Electrolytic Chip pH Adjustment via Ion-Exchange Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pH adjustment methods in biological assays, such as adding or removing pH-adjusting solutions, cause dilution and can inhibit subsequent assays, and constant current electrolysis methods are not portable due to size and weight issues.
Innovation Solution
A pH adjusting apparatus using an electrolytic chip with a chamber divided by an ion-exchange material, controlled by a unit that inputs and manages electrolysis conditions, allowing precise adjustment of pH through constant current electrolysis, independent of gas generation or salt concentration variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pH adjustment methods (adding/removing pH-adjusting solutions) are used, then pH can be adjusted, but sample dilution occurs and subsequent assays are inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical method of adding/removing pH-adjusting solutions with an electrolysis-based chemical method. Electrodes generate H+ and OH- ions in situ through electrolysis of water, allowing pH adjustment without introducing external solutions that would dilute or inhibit the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary medium. By electrolyzing water to generate H+ and OH- ions, the system achieves pH adjustment using a benign substance that does not interfere with subsequent assays, unlike conventional pH-adjusting solutions.
2Reliability
If constant current electrolysis method is used for pH adjustment, then pH can be adjusted independently of gas generation or salt concentration variations, but apparatus size and weight increase, reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrolysis system into separate anode and cathode chambers divided by an ion-exchange membrane. This segmentation allows independent control of H+ and OH- generation, enabling constant current electrolysis with improved stability while reducing the overall apparatus size through compact chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from constant voltage to constant current electrolysis. This parameter change ensures stable pH adjustment independent of gas generation or salt concentration variations, while the compact segmented design keeps the apparatus portable.
3Measurement precision
If conventional pH adjustment methods are used, then pH can be adjusted, but additional apparatus and processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pH adjustment function with the existing assay chamber by integrating electrodes directly into the reaction vessel. This eliminates the need for separate apparatus for adding/removing pH-adjusting solutions, simplifying both the device and the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the assay chamber multi-functional by incorporating electrodes that enable pH adjustment directly within the same vessel used for biological assays. This universal design eliminates the need for separate pH adjustment equipment and reduces process 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 accurate and easy pH adjustment in biological assays, minimizing sample dilution and inhibition, while being portable and energy-efficient due to its compact size and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the pH of a solution can be adjusted using H+ and OH− ions respectively generated from an anode and a cathode by electrolysis of water
Implementation Method 2
an ion-exchange material dividing the chamber into a cathode chamber including the cathode and an anode chamber including the anode
Data Source
AI summary
A pH adjusting apparatus includes an electrolytic chip receiving a solution, an electrolytic chip loading station receiving the electrolytic chip, an input unit inputting electrolysis conditions, a control unit receiving the electrolysis conditions and controlling electrolysis performed in the electrolytic chip, and a display unit displaying the electrolysis conditions and a progress of the electrolysis. Thus, the pH of a solution can be adjusted easily and accurately, by precisely controlling a constant current, a constant voltage, and current and voltage application times, thereby enabling useful application in various biological assays such as cell lysis. Furthermore, the pH adjusting apparatus has small size and weight and can be operated for a long time after charging once due to low power consumption.