Optical sensor for determining quaternary ammonium compound concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring antimicrobial concentrations, such as those in the food service and healthcare industries, often result in wastage of active antimicrobial solutions due to frequent replacements, and lack precise monitoring techniques.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor system that measures light intensity as a function of the wavelength of a dye reacting with quaternary ammonium compounds, providing real-time concentration monitoring and alerts for recharging, independent of pH levels and visually perceptible color changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent replacement of antimicrobial solution is performed, then antimicrobial concentration is maintained, but active antimicrobial solution is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing continuous monitoring of antimicrobial concentration before the solution becomes ineffective. The monitoring system detects concentration levels in real-time and provides early warning when thresholds are approached, allowing proactive refilling before complete depletion occurs. This prevents both premature replacement (wasting solution) and delayed replacement (losing efficacy).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a monitoring system that continuously measures antimicrobial concentration and provides information about current levels. This feedback loop enables informed decision-making about when refilling is necessary, replacing solution only when actually needed rather than on a fixed schedule. The system compares measured concentrations against threshold values and triggers alerts or automated refilling actions accordingly.
2Measurement precision
If precise monitoring of antimicrobial concentration is implemented, then solution efficacy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical monitoring methods with optical detection technology. The system uses light absorption or fluorescence properties of the antimicrobial solution to determine concentration, substituting simpler optical sensors for complicated analytical instruments. This reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision through non-invasive, real-time optical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light absorption, transmission, or fluorescence intensity) that correlate with antimicrobial concentration. By measuring these optical parameter changes rather than directly analyzing chemical composition, the system achieves precise concentration monitoring through simpler, more robust optical sensors that are less complex than traditional analytical chemistry equipment.
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 precise and timely recharging of antimicrobial solutions, reducing wastage and ensuring effective antimicrobial activity by accurately detecting concentration thresholds, thereby maintaining solution efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor to measure light intensity as a function of the wavelength of a dye that reacts with a quaternary ammonium compound
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a dye that signals when the concentration of a quaternary ammonium compound in antimicrobial solution changes. A sensor is used to monitor changes in the dye wavelength as an indicator of the quat concentration. The use of a sensor leads to improved precision in measuring quat concentration by eliminating or reducing operator bias in reading color or wavelength changes. The dye can be incorporated into a variety of articles including towels, labels, containers, buckets, trays, sinks, spray bottles, liners for containers, buckets, sinks, or spray bottles, indictor wands or strips, and test kits.