pH Indicator Container Sidewall Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for monitoring the pH of container contents require opening the container and removing samples for testing, which can compromise sterility and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A pH indicating container with a pH indicator embedded in the sidewalls, using a pH sensitive dye that changes color in response to pH levels, allowing for visual detection without opening the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional pH detection equipment is used to test container contents, then pH measurement can be performed, but the container must be opened and samples removed, compromising sterility and convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepH measurement capabilityVSAvoidsterility maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A pH indicator element is introduced as an intermediary component that remains inside the container in fluid communication with the contents. This mediator provides pH detection capability without requiring external equipment or sample removal, thus maintaining sterility while enabling measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The container system performs self-diagnosis by incorporating a pH indicator that automatically detects and displays pH status of the contents. The indicator changes color based on pH levels, allowing the system to monitor its own state without external intervention, sample removal, or opening the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the container is opened to test pH levels, then pH measurement is possible, but the convenience and sealed status of the container is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepH detection accuracyVSAvoidcontainer convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pH indicator element serves as an internal mediator that provides measurement capability within the sealed container. It communicates pH information through color changes visible through the container wall, eliminating the need to open the container for testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pH indicator uses color changes to display pH status visually. The indicator element contains pH-sensitive dye that changes color according to the pH of the container contents, allowing users to assess pH levels by simple visual inspection without opening the container or using complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If a pH indicator is incorporated into the container, then continuous sealed monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A pH indicator element is introduced as an intermediary component that remains inside the container in fluid communication with the contents. This mediator provides pH detection capability without requiring external equipment or sample removal, thus maintaining sterility while enabling measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pH indicator uses color changes to display pH status visually. The indicator element contains pH-sensitive dye that changes color according to the pH of the container contents, allowing users to assess pH levels by simple visual inspection without opening the container or using complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 continuous, sealed monitoring of pH levels within the container, ensuring sterility and convenience by providing a visual indication of pH changes without the need for sample removal.

Implementation Method 1

The indicator includes a housing and a pH indicating element supported by the housing. The pH indicating element comprises a pH sensitive dye configured to change color if the therapeutic substance reaches a predetermined pH.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH indicator color change: Photochromism

Data Source

PatentUS9295613B2Container with pH indicator
Publication Date: 2016.03.29 FENWAL INC
  • US9295613B2 patent drawing
  • US9295613B2 patent drawing
  • US9295613B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Containers with pH indicators are disclosed. The pH indicator is in contact with the contents of a container and detects changes in the pH of the contents.