pH Sensor with Pre-Calibration and Dislodgement Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pH sensors used in medical diagnostics, particularly for conditions like ischaemia, face challenges with accuracy due to storage conditions and require complex calibration procedures, which are time-consuming and risk contamination, making them unsuitable for immediate use in life-threatening situations.
Innovation Solution
A pH sensor with integrated means for immediate calibration verification, dislodgement alert, usage period alert, and shelf life alert, ensuring accuracy and sterility, allowing for quick and reliable pH measurements in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex calibration procedures are performed immediately prior to use, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the pH sensor during manufacturing and storing calibration data in memory. This eliminates the need for time-consuming calibration procedures immediately before use in emergency situations, while still ensuring measurement precision through pre-established calibration parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor performs self-verification of its calibration status by automatically checking stored calibration data and determining whether calibration is required. This self-service mechanism reduces manual intervention and time loss while maintaining measurement accuracy through automated calibration management.
2Measurement precision
If complex calibration procedures are performed immediately prior to use, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Calibration is performed in advance during manufacturing, and calibration data is stored in the sensor's memory. This preliminary action simplifies the device operation at the point of use, as the sensor automatically manages calibration without requiring complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor includes automated calibration verification functionality that self-determines whether calibration is required by checking stored calibration data against usage parameters. This self-service approach reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for complex manual calibration procedures while maintaining measurement precision.
3Productivity
If pH sensors are stored for several months before use, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to storage condition sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is pre-calibrated during manufacturing with calibration data stored in memory. This preliminary calibration, combined with automated calibration verification before use, ensures reliability is maintained even after prolonged storage, while allowing manufacturing to operate efficiently without post-storage calibration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor includes automated feedback mechanisms that verify calibration status before use by checking stored calibration data. This feedback system ensures reliability is maintained after storage by automatically determining whether calibration is required, allowing efficient manufacturing while guaranteeing sensor accuracy when deployed.
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
The pH sensor provides immediate assurance of accuracy, minimizes contamination risk, and ensures timely alerts for dislodgement, usage, and shelf life, enabling reliable and safe use in critical medical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
pH sensors are manufactured several months before use. The pH sensors and associated probes should be stored and used under suitable conditions (-5 to 40C, 30 to 80% humidity).
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pH sensor adapted to be inserted into all soft tissues, such as muscle, fat or other organs e.g. heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, renal gland etc., comprising one or more of: a) means to provide sensor calibration performance information; b) a sensor dislodgement alert, providing an indication to the user if the pH reading falls outside a predetermined range; c) an alert to indicate that the sensor has exceeded its usage period; and d) an alert to indicate that the sensor had exceeded its shelf life. There is also provided a method of assessing the efficacy of a treatment regime comprising the steps of determining any change in the pH of the soft tissue during treatment, where any change in the pH towards the preferred range for the tissue type is indicative of an effective treatment regime and any change in the pH away from the preferred range for the tissue type is indicative of a worsening in the condition of the tissue, and thus an ineffective treatment regime.