Layered Insulating pH Probe for Soft Tissue Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pH testing devices for soft tissues and body fluids face accuracy and stability issues, necessitating an improved pH sensor probe with enhanced insulation and calibration capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The pH probe apparatus features a sensing end component with a layered insulating component, comprising internal and external insulating layers made from materials like plastics and ceramics, and a capillary glass tube with a sensor signal wire, ensuring effective insulation and pre-calibration for accurate readings. Additionally, a monitor system interacts with the probes for real-time data and drift compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-layer insulating component is used in the pH probe, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and stability of pH readings deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating component is divided into multiple insulating layers (first insulating layer, second insulating layer, third insulating layer) with different materials and properties. Each layer serves specific functions: the first layer provides basic insulation, the second layer enhances insulation with air pockets for stability, and the third layer provides additional protection. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by achieving superior measurement precision through multi-layer insulation while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic layer organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating component uses composite materials consisting of different insulating layers made from various materials (e.g., plastics, ceramics, adhesives with air pockets). This composite structure combines the advantages of different materials to achieve optimal insulation performance, electrical properties, and mechanical strength, thereby improving pH reading accuracy without excessively increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If pre-calibration is performed at manufacture, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pH probe is pre-calibrated during the manufacturing process using standard buffer solutions, establishing accurate baseline readings before the device reaches the user. This preliminary calibration action eliminates the need for on-site calibration by the end user, significantly improving ease of operation. The probe includes calibration memory to store these pre-established parameters, allowing direct use without additional calibration steps.
3Reliability
If multiple insulating layers with coupling material are used, then the reliability of insulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Coupling material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the insulating layers to ensure proper adhesion and electrical isolation. This coupling material (such as adhesive layers) reliably bonds the different insulating layers together while maintaining the insulating barrier, thereby improving insulation reliability. The systematic integration of this intermediary element manages device complexity by providing a clear bonding mechanism between layers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different insulating layers are positioned at specific locations along the probe structure, with each layer having optimized properties for its specific position. For example, layers with air pockets are strategically placed where enhanced insulation is most needed. This local optimization approach improves overall insulation reliability while managing device complexity by avoiding uniform over-engineering throughout the entire structure.
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 solution provides enhanced accuracy and stability of pH readings, eliminates the need for on-site calibration, and offers alarms for clinical relevance, ensuring reliable monitoring of soft tissues and body fluids with independent probe functionality and pre-calibrated performance.
Implementation Method 1
the insulating component has a layered construction formed of a plurality of insulating layers... the insulating component seeks to provide an insulative effect to the sleeve component relative to the sensing end component
Implementation Method 2
probe apparatus for use in testing pH in soft tissues, body fluids or bone... a sensor electrode within coupled sensing end component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a probe apparatus (1) for use in testing pH of soft tissues, bodily fluids or bone, as well as a method of manufacture thereof and a method of use thereof. The probe comprises a sensing end component (2), a sleeve component (3) for housing a sensor signal wire (10) that terminates at one end at a sensor electrode (16) within the sensing end component, and an insulating component (4, 5, 6, 7, 9) provided to the sleeve component; wherein the insulating component has a layered construction formed of a plurality of insulating layers. The probe can be used to provide real time data of probe operational parameters and soft tissue, bodily fluids or bone well-being and to build a physiological or pathological picture. The invention further relates to a method of forming the probe apparatus and a method for checking its performance.