Digital Titrator Using Contact Image Sensor for Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current titrators face high initial and maintenance costs due to complex mechanical components, which increase the complexity and cost of accuracy and precision in titration processes.
Innovation Solution
A digital titrator utilizing a contact image sensor (CIS) to read the meniscus position in a vertical tube, eliminating the need for mechanical components and reducing costs by using a pump and valve only for titrant transfer, and incorporating a low-cost, long-life CIS sensor for precise volume measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical components (pistons, motors, seals) are used to control titrant volume, then accuracy and precision are improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical piston-motor-seal system with a peristaltic pump that uses flexible tubing and roller wheels to propel titrant. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical sealing requirements while maintaining precise volume control through programmed pump operation, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical detection systems (cameras, sensors) to monitor and measure titration parameters, creating an informational copy of the physical process. This allows precise measurement and control without direct mechanical intervention, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving accuracy
2Measurement precision
If high precision electric motors and efficient seals are used, then titration accuracy is improved, but acquisition and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable plastic cartridges containing the titrant solution. These single-use cartridges eliminate the need for expensive, precision-machined glass burettes and complex mechanical dispensing systems. The low cost of disposable plastic components directly addresses the contradiction by providing adequate precision at significantly reduced manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The peristaltic pump mechanism using flexible tubing replaces expensive precision motors and seals with simpler, cheaper mechanical components. The flexible tubing and roller wheel system is inherently more tolerant of manufacturing variations and requires less precision machining, reducing acquisition costs while maintaining functional accuracy
3Measurement precision
If mechanical calibration procedures are implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but maintenance time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pump system with flexible tubing and the disposable cartridge design are inherently self-calibrating. The software-controlled pump delivers precise volumes based on programmed parameters without requiring mechanical adjustment or calibration by the user. This eliminates maintenance time and costs while preserving measurement accuracy through digital control
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 solution provides a cost-effective and maintenance-free titrator with enhanced precision and accuracy, reducing mechanical calibration procedures and maintenance costs while maintaining high-resolution measurements.
Implementation Method 1
reading the meniscus position in a vertical tube by means of a contact image sensor (CIS)... CIS sensors are used in scanners, code bar readers and in optical identification devices and are distinguished by its high resolution
Implementation Method 2
A titrant reservoir (3) communicates with said burette with solution transfer by a pump (4)
Implementation Method 3
release is controlled by an electromechanical valve (5) to the reaction flask (6)
Data Source
AI summary
“DIGITAL TITRATOR”, for application in chemical instrumental analysis, comprising a transparent vertical tube (burette) (1), which contains the titrant, monitored by a contact image sensor (CIS) (2), parallel to the tube. A titrant reservoir (3) communicates with said burette, with solution transfer by means of a pump (4). The release of said solution is made by a valve (5) to the reaction flask (6), where a sensor (7) collects and transmits information about the progress of monitored reaction to a computer (8). Analytical data is stored, processed and displayed to the user on a screen, and/or printed. A flexible tube communicates the upper ends of tube and reservoir and transfers saturated internal atmosphere conversely, according as pressure change, caused by meniscus movement, without gas exchange with atmosphere, preventing evaporation of solvent and consequent changes in titrant concentration. For the same purpose, the inlet air from atmosphere to the reservoir goes by a saturation bottle (9) containing pure solvent. A PCI (10) controls operations, assisted by a computer, and an agitator (11) homogenizes reaction flask's content.