Portable device and method of operation thereof for analyzing salt content in food
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing salt content in food are not portable, time-consuming, and lack automation, making it difficult to quickly assess and correct salt levels in food products, especially in field settings like catering and food inspection.
Innovation Solution
A portable device that automatically prepares and analyzes solid and liquid food samples using a direct sodium ion-selective electrode potentiometric method, eliminating the need for additional equipment and reagents like ISAB solution, and provides immediate results through a touch-screen controlled system with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If atomic emission spectrophotometry is used for salt content analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device portability and analysis speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical spectrophotometry systems with electrochemical potentiometric measurement using ion-selective electrodes. This substitution enables portable, automated salt content analysis while maintaining measurement precision, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device portability.
2Measurement precision
If atomic emission spectrophotometry is used, then measurement precision is improved, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an automated sample preparation system with pre-programmed grinding and mixing sequences. The ball mill and magnetic stirrer are controlled to perform sample preparation automatically before measurement, eliminating manual preparation time while maintaining measurement precision through consistent, standardized procedures.
3Device complexity
If conductivity measurement is used, then device portability is improved, but measurement specificity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a sodium ion-selective electrode with a specific membrane composition designed to respond selectively to sodium ions. The electrode's local chemical properties (membrane selectivity) enable it to distinguish sodium from other ions in complex food matrices, providing measurement specificity that general conductivity meters cannot achieve.
4Measurement precision
If selective sodium electrode with ISAB solution is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sodium ion-selective electrode with an internal reference system that automatically maintains stable potential readings without requiring external ISAB solution addition. The electrode's internal design self-regulates the ionic environment, eliminating the need for separate reference solution containers and injection pumps, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
5Productivity
If automated analysis is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (ball mill grinding, magnetic stirring, potentiometric measurement, and data processing) into a single unified automated device. The control system coordinates all components through a centralized microprocessor, enabling automated analysis while consolidating complexity rather than multiplying separate systems.
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 quick, accurate, and automated determination of salt content in food, providing nutritional information and compliance monitoring, facilitating reduced salt intake strategies and improved public health outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
determination of the salt content through the direct sodium ion-selective electrode potentiometric method
Data Source
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AI summary
Portable device and method of operation thereof for analyzing the salt content in food comprising: a container with a mixer-grinder propeller, an electrode, motor means for driving said propeller, a weight sensor of said container, an electronic data processor, and a lid for said container; wherein said lid comprises a water injector, a calibration solution injector, and a detachable coupling on the lid for the electrode, wherein said electronic data processor is configured to: detect the introduction of a food sample into said container by the weight gain measured by the sensor; driving the water injector to introduce water up to a predetermined volume of water and driving the motor means to grind the contents by said propeller; driving the motor means to stir the contents by said propeller and to measure the salt concentration.