pH Sensor with Color-Transducing Light Source for Visual Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pH sensors in process automation require users to read numerical values and navigate menus for approximate measurements, making quick determination of pH values cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A pH sensor arrangement with a light source that transduces measurement values into corresponding colors, enabling visual representation of pH values from 0 to 14, allowing for visual monitoring and precise adjustments without continuous device monitoring, using a bi-directional communication interface and microcontroller to control RGB LEDs for color transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pH sensor displays only numerical values requiring menu navigation, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming reading and navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using an optical display that visually represents pH values through color transitions. The sensor element changes color according to the measured pH value, allowing users to quickly determine pH levels without navigating menus. This directly resolves the contradiction by enabling immediate visual reading while maintaining measurement precision through the calibrated sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of menu navigation with an optical display system. Instead of requiring users to physically navigate through menu options on a display device, the system substitutes this mechanical interaction with an automatic optical color indication that directly presents the measurement result, thereby eliminating time loss while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring via measurement device is implemented, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to constant device monitoring requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the sensor to automatically provide visual feedback through color changes without requiring continuous user monitoring or intervention. The optical display continuously indicates pH values through color transitions, allowing the system to serve itself by presenting measurement data passively, thus maintaining precision while eliminating the burden of constant monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical requirement of continuous user monitoring with an automatic optical indication system. The sensor element's color changes automatically reflect measurement values, replacing the need for users to continuously check display devices or navigate menus, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If only numerical display is used, then device complexity is minimized, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates color changes into the sensor element itself, adding visual feedback functionality without significantly increasing device complexity. The optical display uses the inherent properties of the sensor element to change color based on pH measurements, providing intuitive visual feedback while maintaining a relatively simple device structure. This resolves the contradiction by enhancing ease of operation with minimal impact on device complexity.
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
Facilitates quick and precise determination of pH values, reducing the need for continuous monitoring and enabling convenient chemical adjustments, enhancing laboratory efficiency by providing a visual representation of pH changes during chemical reactions.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor has at least one light source for transducing the signal dependent upon the measurement value into light of a color corresponding to the measurement value
Implementation Method 2
the optical realization of the light source includes at least one red light-emitting diode, at least one green light-emitting diode, and at least one blue light-emitting diode
Implementation Method 3
A determination of the respective pH value of a solution with a sensor is normally possible only by reading off a numerical value at a measuring transducer
Implementation Method 4
Respectively located at the sensor and connection element is an interface, for instance, of inductive or optical design via which the sensor is supplied with power and communication from the sensor to the connection element or to the superordinate unit is ensured
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor arrangement for use in process automation, having a sensor, comprising a first coupling body, having at least one sensor element for detecting a measurement value of the process automation, and a first interface for transmitting a signal dependent upon the measurement value, a connection element for transmitting the signal to a superordinate unit, comprising a second coupling body complementary to the first coupling body, having a second interface complementary to the first interface, wherein the first and second interfaces are designed for bi-directional communication between sensor and superordinate unit, where the sensor has at least one light source for transducing the signal dependent upon the measurement value into light of a color corresponding to the measurement value.