Electronic Device for Aqueous Solution Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing aqueous solutions, such as pool or spa water, are manual and rely on visual comparison of color changes, which are subjective and lack precision.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with a measurement circuit and control circuit that processes color signals from test elements exposed to aqueous solutions, using models to determine characteristics like chlorine, pH, and alkalinity concentrations, providing a precise and automated analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual comparison method is used to analyze aqueous solutions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual comparison method with an automated electronic measurement system. The measurement circuit captures color signals from the test element, and the control circuit processes these signals to determine solution characteristics, eliminating the need for manual visual interpretation while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a digital copy of the color information from the test element pads. Instead of direct visual comparison, the system captures and stores digital representations of the color signals, allowing for precise measurement and processing without requiring manual visual assessment.
2Measurement precision
If automated electronic analysis is implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electronic analysis system into distinct functional modules: a measurement circuit for capturing color signals from specific pads, a control circuit for processing the signals, and a display for output. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with optimized complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit serves multiple functions: it processes measurement signals from different pads, stores data in memory, and controls the display output. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each operation, thereby managing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement signals are processed to determine various characteristics, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to handle multiple types of measurement signals from different test element pads and determine various solution characteristics (chlorine, bromine, pH, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, hardness, peracetic acid, chloramine). This universal processing capability allows a single device to perform multiple analysis functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each characteristic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different measurement requirements by processing signals according to specific models stored in memory. Each model corresponds to a particular characteristic determination, allowing the same hardware to be configured for different analysis types by changing the processing parameters and models rather than requiring physical reconfiguration.
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
The device offers accurate, automated analysis of aqueous solutions, eliminating the need for manual interpretation and providing reliable, numerical values for key characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation detection circuit configured to detect radiation reflected from the color portion of the test element as a result of radiation thereof by the radiation source
Implementation Method 2
The measurement circuit may comprise a radiation source configured to direct radiation to the color portion of the test element
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for analyzing an aqueous solution may comprise a housing, one or more measurement circuits and a control circuit all arranged inside the housing. The housing may be configured to receive a test element. The one or more measurement circuits may be configured to produce one or more corresponding sets of measurement signals relating to an aqueous solution received on the test element. The control circuit may include a memory having instructions stored therein that are executable by the control circuit to process the one or more sets of measurement signals to determine one or more corresponding characteristics of the aqueous solution.