Hydrophilic Sensor Membrane Preventing Bubble Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Opto-chemical and electrochemical sensors face issues with erroneous measurements due to foam and gas bubble accumulation on the measuring membrane, which existing solutions either fail to prevent completely or require additional energy for ultrasonic units.
Innovation Solution
A membrane with a polymer layer that becomes hydrophilic upon moistening, featuring a contact angle of less than 50°, preventing gas bubbles from attaching and allowing easy cleaning, and maintaining hydrophilicity even after drying, with optional additional layers for optical indication of surface condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional measuring membrane is used, then the sensor can capture measured values, but gas bubbles and foam accumulate on the surface causing erroneous measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the polymer layer by treating it with oxygen plasma or UV irradiation. This treatment modifies the contact angle from hydrophobic (>90°) to hydrophilic (<50°, preferably <10°), fundamentally altering the surface's interaction with gas bubbles and preventing their accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the naturally hydrophobic property of common polymers (which causes bubble adhesion) into a benefit by using controlled surface treatment. The treatment creates a hydrophilic surface that actively repels bubbles, turning the original harmful effect into a protective mechanism against bubble accumulation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the polymer layer is made hydrophilic through surface treatment, then bubble attachment is prevented, but the surface may dry out and lose hydrophilic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface treatment (oxygen plasma or UV irradiation) in advance to establish hydrophilic properties before the sensor enters service. This preliminary action ensures the surface is pre-conditioned to repel bubbles from the start, and the treatment creates a stable, permanent modification that persists through drying and rehydration cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic surface treatment creates a self-sustaining property that automatically repels bubbles without requiring external energy input or maintenance. The surface maintains its hydrophilic character through drying and rehydration cycles, providing continuous passive protection against bubble accumulation.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic units are added to remove bubbles, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but additional energy consumption is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasonic bubble removal system with a surface chemistry approach. By modifying the polymer layer's surface properties to be hydrophilic, the system passively prevents bubble adhesion through surface energy effects, eliminating the need for energy-consuming ultrasonic vibration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic surface provides self-service bubble prevention without requiring external energy input. The surface automatically repels bubbles through its modified chemical properties, replacing the need for active ultrasonic bubble removal systems that consume electrical energy.
4Ease of manufacture
If a hydrophobic polymer layer is used, then the material is chemically stable and easy to manufacture, but gas bubbles attach to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by treating only the surface of the polymer layer while maintaining the bulk material's original properties. The surface becomes hydrophilic through plasma or UV treatment, while the interior polymer structure remains unchanged, preserving chemical stability and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes only the surface energy parameter of the polymer layer through controlled treatment, leaving all other material properties intact. This selective parameter modification achieves bubble repulsion without altering the polymer's fundamental chemical composition, manufacturing process, or structural characteristics.
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 membrane effectively reduces bubble accumulation and maintains measurement accuracy by ensuring the sensor surface remains hydrophilic, preventing bubble attachment and allowing quick restoration of hydrophilic properties upon rehydration, thus enhancing sensor performance and reducing foam interference.
Implementation Method 1
the surface is designed in such a way that, at least in a moist condition of the polymer layer obtained by moistening the surface, a contact angle of a water drop applied to the surface is less than 50°
Implementation Method 2
The surface is designed in such a way that it becomes hydrophilic after being moistened by introducing the membrane into water, for example, over a period of less than 5 minutes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a membrane for a sensor, such as an opto-chemical or electrochemical sensor, including a polymer layer, for example, one featuring pores or openings, that is permeable to a measuring fluid and/or an analyte contained in the measuring fluid, with a surface designed to be in contact with a measuring fluid, wherein the surface is designed such that, at least in a moist condition of the polymer layer obtained by moistening the surface, a contact angle of a water drop applied to the surface is less than 50°, including less than 30°, and including less than 10°.