Reference Electrode Assembly with Segmented Storage and Diaphragm Lock Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochemical sensors face challenges with reference electrodes that dry out during storage, leading to unstable redox systems and short operational periods due to uncontrolled electrolyte leakage or drying, especially when using liquid reference electrolytes like KCl.
Innovation Solution
A reference electrode assembly with a storage space for the electrolyte, separated from a lock space that allows controlled release of the electrolyte upon activation, using a diaphragm to regulate the flow and prevent contamination, ensuring stable electrolytic contact and extended operational periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid reference electrolyte is used to ensure good electrical conductivity and stable redox potential, then the electrochemical measurement stability is improved, but the reference electrode dries out during storage and the operational period is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The reference half-cell space is divided into a storage space for the reference electrolyte and a lock space that is permeable to the environment. This segmentation allows the electrolyte to be stored in a controlled environment while enabling controlled release during operation, preventing both drying out and uncontrolled leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
A diaphragm is introduced as an intermediary component between the lock space and the environment. The diaphragm regulates the flow of reference electrolyte, allowing controlled exchange with the process medium while preventing contamination and maintaining stable electrolyte levels throughout the operational period.
2Ease of operation
If the reference half-cell is opened to establish electrolytic contact with the process medium, then the operational functionality is improved, but the reference electrolyte leaks or dries out during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The reference half-cell space is segmented into a sealed storage space and a permeable lock space. During storage, the lock space can be sealed to prevent electrolyte loss. During operation, the lock space establishes electrolytic contact with the process medium through the diaphragm, enabling functionality without compromising storage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference electrolyte is pre-filled into the storage space during manufacturing before the device is put into operation. This preliminary action ensures that the electrolyte is already in place and the redox system is established, eliminating the need for user filling and preventing electrolyte loss during storage and transport.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the reference electrolyte flows freely into the process medium to establish electrolytic contact, then the operational period is extended, but the process medium becomes contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm serves as an intermediary that enables electrolytic contact between the reference electrolyte and the process medium while physically restricting free flow. This allows the operational period to be extended through controlled electrolyte exchange while preventing contamination of the process medium with reference electrolyte.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm is made of porous material that allows ion transport for electrolytic contact while physically filtering and restricting the free flow of liquid. This enables extended operational periods through controlled ion exchange while preventing contamination of the process medium by bulk reference electrolyte flow.
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 solution maintains the stability of the redox system during storage and ensures a consistent, controlled flow of the reference electrolyte when activated, enhancing the operational period and preventing contamination of the process medium.
Implementation Method 1
a lock space (14) which is permeable at least with respect to the passage of reference electrolyte into an environment of the reference half-cell space
Implementation Method 2
The reference electrode comprises a redox system consisting of a reference sensing electrode in contact with a reference electrolyte
Implementation Method 3
For determination of the respective electrochemical measurement variable, the reference half-cell has to be brought into electrolytic contact with the process medium to be investigated
Data Source
AI summary
A reference electrode assembly for an electrochemical sensor, in particular for a potentiometric sensor, comprising a reference half-cell space having a reference electrode provided therein, the reference half-space comprising a storage space in which a reference electrolyte is provided at any rate in a storage state of the reference electrode assembly, the reference half-cell space further comprising a lock space that is permeable at any rate with respect to the passage of reference electrolyte into an environment of the reference half-cell space, the storage space, in the storage state of the reference electrode assembly, being separated from the lock space with respect to the passage of reference electrolyte, the reference electrode assembly being designed such that a connection permeable for the passage of reference electrolyte from the storage space to the lock space can be created between the storage space and the lock space in order to transfer the reference electrode assembly from the storage state to an operative state.