Multiple-Electrode Ionic Probe for pH Measurement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pH probes face inaccuracies due to contamination and clogging issues at the junction between the internal fill solution and external test fluid, which can lead to erroneous readings and require frequent replacement, especially when temperature and electrolyte contamination are involved.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-electrode ionic probe with four sealed electrode chambers, each containing a distinct electrolyte solution and ion-sensitive region, allowing ion interaction with the external environment, providing redundant voltage measurements for improved accuracy and contamination prevention through sealed designs and differential sensitivity characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single reference electrode with an ionic bridge is used, then the pH measurement can be performed, but the ionic bridge allows fluid exchange causing contamination and clogging leading to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the reference electrode into multiple separate reference electrodes, each with its own sealed chamber and electrolyte solution. This segmentation prevents fluid exchange and contamination between the reference electrode and external environment, while still providing a stable reference potential for accurate pH measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests multiple reference electrodes within a single probe housing, with each reference electrode contained in its own sealed chamber. This nested structure allows multiple independent reference measurements while preventing contamination, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple junctions and chambers are used between the reference electrode and external medium, then contamination is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple junctions and chambers in series, the invention segments the reference electrode into multiple parallel sealed chambers. Each chamber is independently sealed, providing protection against contamination without requiring complex junction structures, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
3Reliability
If flowing junctions with continuous fill solution supply are used, then contamination is prevented, but plumbing complexity and waste generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fill solution into multiple separate sealed chambers, each containing its own electrolyte solution. This eliminates the need for continuous flow and plumbing systems, preventing contamination through physical separation while maintaining device simplicity and reducing waste.
4Measurement precision
If a single active electrode and reference electrode are used, then the pH measurement is performed, but temperature and contamination affect the accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses multiple segmented reference electrodes, each in its own sealed chamber, to perform multiple independent measurements. This segmentation allows the system to identify and eliminate outliers caused by temperature or contamination effects, improving measurement precision by selecting the most reliable readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where multiple voltage measurements are taken from the segmented electrodes, and the system selectively uses measurements from electrodes that provide consistent readings. This feedback loop filters out measurements affected by temperature or contamination, improving overall measurement precision.
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 multiple-electrode ionic probe enhances measurement accuracy by correlating multiple voltage signals, reducing sensitivity to temperature and contamination, and allowing for outlier detection, thereby providing stable and reliable ionic concentration measurements over time.
Implementation Method 1
The glass on the exterior of the ion sensitive bulb exchanges ions with the fluid to be tested. This produces a charge in a hydrated layer on the outside of the bulb.
Implementation Method 2
The internal electrolyte interacts with the ion sensitive glass and reflects the potential developed by the ions at the outside of the glass.
Implementation Method 3
The reference electrode provides a stable potential against which the measuring electrode can be compared. The voltage potential that is developed between the electrodes is directly related to the ion concentration of the solution.
Implementation Method 4
The electrode chambers are substantially sealed to prevent fluid exchange between the internal electrolyte solutions and the external test fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-electrode ion meter (100) is provided. The multiple-electrode ion meter (100) includes meter electronics (102) configured to receive a plurality of ionic concentration voltage measurements and generate an ionic concentration measurement from the plurality of ionic concentration voltage measurements and three or more individual electrode units (108) in communication with the meter electronics (102). The three or more electrode units (108) generate the plurality of ionic concentration voltage measurements to the meter electronics (102).