Electrochemical Sensor Electrolyte for Low-Drift Fast Blood Gas Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical gas sensors, particularly for blood gas monitoring, suffer from electrolyte evaporation leading to measurement drift, frequent calibration needs, and inaccuracy due to electrolyte composition changes, which is exacerbated by exposure to wet and dry environments, and high viscosity affects response time.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte composition comprising hygroscopic compounds with hydrogen bonding capability and hydrophilic evaporation-inhibiting compounds with a specific carbon-to-HB ratio and molecular weight, along with surfactants and thickening agents, maintains electrolyte stability and moisture retention, reducing drift and enhancing response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hygroscopic electrolytes are used to retain water and minimize evaporation, then measurement stability is improved, but response time deteriorates due to high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte by selecting specific hygroscopic compounds with controlled molecular structures (carbon-to-hydrogen-bond ratio ≤2) and combining them with viscosity-modifying agents in optimized concentrations to achieve the desired balance between stability and response time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining multiple hygroscopic compounds (polyhydric alcohols, glycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol) with viscosity-modifying agents and surfactants to achieve both low evaporation and acceptable response time performance
2Speed
If electrolyte viscosity is reduced to improve response time, then sensor response time is improved, but measurement stability deteriorates due to increased evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration ranges of hygroscopic compounds and viscosity-modifying agents to achieve the optimal balance point where the electrolyte maintains sufficient viscosity for stability while remaining fluid enough for rapid ion transport and gas diffusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces viscosity-modifying agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the hygroscopic compounds and the electrolyte matrix, adjusting the overall viscosity to an optimal level that prevents evaporation while maintaining fast response
3Measurement precision
If frequent calibration is performed to correct measurement drift, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates the electrolyte in advance with optimal compositions of hygroscopic compounds and additives that prevent evaporation and composition changes before they occur, eliminating the need for frequent post-hoc calibration adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte composition is designed to be self-stabilizing through its inherent hygroscopic properties and optimized composition, automatically maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring external calibration interventions
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 electrolyte composition ensures stable and fast gas sensing with minimal drift over extended periods, requiring less frequent maintenance, suitable for transcutaneous blood gas monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
hygroscopic electrolytes have been used, which attract and hold water molecules via eithe absorption or adsorption from the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 2
at least one hygroscopic compound with at least two moieties (HB) having hydrogen bonding capability
Implementation Method 3
Carbon dioxide diffuses through the membrane and into the electrolyte
Implementation Method 4
Carbon dioxide diffuses through the membrane and into the electrolyte where it partially converts into carbonic acid following to reactions
Implementation Method 5
The evaporation-inhibiting compound comprises a lower viscosity and a lower surface tension than said hygroscopic compound
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolyte composition for use in an electrochemical sensor, said electrolyte composition comprising at least one hygroscopic compound comprising at least two moieties (HB) with hydrogen bonding capability and at least one hydrophilic evaporation-inhibiting compound comprising a carbon-to-HB ratio of ≥2 and a molecular weight MW of more than 100 g/mol, wherein said evaporation-inhibiting compound comprises a lower viscosity and a lower surface tension than said hygroscopic compound.