current to stabilize sensor output quickly by short-circuiting the counter electrode to the power source and controlling the working electrode potential.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a controlled potential electrolysis gas sensor is activated, then gas concentration measurement capability is enabled, but it takes several tens of minutes for the sensor output to stabilize

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor output stabilityVSAvoidstabilization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a preliminary stabilization voltage (different from the measurement voltage) to the working electrode before actual gas concentration measurement begins. This preliminary action pre-stabilizes the electrolyte solution and electrode interface, so that when the measurement voltage is applied, the sensor output is already stabilized or requires minimal additional stabilization time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a two-stage energization process: first applying a stabilization voltage for a predetermined period to stabilize the sensor output, then switching to the measurement voltage for actual gas concentration detection. This periodic action separates the stabilization phase from the measurement phase, optimizing both stability and response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Power

If a large current flows between working electrode and counter electrode at early stage, then oxygen consumption and electric double layer formation occur, but sensor output remains unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode currentVSAvoidoutput stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter applied to the working electrode based on the operational stage. During stabilization, a specific stabilization voltage is applied to manage current flow and prevent excessive oxygen consumption. During measurement, the voltage is adjusted to the measurement voltage appropriate for accurate gas concentration detection. This dynamic parameter adjustment balances power consumption with output stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the working electrode potential is controlled at constant set potential for gas concentration measurement, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but stabilization time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas concentration measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime to reach constant potential state
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a preliminary stabilization voltage to the working electrode before switching to the measurement voltage. This preliminary action pre-establishes the electrochemical environment (stabilizing the electrolyte solution and electrode interface), so that when the constant set potential for measurement is applied, the sensor reaches stable output faster, reducing the time loss while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The sensor achieves rapid stabilization of output, allowing for reliable gas concentration measurement within a shorter time frame, independent of environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

detect a concentration of a detection target gas in a gas to be tested by detecting a current flowing between the working electrode and the counter electrode in a state in which the working electrode is controlled at a constant set potential

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

operation control circuit that includes a potentiostat to control the potential of the electrodes, applies a reverse current to stabilize sensor output quickly by short-circuiting the counter electrode to the power source and controlling the working electrode potential

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical potential control: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3783353B1Constant potential electrolysis gas sensor
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 RIKEN KEIKI KK
  • EP3783353B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3783353B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3783353B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention has as its object the provision of a controlled potential electrolysis gas sensor capable of speedily obtaining a state in which gas concentration measurement can be conducted after the activation of a power source. The controlled potential electrolysis gas sensor is configured to include at least a working electrode and a counter electrode which are provided in contact with an electrolytic solution and to detect a concentration of a detection target gas in a gas to be tested by detecting a current flowing between the working electrode and the counter electrode in a state in which the working electrode is controlled at a constant set potential. The controlled potential electrolysis gas sensor includes an operation control circuit that drives the controlled potential electrolysis gas sensor based on a current in a forward direction detected when the controlled potential electrolysis gas sensor is activated under energization conditions at the time of a gas detection operation.