Graphene Sensor Indicator for Chlorine Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for monitoring environments and products are often complex and costly, making them impractical for widespread implementation due to their high expense and bulky designs.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact, cost-effective sensor constructions that integrate a graphene-based sensing element and an indicator directly into the sensor product, allowing for simplified monitoring of analytes and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex sensor systems with integrated wireless communicators, bulky battery sources, biological materials, and intricate circuitries are used, then functionality and reliability are improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes complex components (wireless communicators, bulky batteries, biological materials, intricate circuitries) from the sensor system, retaining only the essential sensing function with a simplified construction that uses a test strip with visual indicator, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining core functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable test strips with visual indicators instead of expensive, complex electronic sensor systems. These simple, low-cost test strips are designed for single use, eliminating the need for maintenance, power sources, and complex electronics while providing reliable detection results
2Reliability
If complex sensor systems with integrated wireless communicators, bulky battery sources, biological materials, and intricate circuitries are used, then functionality and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex sensor systems with inexpensive disposable test strips that can be manufactured at low cost using simple materials and processes, making the technology economically viable for widespread use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes expensive components (wireless communicators, batteries, complex circuitries) from the system, leaving only the essential sensing function that can be manufactured cost-effectively using simple test strip technology
3Device complexity
If compact sensor constructions with graphene-based sensing elements and directly integrated indicators are used, then cost-effectiveness and compactness are improved, but sensing mechanism simplicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses graphene-based composite materials in the test strip that provide enhanced sensing capabilities. The graphene composite reacts with target analytes to produce visible color changes, enabling detection without complex electronics while maintaining cost-effectiveness and compactness
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 approach enables efficient, low-cost monitoring of analytes and conditions, facilitating new applications and placements while maintaining reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing element relies on a graphene-based material configured to undergo a change in an electrical property in the presence of an analyte or condition
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor product for detecting an analyte or condition. The sensor product having a body and a circuit integrated with the body. The circuit including an electric power source, a sensing element comprising graphene or a graphene derivative in which the sensing element is configured to undergo a change in an electrical property in the presence of an analyte or condition, and an indicator configured to display information indicating the presence of the analyte or condition when the change in an electrical property of the sensing element occurs. For instance, the indicator may display "DANGER EVACUATE" in the presence of chlorine gas, elevated temperatures, or other analytes or conditions.