Sensor with Memory for Calibration Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical sensors for monitoring water quality parameters in swimming pools and other aqueous environments are prone to interference from sanitizing chemicals, have limited operational life due to reference solution leakage, and are fragile, making them unsuitable for long-term unattended monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Development of individually calibrated sensors with embedded memory devices and robust designs that include chlorine, ORP, pH, and TDS sensors, capable of continuous monitoring and integration with control systems for automatic water quality adjustments, using a system control unit to manage sensor data and chemical dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrochemical sensors are used for monitoring water quality, then the sensors can detect parameters such as pH and chlorine levels, but the sensors are prone to interference from sanitizing chemicals and have limited operational life due to reference solution leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference electrode and reference fill solution from the sensor assembly, replacing them with a solid-state reference element that does not require liquid reference solutions. This eliminates the leakage problem and reduces interference from sanitizing chemicals while maintaining the sensor's ability to accurately measure water quality parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the reference component from liquid (reference fill solution) to solid (solid-state reference element), and modifies the electrochemical parameters of the sensing elements to reduce sensitivity to interfering chemicals while maintaining sensitivity to target analytes. This extends operational life and improves reliability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional electrochemical sensors are used, then the sensors can provide water quality measurements, but the sensors are fragile and require manual calibration and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates calibration information directly into the sensor during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field calibration by the user. The sensor is pre-calibrated and the calibration data is stored in memory, allowing the sensor to be deployed immediately without requiring manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sensor to be self-diagnosing and self-calibrating, with built-in intelligence that allows it to automatically compensate for drift and maintain accuracy without user intervention. The sensor includes memory for storing calibration data and processing capabilities for automatic adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If individually calibrated sensors with embedded memory are used, then the sensors provide precise and reliable monitoring, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the sensor assembly, including the sensing elements, solid-state reference, calibration memory, and processing intelligence, into a single integrated unit. This merging reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through embedded calibration data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sensor to perform multiple measurements simultaneously (pH, chlorine, other water quality parameters) using a single multi-functional probe assembly, reducing the need for multiple separate sensors and simplifying the overall monitoring system while maintaining precision across all parameters.
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 sensors provide precise, reliable, and long-term monitoring of water quality parameters, enabling effective and automatic maintenance of pool water chemistry, reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and extending sensor lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
electrochemical sensors for measuring certain characteristics of liquids, particularly aqueous liquids
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor is configured to sense a parameter of an aqueous liquid. The sensor has an analog output port configured to provide an analog signal indicative of a sensed parameter, and a calibration memory device storing individual digital information indicative of a calibration of the sensor. A digital output port provides a digital signal indicative of the digital information. A treatment system and method is matched to the sensor.