Electrolyte Measuring Device Air Bubble Detection via Reference Electrode Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrolyte measuring devices using the ion-selective electrode method do not adequately detect failures such as air bubbles in the flow cell flow channel, leading to measurement errors and noise in output signals, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of electrolyte concentration measurements.
Innovation Solution
The electrolyte measuring device incorporates a current measurement section to detect electric current flowing in the reference electrode, allowing for the detection of air bubbles and other failures by comparing the measured electric current with a threshold value, and a voltage application section to apply a predetermined voltage to the suction nozzle, enhancing the detection of air bubbles and improving measurement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ion-selective electrode method is used to measure electrolyte concentration, then measurement capability is provided, but air bubbles in the flow channel cause measurement errors and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the electric current flowing in the reference electrode before performing the electrolyte concentration measurement. This preliminary current measurement allows the system to detect air bubbles in the flow channel in advance, so that corrective actions can be taken before the actual measurement, preventing measurement errors and noise caused by air bubbles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the electric current measurement as an intermediary indicator to indirectly detect the presence of air bubbles. Instead of directly detecting air bubbles which would require complex sensors, the system measures the electric current in the reference electrode, which changes when air bubbles are present. This intermediary measurement provides a simple and effective way to monitor flow channel conditions.
2Productivity
If a flow cell type device is used to achieve high throughput, then productivity increases, but detection of air bubbles and failures becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the electric current measurement as an intermediary indicator to indirectly detect the presence of air bubbles. Instead of directly detecting air bubbles which would require complex sensors, the system measures the electric current in the reference electrode, which changes when air bubbles are present. This intermediary measurement provides a simple and effective way to monitor flow channel conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference electrode serves a dual function: it maintains the reference potential for the ion-selective electrode measurement and simultaneously acts as a sensor for detecting air bubbles through current measurement. This self-service approach allows the existing component to provide additional functionality without adding separate detection systems, maintaining high throughput while enabling failure detection.
3Reliability
If no current measurement section is added, then device complexity remains low, but failure detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the reference electrode multi-functional by having it serve both as the reference electrode for potential measurement and as a current sensor for air bubble detection. This universal use of the existing reference electrode structure allows failure detection capability to be added without significantly increasing device complexity, as no separate detection hardware is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference electrode serves a dual function: it maintains the reference potential for the ion-selective electrode measurement and simultaneously acts as a sensor for detecting air bubbles through current measurement. This self-service approach allows the existing component to provide additional functionality without adding separate detection systems.
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
This configuration enables the device to detect various kinds of failures with high sensitivity, ensuring accurate measurements and prompting users to take corrective actions, thereby improving the precision and reliability of ion concentration measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The ion-selective electrode has an ion-sensitive membrane to generate a potential difference in response to an ionic component
Implementation Method 2
The reference electrode is configured so as to get in touch with a solution called a reference electrode liquid in order to maintain a reference potential
Implementation Method 3
a current measurement section to measure an electric current flowing in the reference electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electrolyte measuring device that makes it possible to detect failure in the device with a high degree of accuracy. The electrolyte measuring device has: an ion-selective electrode to which an ion solution including ions is supplied; a reference electrode; a measurement section to measure a potential difference between the ion-selective electrode and the reference electrode; and a current measurement section to measure an electric current flowing in the reference electrode.