Printed Organic Electrochemical Transistor with Internal Ion Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for quantifying macronutrient concentrations in plants, such as potassium, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and unable to provide real-time data, requiring excavation and transportation of samples to off-site laboratories, which is inefficient and generates chemical waste.
Innovation Solution
The development of fully printed, mechanically flexible organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) with ion-selective membranes and a hydrophilic additive like sorbitol to create internal ion reservoirs, enabling direct monitoring of macronutrient concentrations in plant sap using scalable additive manufacturing techniques like inkjet printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional nutrient detection methods are used, then samples can be analyzed in laboratories, but the process is labor intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the laboratory analysis function by integrating ion-selective membranes and ion reservoirs directly into a portable sensor device that can be deployed in the field, eliminating the need to transport samples to off-site laboratories while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ion reservoir system that mediates between the plant sap and the detection mechanism, allowing real-time ion concentration measurements to be taken in-field without direct sample transportation, thus reducing time loss while preserving measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If conventional nutrient detection methods are used, then nutrient concentrations can be measured, but the process is labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex laboratory analysis process and replaces it with a simplified printed sensor device that can be easily manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing deployment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters by using inkjet printing and additive manufacturing to create the sensor device, transforming it from a complex laboratory instrument into an easily manufacturable product with standardized production processes
3Measurement precision
If conventional nutrient detection methods are used, then nutrient analysis can be performed, but real-time monitoring is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements continuous useful action by creating internal ion reservoirs that maintain a constant supply of ions for measurement, enabling real-time continuous monitoring of nutrient concentrations without interruption, thereby dramatically increasing monitoring throughput while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading ion reservoirs with ions before deployment, allowing the sensor to immediately begin real-time measurements upon contact with plant sap, eliminating initialization delays and maximizing monitoring productivity from the start
4Measurement precision
If conventional nutrient detection methods are used, then nutrient concentrations can be measured, but chemical waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies self-service by using internal ion reservoirs that contain their own ion supply, allowing the sensor to perform measurements without requiring external chemical reagents or wash solutions, thereby eliminating chemical waste generation while maintaining measurement precision
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
This solution allows for high-throughput, low-cost, real-time monitoring of plant nutrition with high sensitivity and selectivity, improving crop yields and farm efficiency by providing critical insights into plant health and soil conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The organic semiconducting channel material comprises a hydrophilic additive, such as sorbitol, that absorbs ions from an electrolyte solution to create 'internal ion reservoirs'
Implementation Method 2
fully printed, mechanically flexible organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) with ion-selective membranes and a hydrophilic additive like sorbitol to create internal ion reservoirs, enabling direct monitoring of macronutrient concentrations in plant sap
Data Source
AI summary
A printed electric circuit comprises a printed planar substrate. The printed planar surface comprises one or more traces integrated into the printed planar structure. The one or more traces comprise a hydrophilic additive to create ion reservoirs within an organic semiconductor layer.