Electrolyte Concentration Measurement With Built-In Channel Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Paper microanalytical chips used for electrolyte measurement exhibit variations due to manufacturing differences, requiring costly and time-consuming calibration methods to ensure repeatability.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte concentration measuring method using a measuring device with a channel region defined by a channel wall in a porous substrate, involving a working electrode and a reference electrode, where a standard solution is dispensed to measure a first potential difference, followed by a sample dispensing to measure a second potential difference, allowing for correction of device variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional calibration methods are used to reduce device variation, then measurement reliability is improved, but measurement time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the channel structure within the porous substrate during manufacturing. This channel guides the standard solution to automatically contact both electrodes in a predetermined path, eliminating the need for manual calibration operations at measurement time. The channel structure is created in advance to ensure consistent solution distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic capillary-driven transport of standard solution through the channel structure. The porous substrate and channel configuration enable the solution to self-distribute to both electrodes without external pumping or manual intervention, reducing operational complexity and time.
2Reliability
If conventional calibration methods are used to reduce device variation, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from complex external systems and integrates it into the substrate itself. The channel structure is embedded within the porous substrate, removing the need for separate calibration chambers, pumps, or external calibration apparatus. This integration simplifies the overall device while maintaining calibration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a channel structure as an intermediary element within the porous substrate that mediates between the standard solution reservoir and the electrodes. This channel acts as a built-in transport pathway that simplifies the connection and distribution mechanism, replacing complex external fluid handling systems.
3Reliability
If standard solution is dispensed into channel region, then device variation is corrected, but sample amount required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a concentrated channel structure within the porous substrate that directs standard solution precisely to specific regions near both electrodes. This localized channel network ensures efficient solution distribution with minimal total volume, rather than requiring uniform saturation of the entire substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by embedding the channel structure within the porous substrate matrix. The channel is nested inside the substrate, creating a hierarchical structure where the channel provides focused solution transport pathways within the broader porous medium, maximizing efficiency with minimal solution volume.
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
Enables stable and efficient electrolyte concentration measurement with minimal sample and effort, reducing device-to-device variation and measurement time.
Implementation Method 1
by using the capillary action of paper itself, a sample or a liquid specimen can be driven without using electricity
Implementation Method 2
the ion concentration of the sample is measured by measuring the potential difference between the two electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrolyte concentration measuring method that has a simple configuration, does not require effort and time for measurement, enables stable measurement, and enables measurement with a small amount of sample. The present invention relates to an electrolyte concentration measuring method including a first step of dispensing a standard solution of known concentration into a channel region and obtaining, after the standard solution has reached a reference electrode and a working electrode, first potential difference information based on a potential difference between the reference electrode and the working electrode, a second step of dispensing a sample onto the working electrode or near the working electrode and obtaining second potential difference information based on a potential difference between the reference electrode and the working electrode, and a step of obtaining data on an electrolyte concentration of the sample using the first potential difference information and the second potential difference information.