Dual-Sided Fluid Sensor Card for Uniform pH Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for detecting solute concentration and pH in fluids face limitations, including uneven fluid distribution across sensor surfaces, restricted light detection to one side, and contamination risks due to single-sided access, which affects accuracy and consistency across different sensor cards and lots.
Innovation Solution
A sensor card design with sampling holes on both sides, aligned to allow light emission and detection on opposite sides, using pH and ammonia sensor membranes that can detect solute concentrations and pH ranges, and a pressure equalizing hole to ensure even fluid contact, integrated into a reusable apparatus for disposable sensor cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single access port is used for sensor access, then the housing seal prevents fluid leakage, but the exposed sensor surface is limited to one side only
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor card is divided into two separate access ports, one on each side of the card. This segmentation allows both sides of the sensor surface to be exposed to fluid flow independently, doubling the effective sensing area without requiring a complex multi-chamber seal system.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from single-sided to dual-sided access by utilizing the z-dimension (thickness direction) of the sensor card. Access ports are positioned on opposite faces of the card, allowing fluid to contact both sides of the sensor membrane simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If light detection is restricted to one side, then the optical path is simpler, but measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system extracts and measures light transmission through the sensor card from both sides. By positioning light sources and detectors on opposite faces, the system captures transmitted light that has passed through the sensor membrane, providing additional measurement information that improves accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor card design supports multiple optical measurement modes: reflection from the front surface, transmission through the card, and reflection from the back surface. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware configuration to perform multiple measurement types, enhancing measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If fluid flows through a single access port, then the housing seal is simpler, but fluid distribution across the sensor surface is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into two independent channels, one entering from each access port. This allows fluid to distribute evenly across both sides of the sensor membrane from opposite directions, ensuring uniform coverage of the entire sensor surface without requiring complex internal flow distribution structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The two access ports are positioned asymmetrically on opposite sides of the sensor card, allowing fluid to approach the sensor membrane from different angles. This asymmetric configuration promotes even fluid distribution across the sensor surface by preventing dead zones and improving contact uniformity.
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 design enables accurate and consistent detection of solute concentrations and pH across multiple sensor cards and lots, reducing contamination risks and improving measurement reliability by allowing fluid contact on both sides of the sensor card.
Implementation Method 1
determining and/or monitoring solute concentration and/or pH of a fluid based on an optically observable change of a sensing membrane or colorimetric material in the presence of ions in solution
Implementation Method 2
receiving light on one side of the sensor membrane and detecting the visual output on the other side of the sensor membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
Figure 4D~4F
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor card (101) for determining and/or monitoring solute concentration and/or pH of a fluid, e.g. liquid, based on an optically observable change of at least one sensing membrane (102, 103, 104) comprising colorimetric material, in the presence of ions in solution. The sensor cards can be placed in a fluid sensor apparatus and used to determine the solute concentration and/or pH of any fluid, such as dialysate.