Gas-Scavenging Matrix Probe for In Situ Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring physicochemical properties of deformable matrices, particularly with regard to gases like CO2, are time-consuming, expensive, and often alter the properties due to exposure to ambient atmosphere, making in situ measurements difficult and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures pressure variations in a gaseous phase in contact with the matrix under controlled gas environments, allowing for a single type of measurement to determine multiple physicochemical properties, including material transport and mechanical properties, using a gas scavenging system to maintain a consistent gas atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional analytical methods (chemical assays, electrochemical methods, infrared spectroscopy, chromatography) are used to measure physicochemical properties, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single pressure sensor-based system. The pressure sensor measures pressure variations resulting from gas solubilization, diffusion, and microbial production simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate chemical assays, electrochemical methods, infrared spectroscopy, and chromatography experiments for each property
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device serves multiple purposes: it measures gas solubility, diffusion coefficients, and microbial gas production using the same pressure sensor and measurement protocol. This universal approach allows a single device to replace multiple specialized analytical instruments
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional analytical methods are used, then comprehensive property analysis is achieved, but device complexity and number of required tools increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is designed as a universal tool that can determine gas solubility, diffusion coefficients, and microbial gas production through a single integrated system. The pressure sensor combined with the measurement protocol enables multiple property analyses without requiring separate specialized instruments for each measurement type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple analytical instruments (chemical assays, electrochemical methods, infrared spectroscopy, chromatography) into a single pressure-based measurement system, reducing the number of tools from several specialized devices to one integrated measuring device
3Ease of operation
If samples are removed from the food matrix for measurement, then analysis can be performed, but measurement reliability decreases due to exposure to ambient atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas-permeable membrane as an intermediary between the food matrix interior and the pressure sensor. This membrane allows gas molecules to pass through while maintaining a sealed environment, enabling measurements without direct exposure to ambient atmosphere and preventing premature desolubilization of gases
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the necessary information (pressure variations caused by gas behavior) from the food matrix interior without removing the sample itself. The pressure sensor measures pressure changes through the membrane, obtaining data about gas solubility and diffusion while the sample remains intact and sealed
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
Enables faster, more accurate, and cost-effective in situ measurements of physicochemical properties without altering the matrix properties, facilitating on-site assessments and reducing the need for multiple tools and specialized training.
Implementation Method 1
The operating principle of the probe involves measuring pressure variations in a gaseous phase in contact with the matrix to be analyzed following various pressure stresses
Implementation Method 2
The originality of the probe is based on the implementation of a gas scavenging system in order to ensure that the environment is only made up of this gas
Implementation Method 3
determining these properties currently remains time consuming and expensive, since it involves setting up specific and independent series of experiments for each property, involving various analytical methods
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a device for measuring physicochemical properties with regard to gases in contact with a material, especially material transport properties with regard to gases in contact with a material and mechanical properties, comprising:an upper end, in which a pressure sensor connected to an apparatus for recording and optionally processing a signal is hermetically inserted;a lower end in communication with the pressure sensor and which is open in order to allow (i) insertion of the measuring device into the material and (ii) formation of a gaseous chamber between the pressure sensor and the material when the measuring device is inserted therein;a system for scavenging a gas;at least one means for introducing the gas into the device, and advantageously at least one means for removing the gas from the device;the device made from a material which does not absorb the gas.