Flow-Type Ion-Selective Electrode Sealing Structure for Accurate Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow-type ion-selective electrodes face issues with sealing materials sticking to the electrode housing during replacement, leading to complicated replacement work and potential measurement inaccuracies due to retained sample solution, which is exacerbated by the need for frequent electrode replacement.
Innovation Solution
The electrolyte measuring structure features a sealing material with a protrusion width larger than the concave portion to enhance fixing force, reducing adhesion during electrode separation and minimizing the gap between connected electrodes, thereby preventing sample solution retention and ensuring smooth replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing material is held in a fixing structure with a concave portion to connect flow paths, then the flow paths are sealed and connected, but the sealing material sticks to the electrode housing during usage, causing complicated replacement work
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing material is divided into two functional parts: a sheet portion for sealing and a protrusion portion for fixing. The protrusion portion fits into the concave portion of the fixing structure, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents the sealing material from sticking to the electrode housing during usage, while still maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sealing material have different functions: the sheet portion provides sealing contact with the flow path, while the protrusion portion provides mechanical fixation in the concave portion. This local differentiation of function allows the sealing material to perform both sealing and anti-sticking roles effectively.
2Ease of manufacture
If there is a gap between the flow path and sealing material, then the sealing material can be easily installed, but sample solution is retained in the gap, affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing material is extended in the protrusion dimension beyond the flat sheet portion. The protrusion portion fits into the concave portion of the fixing structure, effectively reducing the gap volume in the radial dimension while maintaining easy installation through the axial insertion direction.
3Strength
If the protrusion width of the sealing material is larger than the concave portion width to enhance fixing force, then the sealing material is securely fixed, but the adhesion between sealing material and electrode housing increases, causing the sealing material to fall off during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing material is segmented into a sheet portion and a protrusion portion. The protrusion portion fits into the concave portion of the fixing structure, providing mechanical interlock and secure fixing. The sheet portion maintains contact with the flow path for sealing. This segmentation allows strong fixing without excessive adhesion to the electrode housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion portion acts as an intermediary mechanical feature that mediates between the sealing material and the fixing structure. It provides the necessary fixing force while preventing direct adhesion between the sealing material and the electrode housing surface.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is an electrolyte measuring structure that can reduce the influence of the retention of a sample solution on a measured value, perform accurate measurement, and smoothly perform replacement work of an ion-selective electrode. The electrolyte measuring structure that can be connected to another electrolyte measuring structure via a sealing material, includes a main body 401 having a flow path 401a therethrough, a fixing structure 404 having a fixing recess for fixing a sealing material 405 to the main body 401, and the sealing material 405. The sealing material 405 is an elastic body in which a sheet region and a protrusion region to be fixed to the fixing structure are integrally molded. In a state where the sealing material 405 is fixed to the fixing structure 404 and is not in contact with the other electrolyte measuring structure, a protrusion amount of a first portion that protrudes the most on a front surface of the sheet region is larger than a protrusion amount of a second portion that protrudes the most on a front surface of the protrusion region.