Electrolyte Concentration Measurement With On-Chip Potential Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper microanalytical chips for electrolyte measurement suffer from variations due to manufacturing differences, requiring costly and time-consuming calibration methods to ensure repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a measuring device with a channel region containing 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 and obtaining accurate electrolyte concentration data without additional operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional paper microanalytical chips are used for electrolyte measurement, then manufacturing is simple and cost is low, but device-to-device variation occurs due to manufacturing differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the working electrode with a membrane containing ionophore and liquid ion-exchange resin before device assembly. This pre-preparation ensures that each device has standardized ion-selective components, reducing variation due to manufacturing differences while maintaining the simplicity of paper-based fabrication.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed to reduce device variation, then measurement repeatability improves, but measurement time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration measurements in advance during device manufacturing or initialization. The calibration data obtained from standard solutions is stored and used for correcting subsequent sample measurements, eliminating the need for time-consuming calibration steps during actual measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using calibration data to correct measurement results. The system compares measured potentials against stored calibration values and applies correction factors to compensate for device variations, thereby maintaining high repeatability without requiring manual recalibration for each measurement.
3Measurement precision
If standard calibration methods are used, then device variation is corrected, but additional operations and procedural complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by automatically performing calibration and correction operations without requiring manual intervention. The device autonomously measures standard solutions, stores calibration data, and applies corrections to sample measurements, simplifying the user操作流程 while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-stores calibration data in the device memory during manufacturing or initialization. This preliminary preparation allows the device to automatically retrieve and apply correction factors during measurement, eliminating the need for operators to perform manual calibration procedures for each measurement session.
4Reliability
If multiple measurement steps are performed to ensure accuracy, then measurement reliability improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by performing calibration measurements once during device initialization or manufacturing, then continuously using the stored calibration data for correcting all subsequent sample measurements. This approach ensures measurement reliability through consistent calibration while maintaining high productivity by eliminating repeated calibration steps.
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 repeatable electrolyte concentration measurements 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
an ion-selective electrode that exhibits a potential corresponding to the ion concentration of a sample, and the ion concentration of the sample is measured by measuring the potential difference between the two electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure 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, and 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.