Modular Sensor System with Flute-like Duct for Continuous Analyte Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems face challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy and reliability due to concentration polarization and clogging issues, particularly in continuous flow analyte measurements, which can render the system unserviceable if the fluid duct becomes clogged.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensor system structured in layers with a flute-like fluid duct design that ensures perpendicular flow to the sensor, reducing concentration polarization, and allows for easy cleaning and exchange of components, including a fluidic module, sensor module, and reference module with a gel electrolyte container and diaphragm, facilitating the use of various sensors and electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the fluid duct has a small diameter to achieve compact design, then the system becomes more space-saving, but the fluid duct becomes prone to clogging by particles and precipitates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into modular components (fluidic module, sensor module, reference module) that can be easily disassembled. The fluid duct is integrated into the fluidic module which can be separated from other components, allowing access to the duct for cleaning without disassembling the entire system. This segmentation enables maintenance of compact design while providing access for cleaning the small-diameter duct.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the fluidic module containing the fluid duct to be easily removed and cleaned or replaced when clogging occurs. Rather than attempting to clean the duct in place, the entire module can be taken apart, the duct cleaned, and reassembled, effectively recovering the system's functionality without permanent damage or complex maintenance procedures.
2Device complexity
If the fluid duct is not accessible for cleaning, then the system structure remains simple, but clogging renders the whole measuring system unserviceable
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components where the fluidic module containing the fluid duct can be easily separated from the sensor module and reference module. This segmentation provides direct access to the fluid duct for cleaning while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The modules connect through straightforward interfaces that allow quick assembly and disassembly without complex mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the flow against the sensor is not optimized, then the duct design is simpler, but concentration polarization occurs reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The duct contour is specifically optimized in the region where it interfaces with the sensor to create perpendicular flow. This local optimization of the duct geometry in the critical measurement zone ensures optimal flow characteristics without requiring complex design throughout the entire duct system. The flute-like structure provides the necessary flow optimization locally while maintaining simplicity elsewhere.
4Ease of manufacture
If the sensor system is not modular, then manufacturing is simpler, but components cannot be easily exchanged or cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into distinct modular components (fluidic module, sensor module, reference module) that can be manufactured separately using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled through simple connections. This segmentation enables easy exchange of individual components such as the sensor module or fluidic module without requiring complex manufacturing or assembly procedures. Each module can be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality.
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 modular design enhances measurement accuracy and reliability by preventing concentration polarization and allowing for easy maintenance, making the system suitable for continuous and parallel measurements of analytes while being compact and versatile for different types of ion concentration and physical data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
In order to obtain as long a diffusion path as possible, the container provided for the gel electrolyte may have a meander-shaped design.
Implementation Method 2
A fluidic contact between the reference module and the analyte in the fluid duct is established through an opening in the bottom of the cylindrical vessel, i.e. the reference electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular sensor system for continuous measurement of analytes in continuous flow has a fluidic module, a sensor module, an optional reference module, and a cover part which are stacked on top of each other and firmly connected with each other so as to be releasable. The fluidic module includes a fluid duct having an inlet and an outlet. The sensor module includes a sensor compartment which has at least one sensor and is in fluid communication with the fluid duct of the fluidic module. The optional reference module is in fluid communication with the fluid duct of the fluidic module by means of a diaphragm. The cover part seals the sensor module or the reference module.