Photocurable Chloride Sensor Membrane for Single-Dispenser ISEs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing production process for ion-exchange resin membranes in ion selective electrodes (ISEs) requires separate dispensing of resin and hardener pastes, leading to short curing times and increased production costs, making pre-mixing impractical.

Innovation Solution

A photo-curable, epoxy-based ion-selective chloride membrane formulation that can be pre-mixed and dispensed from a single dispenser, using a photocurable compound to cure with UV light, comprising epoxy resin, polymerization/curing agent, and photocurable initiator, forming a stable chloride sensor membrane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate dispensing of resin and hardener pastes is used, then the membrane can be formed with proper ion-exchange properties, but the curing time becomes short (less than 5 minutes) and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion-exchange membrane formationVSAvoidcuring time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the resin and hardener into a single pre-mixed paste formulation that maintains ion-exchange properties while enabling single-dispenser application. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate dispensing operations and extends curing time beyond the 5-minute limitation of separate material application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resin and hardener are pre-mixed in the correct proportions before dispensing onto the substrate. This preliminary mixing action ensures proper stoichiometry for ion-exchange membrane formation while allowing sufficient curing time, as the pre-mixed formulation can be applied and cured in a single operational step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If separate dispensing of resin and hardener is used, then the membrane formation process is controlled, but at least two separate dispensers are required increasing production costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane formation controlVSAvoidnumber of dispensers

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate dispensing operations into a single dispenser by formulating a pre-mixed paste containing both resin and hardener components. This reduces device complexity from two dispensers to one, lowering production costs while maintaining control over membrane formation through the pre-established stoichiometry of the mixed formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If pre-mixing of resin and hardener is done, then single dispenser can be used reducing costs, but the short curing time prevents effective pre-mixing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle dispenser usageVSAvoidcuring time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the resin and hardener formulation to achieve a balanced curing rate. By adjusting the composition and stoichiometry of the pre-mixed paste, the curing time is extended sufficiently to allow practical single-dispenser application, while maintaining the reactivity needed for proper membrane formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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

The new formulation enables improved stability, response kinetics, and reduced production costs, with enhanced selectivity and longevity in chloride ion detection, mitigating interference from lipophilic species.

Implementation Method 1

at least one photocurable compound... using a photocurable compound to cure with UV light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS12553852B2Photocurable reagent(s) for forming chloride ion-selective sensor(s) and methods of production and use thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

Improved formulation(s), device(s), and method(s) for producing ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) that comprise at least one photo-curable, epoxy-based, ion-selective chloride membrane(s) compounds that can be pre-mixed together to form a singularly-dispensed mixture for the formation of an ion-exchange resin membrane(s) for incorporation and use in a chloride ISE.