Printed Multi-Analyte Sensor Strip for Soil pH and Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precision agriculture technologies face challenges in efficiently managing heterogeneous farmlands due to the heterogeneity of soil and crop conditions, leading to increased labor costs despite mechanization.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered environmental sensor comprising a substrate and layers of electrodes, semiconducting channels, and dielectric encapsulants, capable of detecting electrical conductivity, temperature, and pH levels, is developed for use in controlled environment agriculture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-analyte sensing is integrated into a single device, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity detection) into a single sensor strip device. The strip integrates multiple electrodes and sensing elements on one substrate, allowing simultaneous multi-analyte measurement while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor strip is designed as a universal platform that can detect multiple environmental parameters (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity) using a single device. The gate electrode structure serves multiple functions including signal transduction and environmental sensing, enabling one device to perform what traditionally required multiple separate instruments
2Ease of manufacture
If screen printing methodology is used for sensor fabrication, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fabrication methods with screen printing technology for depositing sensing layers and electrodes. This printing-based approach enables precise material placement and thickness control while maintaining ease of manufacture, as screen printing allows for repeatable pattern transfer and consistent layer formation without complex mechanical machining
Solution Approach 2:
The fabrication process utilizes parameter optimization in screen printing, including controlling ink viscosity, printing pressure, screen mesh size, and curing conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the method achieves both ease of manufacture and acceptable manufacturing precision for the sensor strip components
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 sensor provides accurate and efficient data collection in diverse agricultural environments, reducing labor costs by enabling tailored soil and crop management.
Implementation Method 1
determining an electrical conductivity of the environment
Implementation Method 2
calculating a temperature of the environment
Implementation Method 3
measuring a pH of the environment
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for measuring data from an environment. The system may be an environmental sensor that includes a substrate and four layers. The first layer may include source and drain electrodes. The second layer may include at least three electrodes including a working electrode that is a gate material comprising a blend of carbon ink and an indicator and a Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The third layer may include a semiconducting channel formed of PEDOT:PSS. The fourth layer may include a dielectric ink. The environment sensor may be used to determine an electrical conductivity, calculate a temperature, and measure a pH of the environment.