Reference Electrode Dissolving Material Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The elution of a reference internal electrode into a reference internal solution due to increased temperature, which affects the solubility of its components, is a challenge in conventional electrode devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a dissolving material in solid form within the reference internal solution, which contains the same component as the reference internal electrode, to suppress elution by increasing the surface area of contact and mass of the component, while using a covering material to reduce the electrode's surface area exposed to the solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the reference internal electrode contains a component that decomposes when immersed in liquid-like substance, then the electrode can function as a reference electrode, but increased temperature causes the solubility of the component to increase, leading to elution of the electrode into the solution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode stabilityVSAvoidcomponent elution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A dissolving material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the reference internal electrode and the reference internal solution. This dissolving material contains the same component as the electrode and preferentially dissolves in the solution, preventing the electrode component from eluting. The dissolving material acts as a sacrificial intermediary that protects the electrode from direct contact with the solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dissolving material is designed to contain the same component as the reference internal electrode, creating a copy of the electrode material. This copy preferentially interacts with the solution instead of the original electrode, replicating the electrode's chemical properties while preventing actual elution of the electrode structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If the surface area of the reference internal electrode is increased to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the electrode becomes more susceptible to elution and decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidelectrode stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dissolving material serves as a protective intermediary that allows the electrode to have a larger surface area without increasing elution risk. The dissolving material absorbs the chemical interaction with the solution, protecting the electrode surface regardless of its size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dissolving material can be implemented as a coating or layer on the electrode surface, creating a protective film that allows electrical contact while preventing direct chemical interaction between the electrode and solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Speed

If the reference internal solution temperature is increased to improve measurement response, then measurement speed improves, but the solubility of the electrode component increases, causing elution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement responseVSAvoidcomponent elution

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The dissolving material acts as a temperature-independent protective intermediary. While temperature increases the solubility of the electrode component, the dissolving material is designed to dissolve preferentially at lower concentrations, maintaining protection across a range of temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system exploits changes in solubility parameters with temperature. The dissolving material is selected to have different solubility characteristics compared to the electrode component, allowing it to dissolve preferentially at elevated temperatures while the electrode structure remains stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration stabilizes the electrode by ensuring the dissolving material dissolves instead of the electrode, thereby prolonging its life and maintaining measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a dissolving material that contains the first component and that is arranged in solid form within the reference internal solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20250208083A1Electrode device, water quality measuring device and water quality measuring method

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 HORIBA ADVANCED TECHNO CO LTD

AI summary

An electrode device comprises a reference electrode, the reference electrode comprises a reference internal electrode that contains a first component, a reference housing within which the reference internal electrode is housed, a reference internal solution that is housed within the reference housing and within which the reference internal electrode is immersed, and a dissolving material that contains the first component and that is arranged in solid form within the reference internal solution.