Lattice Protective Membrane for Rod-Shaped Sensor Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors, particularly ion-selective electrode sensors, face challenges in maintaining long-lasting and reliable operation in dirty environments, where they are prone to contamination and require frequent cleaning without compromising measurement quality.
Innovation Solution
A protective membrane system comprising a resilient membrane unit with a lattice structure and a secondary fastening unit, designed for easy attachment to a rod-shaped sensor, which allows for effective cleaning and protection against contamination while maintaining optimal medium inflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is left exposed in dirty environments, then measurement quality is maintained, but the sensor becomes contaminated and requires frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
A protective membrane is introduced as an intermediary layer between the sensor and the dirty environment. This membrane allows ions to pass through while blocking larger contaminants such as bacteria and particles, thus maintaining measurement quality while preventing contamination of the sensor surface
Solution Approach 2:
The protective membrane utilizes a porous structure with specific pore sizes that permit selective passage of ions needed for measurement while excluding larger contaminant particles. The porous nature enables ion transport necessary for electrochemical measurements while providing physical filtration against contamination
2Reliability
If the sensor is cleaned regularly to remove contamination, then measurement quality is maintained, but the sensor requires disassembly and cleaning effort
Solution Approach 1:
The protective membrane is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily detached from the sensor body. This segmentation allows the membrane to be removed and cleaned independently without disassembling the entire sensor, significantly reducing cleaning effort while maintaining measurement quality
Solution Approach 2:
The protective membrane is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. When contaminated, the membrane can be discarded and replaced with a new one without affecting the expensive sensor body, making the cleaning/maintenance process simple and cost-effective
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a protective membrane is added to prevent contamination, then sensor longevity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective membrane is implemented as a thin, flexible film that can be easily fitted over the sensor surface. This thin-film approach provides effective protection against contamination while adding minimal structural complexity and maintaining a compact sensor design
Solution Approach 2:
The protective membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical barrier against contaminants, allows selective ion transport for measurement, and can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 protective membrane system ensures the sensor operates reliably for a longer period, is easily cleanable, and maintains measurement quality even in dirty environments by balancing medium inflow and protection against premature contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane unit (24) which is resilient and has a lattice structure
Implementation Method 2
the lattice structure has meshes of a size less than 1 mm, preferably less than 500 μm... the membrane unit is suitable for reducing ion transport through the membrane unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a protective membrane system for a rod-shaped sensor. comprising a membrane unit which is resilient and has a lattice structure, and a secondary fastening unit which is suitable for fastening the membrane unit to a rod-shaped sensor.