Electrolyte Test Strip Contact Detection for Reliable Ion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolyte analysis test strips face challenges in determining whether the electrolyte is adequately in contact with ion selective electrodes, leading to unreliable measurement results due to the difficulty in visually confirming coverage, especially when the electrolyte is sprinkled on the sensor head.
Innovation Solution
The electrolyte analysis test strip incorporates a solution detection electrode and an auxiliary extraction electrode to detect contact with the electrolyte, ensuring accurate measurement by confirming complete coverage of the ion sensitive electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sensor head is made small and disposable, then the test strip becomes more convenient for users, but it becomes difficult to visually determine whether the electrolyte is in contact with the ion sensitive electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a hydrophilic indicator that changes color when it comes into contact with the electrolyte. This color change provides visual feedback to the user, allowing them to confirm that the electrolyte has been properly applied to the ion sensitive electrodes. The indicator is positioned in a region that changes from visible to invisible based on electrolyte contact, solving the problem of visual confirmation on small sensor heads.
2Ease of operation
If the electrolyte is sprinkled on the ion sensitive electrodes, then the user does not need to prepare a container, but it is difficult to confirm whether the electrolyte covers the electrodes completely
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic indicator provides visual confirmation through color change when electrolyte contact is detected. This allows users to verify proper electrolyte application without needing containers, maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement reliability through visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the hydrophilic indicator provides real-time visual information about electrolyte contact status. This feedback loop allows users to adjust their application technique to ensure complete coverage of the ion sensitive electrodes, thereby improving measurement reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If the sensor head dimensions are reduced to 50mm x 20mm x 200μm, then the test strip becomes more portable and disposable, but visual determination of electrolyte contact becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic indicator utilizes color change properties to provide visual detection of electrolyte contact on the miniaturized sensor head. This allows the compact dimensions (50mm x 20mm x 200μm) to be maintained while solving the detection problem through optical feedback rather than visual inspection of the electrolyte itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct visual inspection of the electrolyte to detecting the presence of electrolyte through the color change of the hydrophilic indicator. This dimensional shift from observing liquid distribution to observing indicator response enables detection on the miniaturized platform.
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
Ensures reliable measurement of ion concentrations by verifying electrolyte contact, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the analysis process.
Implementation Method 1
a solution detection electrode that is provided in a proximal region located between the specific region and the other end in the one direction on the main surface in a manner separated from the main extraction electrode, and is for detecting whether or not the solution detection electrode is in contact with the electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electrolyte analysis test strip for measuring a concentration of ions contained in an electrolyte. The electrolyte analysis test strip includes a substrate extending in one direction. An ion sensitive electrode is provided in specific regions on a side of one end in the one direction on a main surface of the substrate. A main extraction electrode extends from the ion sensitive electrode to a side of an other end. A solution detection electrode is provided in a proximal region in a manner separated from the main extraction electrode, and is for detecting whether or not the solution detection electrode is in contact with the electrolyte. An auxiliary extraction electrode extends from the solution detection electrode to the side of the other end in a manner separated from the main extraction electrode.