Sensing Device Cross-Sensitivity Compensation for Ion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing devices fail to accurately detect and distinguish between calcium and magnesium ions in water due to cross-sensitivity issues, leading to mineral buildup and residue in appliances, which affects their performance and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device comprising a film sensor, a second sensor, and a controller that compensates for cross-sensitivity by using a receptor and a second sensor with distinct sensitivities to unintended analytes, allowing for precise determination of intended analyte concentrations in a fluid medium, incorporating fluorescence-based detection and conductivity measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor with a receptor is used to detect analyte concentration, then the device structure is simple, but cross-sensitivity to unintended analytes causes measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into multiple independent sensors, each with different receptor specificities. The first sensor uses a receptor with cross-sensitivity to both intended and unintended analytes, while the second sensor uses a receptor with different cross-sensitivity characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between analytes by comparing their differential responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sensitivity parameters of the sensors by selecting receptors with different cross-sensitivity characteristics. By choosing receptors with distinct binding affinities and cross-sensitivity profiles, the system creates a parameter difference between sensors that enables mathematical differentiation of analyte concentrations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors with different sensitivities are used to compensate for cross-sensitivity, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensor readings to calculate and compensate for cross-sensitivity effects. The controller receives signals from both sensors, applies calibration factors representing known cross-sensitivity characteristics, and iteratively solves the system of equations to determine accurate analyte concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system functions as a composite measurement system where two different sensor-receptor combinations work together. Each sensor-receptor pair acts as a component with specific characteristics, and their combined output provides information that neither could provide alone, similar to how composite materials combine properties of individual materials.
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
Enables accurate detection and differentiation of calcium and sodium ion concentrations, reducing mineral buildup and improving appliance performance by effectively addressing cross-sensitivity challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor detects fluorescence emitted by an intended analyte and an unintended analyte in a fluid medium and captured on a receptor to generate an optical sensor signal
Implementation Method 2
The film sensor includes a receptor capturing an intended analyte and an unintended analyte in a fluid medium to generate a film sensor signal
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device including film sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The film sensor includes a receptor capturing an intended analyte and an unintended analyte in a fluid medium to generate a film sensor signal. The receptor has a receptor cross-sensitivity to the unintended analyte. The second sensor contacts the fluid medium including the intended analyte and the unintended analyte to generate a second sensor signal. The second sensor has a second cross-sensitivity to the unintended analyte different than the receptor cross-sensitivity to the unintended analyte. The controller is programmed to determine a concentration of the intended analyte in the fluid medium in response to the film sensor signal, the receptor cross-sensitivity, the second sensor signal, and the second cross-sensitivity.