pH Sensitive Color Indicator for Sanitizer Concentration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing the concentration of sanitizing or disinfecting compositions are cumbersome, requiring expensive equipment, analysis, and interpretation, and often fail to provide real-time results.
Innovation Solution
The use of pH sensitive color indicators, comprising an azo dye bound to a substrate, which change color at a pH of about 4.5 or less, providing a simple and immediate visual indication of the composition's concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods (expensive test equipment, analysis, and interpretation) are used to assess the concentration of sanitizing compositions, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and loss of time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pH sensitive color indicators that undergo visible color changes at specific pH thresholds (including pH 4.5 or less) to indicate the concentration of sanitizing compositions. This eliminates the need for expensive test equipment and complex analysis, allowing users to determine concentration levels through simple visual observation of color changes in the cleaning composition.
2Measurement precision
If traditional concentration assessment methods are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of time increases due to the need for analysis and interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The pH sensitive color indicators provide immediate visual feedback through color changes that occur at specific pH levels. Users can determine concentration levels instantly by observing the color change, eliminating the time required for complex analysis and interpretation of test results.
Solution Approach 2:
The color indicator system is self-indicating and does not require external analysis equipment or interpretation services. The composition itself, through the color change of the indicator, provides the concentration information directly, making the system self-sufficient and time-efficient.
3Measurement precision
If traditional testing mechanisms are used, then concentration can be measured, but ease of operation decreases due to the need for complex analysis and interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pH sensitive color indicators that provide direct visual indication of concentration levels through color changes. Users simply need to observe the color of the cleaning composition, eliminating the need for complex analysis and interpretation procedures, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
4Loss of time
If real-time concentration indication is implemented using pH sensitive color indicators, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pH sensitive color indicators are designed to provide immediate visual feedback on concentration levels through distinct color changes at specific pH thresholds. While the indicators provide real-time indication, their accuracy is validated by their ability to detect specific pH levels (including pH 4.5 or less), ensuring reliable concentration assessment without requiring complex equipment.
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 solution allows for real-time, at-a-glance determination of the sanitizing or disinfecting efficacy, eliminating the need for expensive equipment and complex analysis, and ensuring sufficient concentration for effective cleaning applications.
Implementation Method 1
the azo dye exhibits a color change at a pH of about 4.5 or less
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to pH sensitive color indicators which indicate the efficacy of a cleaning composition for antimicrobial activity by exhibiting a color change. In particular, the pH sensitive color indicators comprise a pH sensitive dye and a substrate, wherein the dye is bound to the substrate. In an aspect of the disclosure, the dye can be chemically bound, physically bound, coated on a substrate, or painted on a substrate.