Oxygen Sensor Dual Polymer Matrix Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen sensors face challenges in accurately measuring oxygen content due to temperature dependence and the need for a second dye for referencing, which can be influenced by changes in measuring conditions and fading.
Innovation Solution
The sensor employs a second sensor section with the same dye embedded in an oxygen-impermeable polymer matrix, allowing for internal referencing and compensation of temperature influences by using different spectral settings for measurements, eliminating the need for a second dye and providing a temperature-independent oxygen measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second oxygen-insensitive dye is used for referencing, then temperature dependence can be compensated, but the device complexity increases and the reference signal may be influenced by fading and measuring condition changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oxygen sensing function and temperature reference function into a single dye system. The same luminescent indicator dye is used in both the oxygen-permeable first polymer matrix and the oxygen-impermeable second polymer matrix, eliminating the need for a separate reference dye and reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature compensation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensor into two distinct sensor sections with different polymer matrix properties. The first sensor section uses an oxygen-permeable matrix for oxygen sensing, while the second sensor section uses an oxygen-impermeable matrix for temperature reference, allowing independent optimization of each section's function
2Reliability
If a second dye is used for referencing, then temperature influences can be compensated, but the measurement precision decreases due to different fading characteristics and sensitivity to measuring conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using the identical luminescent indicator dye in both sensor sections. This ensures that both sections have the same fading characteristics and sensitivity to measuring conditions, allowing accurate temperature compensation through ratio formation without the precision loss that would result from using different dyes
3Device complexity
If only a single sensor section is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to compensate temperature dependence is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating two sensor sections with locally different properties: the first sensor section has an oxygen-permeable polymer matrix for oxygen sensing, while the second sensor section has an oxygen-impermeable polymer matrix for temperature reference. This local differentiation enables temperature compensation while maintaining overall device simplicity
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 enables accurate oxygen content measurement by separating oxygen-dependent and temperature-dependent luminescence components, resulting in a result that is independent of temperature fluctuations, enhancing the reliability and precision of oxygen sensing.
Implementation Method 1
the luminescence intensity depends strongly on the oxygen concentration of the medium surrounding the dye. This effect is based on an interaction of the oxygen with the state of the dye molecules energetically excited by excitation light of suitable wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The probability of this radiation free transition increases with the oxygen concentration. This is called luminescent extinction or quenching by oxygen
Implementation Method 3
a first sensor section that can be brought into contact with the sample and has a luminescent indicator dye embedded in an oxygen-permeable, first polymer matrix
Implementation Method 4
a second sensor section that includes the same dye, embedded in an oxygen-impermeable, second polymer matrix
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for measuring an oxygen content in a liquid or gaseous sample has first and second sensor sections (14a, 14b). The first sensor section (14a) can be brought into contact with the sample and has a luminescent indicator dye embedded in an oxygen-permeable first polymer matrix. The second sensor section (14b) is arranged adjacent to the first sensor section (14a) and includes the same dye embedded in an oxygen-impermeable second polymer matrix. A light guide (10) guides luminescence excitation light from a light source (31, 32) to the sensor sections (14a, 14b) and guides luminescence emission light from the sensor section (14a, 14b) to a detector (39).