Hydrogel Quartz Crystal Sensor for Direct Concentration Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack compact, easy-to-use devices for directly measuring and outputting substance concentrations in aqueous solutions, particularly for online/inline applications, and existing hydrogel sensors do not provide sufficient metrological processing for reliable and low-maintenance measurement of ion or substance concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A structurally compact, self-sufficient measuring device is developed, utilizing hydrogel-coated piezoelectric oscillating quartz crystals with integrated electronics for signal processing and storage, allowing direct measurement and output of substance concentrations through application-specific oscillation frequency-concentration characteristics stored in memory, enabling communication with higher-level control systems and facilitating easy replacement of sensor heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hydrogel sensors are used to measure substance concentrations, then sensitivity to concentration changes is improved, but the device complexity increases due to lack of integrated signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydrogel sensor element with integrated electronics including oscillator circuitry, signal processing components, and microcontroller all within a single compact housing. This merging of sensing and processing functions resolves the contradiction by maintaining high measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed as a self-contained unit that performs multiple functions: the hydrogel sensor detects concentration changes, the oscillator generates and measures frequency signals, the microcontroller processes data and stores calibration characteristics, and the display provides direct concentration output. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle the entire measurement process without external equipment.
2Reliability
If traditional titration methods are used, then measurement reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex procedural steps
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs calibration using pre-stored oscillation frequency-concentration characteristics in the microcontroller memory. The system self-adjusts by comparing measured frequencies against stored reference data and directly computes concentration values without requiring manual titration procedures or user interpretation of complex results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical titration process with an electronic sensing system. Instead of manually adding titrant and observing color changes or endpoint indicators, the device uses hydrogel sensors that directly transduce concentration changes into frequency signals, which are then electronically processed to provide immediate digital concentration readings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing hydrogel sensor systems are used, then adaptability to different solutions is improved, but the loss of time increases due to lack of direct concentration output
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by storing oscillation frequency-concentration characteristic curves for different solution types in the microcontroller memory before actual measurements. When measuring a sample, the device quickly matches the observed frequency against the pre-stored characteristics and immediately outputs the corresponding concentration value, eliminating time-consuming manual calculations or reference consultations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a feedback mechanism where the measured oscillation frequency is continuously compared against the stored calibration characteristics, and the system automatically adjusts and displays the corresponding concentration value. This closed-loop feedback process enables rapid, accurate concentration determination without manual intervention.
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 provides reliable, direct measurement of substance concentrations in aqueous solutions, offering a compact, low-maintenance solution suitable for various applications, including industrial process monitoring, with high sensitivity and quick response times, and the ability to handle different aqueous solutions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the swelling behavior of at least one polymer network that is sensitive or sensitized to the determination variable
Implementation Method 2
hydrogel-coated piezoelectric oscillating quartz crystals with integrated electronics for signal processing
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a hydrogel coated piezoelectric oscillation quartz, a structurally compact and closed measuring unit that has a housing (1) and a sensor head (2) that is firmly or detachably connected with the housing. The sensor head has a hydraulic gel sensor (10) that carries the hydrogel coated piezoelectric oscillation quartz. A processing and storage unit (4) is arranged in the housing for measuring signal processing, for pre-installed program sequence and for calibration algorithms.