Portable Heavy Metal Detector Electrochemical Sensor Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current heavy metal detection methods face challenges such as low detection efficiency, accuracy, and stability, particularly due to complex sample preparation, high costs, and the need for specialized professionals, as well as limitations in on-site detection capabilities and reproducibility.

Innovation Solution

A heavy metal detector with a housing containing a main machine and electrolysis module, featuring multiple electrolysis module interfaces, a plug-in electrode mounting system, and mirror-symmetrical electrodes on a PET substrate, along with a guide groove for precise electrode placement, to enhance detection accuracy and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If atomic absorption, atomic fluorescence, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES instruments are used for heavy metal detection, then detection sensitivity and accuracy are improved, but sample preparation complexity and detection cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivity and accuracyVSAvoidsample preparation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from complex laboratory instruments and implements it in a portable device using electrochemical sensing technology. The sensor electrode directly detects heavy metal ions in solution without requiring complex sample preparation procedures like digestion, filtration, or concentration that are necessary for ICP-MS and atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical sample preparation systems with an electrochemical detection system. Instead of using high-temperature combustion, acid digestion, or sophisticated separation equipment, the invention uses electrochemical reactions at the sensor electrode to directly measure heavy metal ion concentrations in the sample solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If atomic absorption, atomic fluorescence, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES instruments are used for heavy metal detection, then detection sensitivity and accuracy are improved, but detection cost and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivity and accuracyVSAvoiddetection cost and operational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The portable detector is designed for self-service operation without requiring specialized professional knowledge. The device automatically performs detection, data processing, and result display, eliminating the need for trained operators to perform complex sample preparation and instrument operation procedures required by traditional laboratory methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameters from complex spectroscopic measurements requiring high-temperature and high-vacuum conditions to electrochemical parameters that can be measured at ambient conditions. This allows the use of simple, portable equipment with low operational costs and minimal training requirements while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If XRF series heavy metal detectors based on X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy are used, then on-site detection capability is improved, but equipment portability and cost-effectiveness worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveon-site detection capabilityVSAvoidequipment portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy system with an electrochemical sensing system. This substitution enables the detector to be miniaturized and portable, as electrochemical sensors require no heavy X-ray sources, detectors, or shielding, allowing the device to be easily carried to field locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If a single-channel detection function is used in portable heavy metal detectors, then device simplicity is improved, but detection accuracy and stability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection function simplicityVSAvoiddetection accuracy and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple detection channels into a single integrated portable device. The device can simultaneously or sequentially detect multiple heavy metal ions using different sensor electrodes or detection modes, combining the advantages of multi-parameter detection with portable field operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution improves detection efficiency and accuracy by allowing simultaneous multi-channel detection, reducing operator errors, and ensuring consistent electrode placement, resulting in more reliable and stable results.

Implementation Method 1

an electrochemical sensor electrode is used to detect the heavy metal ions in the sample solution to obtain the electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

a heavy metal detector includes a housing, composed of a top cover and a base, and a main machine and electrolysis module arranged in the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20230103375A1Heavy metal detector
Publication Date: 2023.04.06 WUHAN ACADEMY OF AGRI SCI
  • US20230103375A1 patent drawing
  • US20230103375A1 patent drawing
  • US20230103375A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A heavy metal detector includes a housing composed of a top cover and a base, and a main machine and an electrolysis module arranged in the housing, wherein the main machine includes a main machine circuit, and the main machine circuit includes a main controller, a power supply module, a signal acquisition and processing module, an electrolysis module interface and a signal conversion module. The electrolysis module interface is configured to connect the electrolysis module and the signal acquisition and processing module; the signal acquisition and processing module is configured to receive a characteristic electrical signal output by the electrolysis module, and output a detection result to the main controller; and the main controller displays the detection result on a display module. Multiple electrolysis module interfaces are provided. The base is provided with a plurality of electrolysis module installation ports and stirring devices corresponding to the electrolysis module installation ports.