Portable Sensor Validation System for Food Wash Analyte Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-line sensors for food wash systems lack precision and accuracy in monitoring fluid flow and analyte concentration, failing to meet the requirements of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act and being inadequate for validating processes due to limitations in calibration methods that do not account for environmental and flow-related factors.
Innovation Solution
A food wash sensor system that includes a sensor along a fluid flow path, a reference fluid reservoir with a predetermined analyte concentration, and a delivery system to circulate the reference fluid through the flow path, allowing for continuous calibration and validation of the sensor over time by maintaining consistent signal readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If colorimetric procedures with portable meters are used, then quantitative data generation and control improvement are achieved, but measurement precision and monitoring speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual colorimetric procedures with automated in-line optical sensors that continuously monitor analyte concentrations. The sensor system automatically detects and transmits data, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining high measurement precision through consistent optical detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-line sensor provides continuous real-time monitoring of analyte concentrations in the fluid stream, rather than discrete intermittent measurements. This continuous action enables both high precision tracking and rapid response to concentration changes, resolving the contradiction between precision and monitoring speed.
2Productivity
If in-line sensors are used for continuous monitoring, then monitoring speed and data availability are improved, but measurement precision and accuracy deteriorate due to sensor drift and environmental effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where sensor readings are continuously compared against known reference values. When drift or environmental effects cause deviations, the system automatically compensates by adjusting measurements based on the reference fluid data, maintaining precision while preserving continuous monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the reference fluid (different analyte concentrations) to calibrate and validate the sensor system. By introducing controlled variations in reference fluid composition, the system compensates for sensor drift and environmental effects, maintaining measurement precision during continuous operation.
3Measurement precision
If external reference fluid calibration is performed, then sensor accuracy is improved, but flow and local depletion effects are ignored leading to validation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is segmented into multiple independent components: a reference fluid reservoir, a delivery system that introduces reference fluid into the main stream, and the sensor. This segmentation allows the reference fluid to be delivered under controlled conditions that mimic actual flow conditions, enabling accurate calibration that accounts for flow and depletion effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference fluid acts as an intermediary substance that bridges the calibration process and actual process conditions. By delivering the reference fluid through the same flow path as the process stream, it serves as a mediator that validates sensor performance under realistic flow and depletion conditions, improving both accuracy and reliability.
4Measurement precision
If sample collection and reference method analysis are used, then measurement precision is improved, but time and space differences between sample and process stream cause calibration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration function with the continuous monitoring function by delivering reference fluid directly through the in-line sensor location. This combination eliminates the separation between calibration and process monitoring, allowing calibration to occur in the same time and space as the process stream, thus maintaining precision without time delays.
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 system provides precise and accurate monitoring of analyte concentrations, ensuring validated processes by accounting for environmental and flow-related factors, thereby enhancing food safety and process control.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor being operable to detect a concentration of an analyte in the wash fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A food wash reference fluid delivery apparatus includes a portable reference fluid reservoir comprising an inlet and an outlet and configured to store a reference fluid that includes a predetermined concentration of an analyte, a pump fluidly coupled to the outlet of the portable reference fluid reservoir and configured to pump the reference fluid from the outlet of the portable reference fluid reservoir, a sensor connector configured to fluidly couple with a sensor positioned along a fluid flow path of the food wash system, a sensor fluid line configured to provide the reference fluid from the pump to the sensor connector, an inlet fluid line configured to provide the reference fluid from the pump to the inlet of the portable reference fluid reservoir, and a valve configured to adjustably control a fluid flow rate of the reference fluid through the sensor fluid line and the inlet fluid line.