Convex Sensor Cap for Optochemical Analyte Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optochemical sensors, particularly oxygen sensors, face distortion in analyte measurements due to bubble formation on the sensor membrane when used in flowing media, failing to meet hygienic requirements in industries like food and pharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
A flow-optimized sensor cap with a cylindrical plug-in component and sleeve-shaped outer component, featuring a convex-shaped surface region made of transparent material, incorporating a multilayer analyte-sensitive matrix that prevents bubble adhesion and ensures a gap-free seal, satisfying demanding hygienic and mechanical stress resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gap-free seal is used between sensor housing and sensor membrane, then hygienic requirements are satisfied, but bubble formation occurs on the membrane surface in flowing media
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor membrane surface is designed with a convex curvature instead of a flat surface. This curved geometry prevents bubble adhesion by eliminating flat surfaces where bubbles can accumulate, while maintaining the gap-free seal structure required for hygienic applications in the food industry.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a convex-shaped surface is used to prevent bubble adhesion, then bubble formation is reduced, but the sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convex surface geometry and gap-free seal are combined into a single integrated design element. The sensor membrane itself forms the convex shape while simultaneously providing the sealing function, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing overall device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the connecting region is positioned at the edge region of the convex surface, then bubble adhesion is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The convex surface geometry is pre-formed during the manufacturing of the sensor membrane itself, before assembly. This preliminary shaping ensures that the connecting region is naturally positioned at the edge area where bubbles cannot adhere, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing positioning adjustments and reducing precision requirements.
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 design effectively prevents bubble adhesion, maintains accurate analyte measurements, and meets stringent hygienic requirements by ensuring a gap-free seal, enhancing the reliability and durability of the sensor in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The surface region is shaped for optimal flow
Implementation Method 2
An optochemical analyte sensor such as an oxygen sensor is based upon the principle of analyte-induced fluorescence or luminescence quenching of an organic dye
Implementation Method 3
A luminescent substance is embedded in the support structure and comes into contact with the process medium
Implementation Method 4
The optical component at least partially consists of a material transparent to measuring radiation
Implementation Method 5
the connecting region coming into contact with the medium is between the plug-in component and the sleeve-shaped outer component in the edge region of the convex-shaped surface region of the optical component or is at a radial distance from the edge region of the convex-shaped surface region of the optical component, and is sealed, without a gap, facing the medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor cap for an optochemical sensor for determining or monitoring at least one analyte present in a medium having a substantially cylindrical plug-in component and a sleeve-shaped outer component. The plug-in component has an optical component with a convex-shaped surface region for optimal flow, and the optical component at least partially consists of a material transparent to measuring radiation. On the surface region of the optical component is an analyte-sensitive matrix having at least one functional layer. The plug-in component and the sleeve-shaped component are designed such that the connecting region coming into contact with the medium is between the plug-in component and the sleeve-shaped outer component in the edge region of the optical component or is at a radial distance from the edge region of the optical component, and is sealed, without a gap, facing the medium.