Automated DTC Water Testing System Using Disposable Colorimetric Strips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water testing systems for sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate (DTC) are cumbersome, expensive, require extensive training, and are prone to human error, with slow and unreliable results.

Innovation Solution

A compact, portable, and automated water testing system using inexpensive materials that includes a water sample container, a color indicator container, and a colorimeter to determine DTC concentration without daily calibration, utilizing a color indicator that changes color in response to DTC presence and a titration reagent to provide timely and accurate results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional water testing systems are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDTC concentration measurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable test strips containing pre-loaded reagents and color indicators, eliminating the need for complex calibration equipment and daily maintenance. Each test strip is a low-cost, single-use component that provides accurate DTC concentration measurements without requiring expensive laboratory instruments or frequent calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential measurement function from complex laboratory equipment and consolidates it into a simplified test strip format. By separating the critical components (reagents, indicators, sample reception area) into an integrated disposable unit, the system maintains measurement precision while removing unnecessary complexity from the testing apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If conventional testing equipment is used, then reliable results are obtained, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest result reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip performs self-service by automatically mixing reagents with the water sample through capillary action, eliminating the need for manual pipetting, mixing, or calibration procedures. The strip contains pre-measured reagent quantities and self-contained reaction chambers that automatically initiate and complete the chemical reactions, ensuring reliable results while requiring minimal user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

All preparatory actions are completed during test strip manufacturing: reagents are pre-loaded, mixed in correct proportions, and sealed in sterile containers. Color indicators are pre-applied to specific zones, and reaction chambers are pre-configured. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable test results while making operation as simple as dipping the strip into the water sample and reading the result after a fixed time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If conventional testing methods are used, then accurate measurements are achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDTC concentration accuracyVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip utilizes periodic chemical reactions with fixed timing: the reagent reacts with DTC for a predetermined period (e.g., 1-5 minutes), during which the color indicator develops proportionally to the concentration. This time-bound reaction process, followed by a stable reading period, provides accurate measurements rapidly without requiring extended incubation or multiple measurement steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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 system is cost-effective, simple to operate, minimizes human error, and provides rapid and accurate DTC concentration measurements, making it suitable for field use without the need for extensive training or daily calibration.

Implementation Method 1

a color indicator which is adapted change the color of the water sample when the water sample includes sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor change reaction:

Implementation Method 2

a colorimeter adapted to receive the water sample container and determine a blank value and a sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate concentration for the water sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColorimetry:

Data Source

PatentUS9857310B2Method and system for testing sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate in water

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 FOWLER RANDY

AI summary

A water testing system having a water sample container that is adapted to retain a water sample, a color indicator container that is adapted to dispense a color indicator which is adapted change the color of the water sample when the water sample contains DTC, and a colorimeter that is adapted to automatically determine a blank value and the concentration of sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate in the water sample. A method for determining the concentration of DTC in a water sample comprising providing a water testing system, placing the water sample in the water sample container, placing the water sample container in the colorimeter, automatically determining a blank value, adding the color indicator to the water sample, placing the water sample container in the colorimeter, and automatically determining the concentration of DTC in the water sample.