Oxygen Sensor Tin Electrode Polyol Electrolyte Low Temp
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxygen sensors face challenges in measuring dissolved oxygen in target liquids at low temperatures due to the risk of electrolyte freezing, which prevents accurate measurement.
Innovation Solution
An oxygen sensor design featuring a tin-containing negative electrode, a polyol-based electrolyte, and a permeable membrane that allows oxygen permeability, along with a galvanic cell-type configuration that generates an electric potential without the need for an external power source, ensuring efficient electrochemical reactions and preventing electrolyte freezing at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrolyte is used in oxygen sensor, then the sensor can operate at normal temperatures, but the electrolyte freezes at low temperatures (0°C or lower) preventing accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by adding polyol (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) to lower the freezing point. This parameter change enables the electrolyte to remain liquid at temperatures of 0°C or lower, solving the freezing problem and maintaining measurement capability in cold environments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tin is used as negative electrode material, then environmental impact is reduced (no cadmium, mercury, or lead), but the sensor must still prevent electrolyte freezing to maintain functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining traditional electrolyte components with polyol additives. This composite formulation maintains the environmentally friendly tin-based negative electrode while adding the freezing protection benefits of polyol to the electrolyte, achieving both environmental and operational goals simultaneously.
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 accurate measurement of dissolved oxygen in target liquids at temperatures as low as 0°C by maintaining the electrolyte in a non-frozen state, improving measurement accuracy and extending the sensor's operational range.
Implementation Method 1
a permeable membrane that has oxygen permeability and that covers the opening
Implementation Method 2
positive electrode and negative electrode that are arranged so as to come in contact with the electrolyte; wherein the negative electrode contains tin
Implementation Method 3
wherein the electrolyte contains polyol... making it possible to properly measure the dissolved oxygen in a target liquid which is at a low temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An oxygen sensor comprises electrolyte, a liquid-containing portion that has an opening and that contains the electrolyte therewithin, a permeable membrane that has oxygen permeability and that covers the opening, and positive electrode and negative electrode that are arranged so as to come in contact with the electrolyte, the negative electrode contains tin, and the electrolyte contains polyol.