Flow-Type Ion-Selective Electrode Sealing Structure for Low Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow-type ion-selective electrodes face issues with sample solution retention during measurement, leading to inaccurate results and complex replacement processes due to sealing material adherence and gap formation between electrodes, which is exacerbated by frequent reagent consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte measuring structure with a sealing material design featuring a first protrusion and second protrusion, integrated with a fixing recess, ensures secure attachment and minimizes sample solution retention by reducing adhesion during electrode separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sealing material with a protrusion portion is used to reduce the gap between flow paths, then sample solution retention is reduced, but the sealing material sticks to the electrode housing and falls off during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing material is divided into functionally distinct portions: a protrusion portion for sealing and reducing gaps, and a sheet region for flexible attachment. The sheet region extends beyond the protrusion portion to provide additional attachment area while maintaining flexibility during replacement operations
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sealing material have different geometric characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The protrusion portion has a specific protrusion amount to reduce gaps, while the sheet region has extended dimensions to improve attachment. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and replaceability
2Measurement precision
If the protrusion amount of the sealing material is increased to reduce gaps, then sample solution retention is reduced, but the sealing material becomes more difficult to remove during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing material is segmented into a protrusion portion with optimized protrusion amount for gap reduction and a sheet region for flexible attachment and removal. The sheet region's extended dimensions provide leverage points for easy removal while the protrusion portion maintains its sealing function
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing material transitions from a two-dimensional flat structure to a three-dimensional structure with a protrusion portion. This dimensional change creates a protrusion that reduces gaps in the flow path connection while the attached sheet region maintains ease of removal through its extended geometry
3Reliability
If ion-selective electrodes are replaced frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement reliability is maintained, but productivity decreases due to replacement time
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing material is pre-designed with a sheet region that extends beyond the protrusion portion, providing pre-configured attachment areas that facilitate quick and easy replacement. This preliminary design of the attachment geometry reduces replacement time while maintaining measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing material is designed as a disposable component that is easily discarded during replacement. The sheet region's extended geometry enables rapid removal and replacement operations, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity while maintaining reliable measurements through proper sealing
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 design effectively reduces sample solution retention, ensuring accurate measurements and simplifies electrode replacement by preventing sealing material detachment and gap formation, thereby improving measurement precision and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing material is an elastic body in which a sheet region and a protrusion region provided on an outer peripheral side surface of the sheet region and sandwiched between the fixing recess are integrally molded
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolyte measuring structure includes a housing and a sealing material. The electrolyte measuring structure being connectable to another electrolyte measuring structure via the sealing material. The housing includes a main body having a flow path therethrough and a fixing structure. The fixing structure includes a first protrusion having a first hole, a second protrusion, and a fixing recess. The sealing material includes a front surface and a back surface. The sheet region has a second hole. In a state where the sealing material is fixed, a first protrusion amount is larger than a second protrusion amount. When viewed in a cross-section passing through a central axis of the second hole in a state where the sealing material is removed from the fixing structure, a first slope defined below is smaller than a second slope.