Optochemical Sensor Aging-State Monitoring for Measured-Value Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensors suffer from aging issues due to photobleaching and water penetration, leading to sensor drift and detachment, which affect their stability and accuracy in measuring analyte concentrations, particularly in aggressive environments.
Innovation Solution
An optochemical sensor with a sensor spot containing an analyte-sensitive indicator dye and a state description indicator to monitor the aging state, using dual radiation sources for luminescence excitation and detection, and a sensor circuit for correcting measurement signals based on the aging state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If optical sensors are used for long-term measurement, then measurement duration is extended, but sensor drift and accuracy degradation occur due to aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a state description indicator into the sensor spot that proactively monitors aging effects (photobleaching, water penetration, membrane detachment) before they cause complete sensor failure. This indicator provides early warning signals that allow for measured value correction or timely sensor replacement, preventing accuracy degradation while extending effective service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the state description indicator to continuously monitor the sensor's aging state and feed this information back to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit then uses this feedback to correct measured values or trigger replacement alerts, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement accuracy throughout the sensor's operational lifetime.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors operate in aggressive corrosive media, then measurement capability is maintained, but aging accelerates and membrane detachment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The state description indicator provides preliminary detection of aging effects caused by aggressive media exposure, such as increased water penetration or membrane degradation. By monitoring these effects before they lead to complete failure or detachment, the system can correct measurements or alert users to replace the sensor proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit receives continuous feedback from the state description indicator about the sensor's condition in aggressive media. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of measurement accuracy or triggering of replacement alerts, maintaining reliability even when operating in challenging environments.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If sensor spot is exposed to high-energy radiation for extended periods, then measurement function is sustained, but photobleaching occurs and membrane cracks form
Solution Approach 1:
The state description indicator performs preliminary detection of photobleaching and membrane degradation caused by prolonged high-energy radiation exposure. By monitoring these compositional changes before they lead to complete sensor failure, the system can correct measurements or prompt timely replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit processes feedback from the state description indicator regarding membrane integrity and dye stability. This feedback enables the system to maintain measurement accuracy by applying corrections or triggering replacement alerts when radiation-induced degradation reaches critical levels.
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 sensor effectively corrects for age-related changes in membrane properties, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements by detecting and compensating for solvent inclusions, thereby maintaining sensor stability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation source arranged in the housing to radiate excitation radiation onto the sensor spot and to excite a luminescence of the indicator dye
Implementation Method 2
at least one radiation source arranged in the housing to radiate excitation radiation onto the sensor spot and to excite a luminescence of the indicator dye
Implementation Method 3
the present disclosure is explained below with reference to an oxygen sensor, the inventive concept is not intended to be limited to sensors that operate according to the principle of luminescence quenching
Data Source
AI summary
An optochemical sensor for determining a measurement signal, which correlates with a concentration of an analyte of a measuring fluid, comprises: a sensor cap including a sensor spot, wherein the sensor spot contains at least one analyte-sensitive indicator dye and a state description indicator which reflects the aging state of the sensor spot; a radiation source to radiate excitation radiation onto the sensor spot and to excite a luminescence of the indicator dye; a radiation receiver to receive reception radiation emitted by the sensor spot; and a sensor circuit electrically connected to the radiation source and the radiation receiver and configured to control the radiation source and to generate, based on an intensity of luminescence and/or a phase angle of luminescence, a measurement signal representing the concentration of the analyte in the measuring fluid in contact with the sensor spot.