Equilibrium Potential Estimation via Voltage Sweep for Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concentration estimating devices struggle to precisely estimate the concentration of oxidation-reduction substances due to interference from electrode area and diffusion coefficient variations, and simple contact between the solution and electrode leads to inaccurate potential estimation.
Innovation Solution
An equilibrium potential estimating device that applies a voltage sweep to an electrode, measures current, and uses signal processing to control the voltage until the current integrated value converges, allowing for precise estimation of equilibrium potential and concentration, independent of surface and bulk concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional current measurement methods are used to estimate concentration, then the measurement process is simple, but the estimation precision deteriorates due to interference from electrode area and diffusion coefficient variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from current value to open circuit voltage, and further to equilibrium potential determined through voltage sweep. This parameter transformation eliminates the influence of electrode area and diffusion coefficient on the measurement, thereby improving concentration estimation precision without requiring complex device modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional current-based measurement mechanism with a voltage-based measurement mechanism. By measuring open circuit voltage and equilibrium potential instead of current, the system avoids the interference from electrode area and diffusion coefficient while maintaining measurement simplicity
2Measurement precision
If simple contact between solution and electrode is used for measurement, then the operation is simple, but the potential estimation precision deteriorates due to oxidation-reduction reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary voltage sweep before the final equilibrium potential measurement. This preliminary action of sweeping the voltage and measuring current integrated values prepares the system by minimizing concentration gradients, ensuring that the subsequent equilibrium potential measurement is not affected by oxidation-reduction reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback control by measuring current integrated values during voltage sweep and using this information to determine when equilibrium potential has been reached. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate potential estimation while maintaining operational simplicity
3Measurement precision
If voltage sweep is applied to minimize concentration gradient influence, then the concentration estimation precision improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a voltage sweep that goes slightly beyond the equilibrium potential region to ensure complete minimization of concentration gradients, then reverses direction. This partial excessive action guarantees precision while the reversal prevents excessive time consumption by not continuing the sweep indefinitely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic voltage sweeping with reversal, creating a cyclic measurement process. This periodic action efficiently minimizes concentration gradients while controlling measurement time by establishing a defined sweep-reverse-sweep pattern rather than continuous sweeping
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 method enables precise estimation of solution concentration by controlling the voltage sweep to minimize the influence of concentration gradients, allowing for non-destructive measurement and re-use of solutions, reducing errors and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode (10) undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction with an oxidation-reduction substance contained in a solution
Data Source
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AI summary
An oxidation-reduction substance equilibrium potential estimating method is provided, the method including: applying a voltage to an electrode contacting a sample containing an oxidation-reduction substance and sweeping the voltage; measuring a current flowing through the electrode; if an integrated value of the current becomes a value within a reference range, determining whether to sweep the voltage in an opposite direction to a sweep direction in the previous sweeping or to terminate sweeping of the voltage; if it is determined to terminate sweeping of the voltage, estimating an oxidation-reduction substance equilibrium potential at a value of the voltage; and if it is determined to sweep the voltage, sweeping the voltage in an opposite direction to a sweep direction in the previous sweeping.