Electrochemical Probe Reference Array for Dry Storage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical sensors require frequent maintenance, wet storage, and suffer from baseline drift and instability due to electrolyte leakage, making them cumbersome and unreliable for long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A novel electrochemical probe with an electrode array comprising conductive elements, an absorbent junction element, and electronic circuitry for voltage measurement, allowing for self-calibration and dry storage, with features like electrochemical scrubbing to maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reference electrodes with aqueous electrolyte are used, then stable electrode potential is achieved, but frequent wet storage and maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid (aqueous) to solid (gel or solid electrolyte), fundamentally altering the storage and maintenance characteristics while preserving electrochemical functionality. This parameter change enables dry storage capability while maintaining potential stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe incorporates a disposable junction element containing the solid electrolyte, which can be replaced easily without affecting the reusable conductive elements. This disposable component approach simplifies maintenance and reduces the need for complex wet storage infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If conventional reference electrodes are stored dry, then storage convenience is improved, but electrolyte evaporation and potential instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
By transforming the electrolyte from liquid to solid gel form, the patent eliminates evaporation entirely, allowing indefinite dry storage without compromising electrolyte composition or electrode potential stability. The solid electrolyte maintains its functional properties without requiring sealed compartments or humidity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the liquid-based electrolyte system with a solid gel electrolyte system, substituting the mechanical/physical properties of liquid (flow, evaporation) with solid properties (fixed shape, no evaporation), thereby enabling stable dry storage.
3Volume of moving object
If smaller reference electrode size is designed, then device compactness is improved, but electrolyte leakage and dilution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte from liquid to solid gel form, which has negligible leakage and dilution regardless of electrode size. This allows miniaturization without the electrolyte retention problems that plague small liquid-electrolyte reference electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid electrolyte gel can be incorporated into porous junction elements that provide controlled ion transport while retaining the electrolyte matrix, enabling compact designs with reliable electrolyte retention through the porous structure's capillary retention and gel matrix confinement.
4Measurement precision
If frequent calibration is performed, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but user time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates self-calibration capability through the stable solid electrolyte reference potential, which maintains consistency over time and across storage conditions. This self-service feature reduces or eliminates the need for user-performed calibration operations, saving time and simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes calibration means that can automatically adjust or verify the reference electrode potential, providing feedback-based calibration that reduces manual intervention. The stable solid electrolyte provides a reliable reference for this feedback mechanism to operate effectively.
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 probe provides easy maintenance, stable potential, and reliable ion concentration measurements, reducing the need for frequent recalibration and enabling dry storage, thus enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a junction element comprising an absorbent material and an electrolyte, connecting the conductive surface of said conductive elements to a liquid
Implementation Method 2
an electrode array comprising at least two conductive elements electrically insulated against each other, and each conducting element exposing a conductive surface
Data Source
AI summary
Novel type of electrochemical probe comprising a reference electrode array, each reference electrode comprising a conductor element. The set-up allows for internal calibration as well as being adapted to long storage in dry state. Individual conductive elements of the electrode array do not start to shift/drift, simultaneously but that it is rather individual conductive elements that show deviating behavior. Relatively simple statistical analysis of the respective voltages obtained for the respective conductive elements of the reference electrode array allow identifying such deviating conductive elements, and then take corrective action, such as for example disregarding the measured values provided by such deviating conductive element or regenerating such deviating conductive elements by applying a voltage to re-chlorinate or electrochemical snibbing the surface of such element for cleaning purposes, which can also be done with the respective probe or reference electrode remaining in place, i.e. without for example having to remove the junction element comprising the electrolyte.