Parallel pH Sensor Calibration Using a Multi-Compartment Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pH sensor calibration methods require a time proportional to the number of sensors being calibrated, leading to increased man-hours and the use of multiple pH standard solutions, making the process inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A calibration apparatus and method that allows simultaneous calibration of multiple pH sensors by managing them in parallel using a calibration management unit, enabling parallel zero and slope point calibrations in a single pH standard solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pH sensors are calibrated one by one using conventional methods, then each sensor receives proper calibration attention, but the total calibration time increases proportionally with the number of sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple calibration operations into a single parallel process. Multiple pH sensors are immersed in different compartments of a multi-compartment container, each compartment containing pH standard solution. The calibration management unit coordinates simultaneous calibration of all sensors, merging what would be sequential operations into a parallel process that completes in the time of a single calibration cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the calibration process by using a multi-compartment container where each compartment can hold a pH sensor. This transforms the calibration process from a one-dimensional sequential operation to a multi-dimensional parallel operation, allowing simultaneous calibration of multiple sensors in different spatial locations while maintaining calibration accuracy through individual compartment control.
2Loss of time
If multiple pH sensors are calibrated simultaneously in separate containers, then calibration time is reduced, but the amount of pH standard solution and container requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate calibration containers into a single multi-compartment container. Each compartment is separated by partitions that prevent solution mixing while allowing independent calibration. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of pH standard solution required from what would be needed for multiple separate containers to a much smaller amount distributed across compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple calibration environments are contained within a single outer container. Each compartment is a nested unit that provides independent calibration space while sharing the common outer container infrastructure, including the overall volume limits and solution reservoirs.
3Device complexity
If a single pH standard solution is used for all sensors, then solution quantity and management complexity are reduced, but calibration flexibility for different pH ranges is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single pH standard solution into multiple isolated portions, each contained in a separate compartment. This segmentation allows each compartment to use the same stock solution while maintaining independent control over which sensors receive which solution portions. The segmentation enables flexible assignment of different pH standard solutions to different sensors based on calibration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility in solution assignment. The calibration management unit can dynamically determine which pH standard solution to place in which compartment based on the specific calibration needs of each sensor. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to different calibration scenarios while using a unified solution management approach.
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 reduces the time, man-hours, and the amount of pH standard solution required for calibration, improving efficiency and reducing the burden on workers.
Implementation Method 1
As a measurement method for the pH sensor, a glass electrode method is known. The glass electrode method is a measurement method using a proportional relationship between a potential difference between two electrodes in the pH sensor and a pH value of an object to be measured.
Data Source
Figure 1(1)~1(4)
Figure 2
Figure 3(1)~3(4)
AI summary
A calibration apparatus (10) calibrates a pH sensor (CS-1) that measures a pH of an aqueous solution and calibrates a pH sensor (CS-2) different from the pH sensor (CS-1), and when both the pH sensor (CS-1) and the pH sensor (CS-2) are immersed in a pH standard solution indicating a predetermined pH, the calibration device (10) manages the pH sensor (CS-1) and the pH sensor (CS-2) so as to enable calibrations thereof in parallel.