Pen-Type Water Quality Sensor With Segmented pH And EC Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipurpose water quality measuring devices for hydroponics and aquariums face interference between pH and electric conductivity sensors, leading to inaccurate readings and the need for frequent cleaning of the EC sensor.
Innovation Solution
A pen-type apparatus with separate modules for measuring acidity and electric conductivity, each located at opposite ends of the housing, using an inclination detection sensor to control operations and display units that display values in opposite directions, preventing interference and allowing for easy confirmation of measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pH sensor electrode and EC sensor electrode are disposed close together in the measuring unit, then both acidity and electric conductivity can be measured by one device, but interference occurs between the two sensor electrodes leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring unit is divided into two separate measuring units: a pH measuring unit with pH sensor electrode and an EC measuring unit with EC sensor electrode. These units are disposed at opposite ends of the housing, physically separating the sensors to eliminate interference while maintaining multipurpose measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single integrated measuring unit to a spatially distributed configuration where pH and EC measurements are separated along the longitudinal dimension of the housing. This dimensional separation allows both measurements to coexist without interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pH sensor electrode and EC sensor electrode are disposed close together, then one device can measure both parameters, but the EC sensor electrode requires frequent cleaning to maintain accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the measuring functions into separate units positioned at opposite ends of the housing, the EC sensor electrode is isolated from the pH sensor electrode and its electrolyte solution. This prevents contamination that would otherwise require frequent cleaning, thereby reducing maintenance requirements.
3Ease of operation
If display units for pH and EC values are disposed in the same direction, then the display module can show both measurements, but it becomes difficult to easily confirm which value corresponds to which measurement mode
Solution Approach 1:
The display module employs asymmetric positioning of display units, with the pH value display unit and EC value display unit disposed in opposite directions. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with directional arrows indicating measurement directions, creates an intuitive visual system where users can easily distinguish between pH and EC measurements without confusion.
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, interference-free measurement of water quality parameters by separating sensor operations and displaying results in a user-friendly manner, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing maintenance of the EC sensor.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination direction detection sensor accommodated in the housing to detect an inclined direction of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a method is used of taking measurements using a voltage that is output according to changes in the hydrogen ion concentration inside and outside a hydrogen sensitive glass bulb
Implementation Method 3
for electric conductivity, a technique is used in which a current is applied between positive and negative electrodes and the resistance that occurs across a solution in the water being measured is used
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a pen type of apparatus for measuring multiple water qualities, which is capable of measuring acidity (pH) and electric conductivity (EC) without interfering with each other in agricultural water for hydroponic cultivation to easily confirm the measured results.