Measuring Instrument Refilling Mechanism Prevents Crystal Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measuring instruments for continuous pH measurement do not adequately address the issue of flow path clogging due to crystal precipitation from internal solutions or calibration liquids when in a waiting state for an extended period, as evaporation occurs, leading to crystallization and clogging.
Innovation Solution
The measuring instrument incorporates a refilling mechanism that continuously or intermittently refills the internal solution or calibration liquid in the waiting state, preventing accumulation and crystallization by maintaining the flow paths filled with liquids, thereby suppressing water evaporation and crystal formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the measuring instrument is kept in a waiting state for a predetermined time or more, then energy consumption is reduced and operational readiness is maintained, but crystals precipitate from the internal solution or calibration liquid due to evaporation, causing flow path clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary refilling of the internal solution or calibration liquid into the flow path before the waiting state begins. This preliminary action ensures that sufficient liquid remains in the flow path to prevent evaporation-induced crystallization during the waiting period, thereby maintaining flow path functionality without requiring continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous liquid flow through the flow path during the waiting state by controlling the liquid supply mechanism to replenish evaporated liquid. This continuous action prevents the liquid from standing still and evaporating to the point of crystallization, thus preventing flow path clogging while the instrument remains in waiting state
2Reliability
If the internal solution or calibration liquid is continuously refilled during measurement to prevent clogging, then flow path reliability is improved, but liquid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply mechanism dynamically adjusts its operation based on the instrument's state. During measurement, liquid is supplied at a rate that maintains flow path functionality while minimizing consumption. During waiting state, the system switches to a different supply mode that prevents crystallization without excessive refilling, optimizing the balance between reliability and liquid consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the refilling parameters (rate, amount, timing) based on operational conditions. During measurement, refilling occurs at controlled intervals with specific amounts. During waiting state, the system adjusts these parameters to match the lower evaporation rate, thereby maintaining flow path functionality while reducing liquid consumption compared to continuous measurement operation
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
This approach effectively prevents flow path clogging by ensuring the internal solution or calibration liquid is replenished sufficiently to match evaporation rates, maintaining the flow paths clear and functional even during extended waiting periods.
Implementation Method 1
there occurs the problem that a calibration liquid or an internal solution evaporates inside a flow path that is provided for refilling the calibration liquid or the internal solution in a calibration state or a measurement state
Implementation Method 2
an internal solution of a reference electrode contacts with the continuously flowing sample through a liquid junction part and diffuses
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring instrument is capable of suppressing a flow path from being clogged due to the precipitation of crystals from an internal solution or a calibration liquid even when kept in a waiting state. The measuring instrument includes a measuring electrode and a reference electrode and on the basis of the potential difference generated therebetween, measures a characteristic value of a sample. In order to accomplish the above object, the measuring instrument is adapted to be able to have two states, i.e., a measurement state of measuring the characteristic value of the sample and a waiting state of not performing measurement, and further include a refilling mechanism that refills the calibration liquid or the internal solution used in the reference electrode. In addition, the refilling mechanism is adapted to continuously or intermittently refill the calibration liquid or the internal solution in the waiting state.