Electrochemical Sensor Membrane Optical Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochemical sensors face challenges with sensor membrane aging, leading to deteriorated performance and potential mix-ups or misuse of replacement membranes, which can impair measurement quality and diagnostic functions, especially when lower-quality or mismatched membranes are used.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optically detectable substance into the sensor membrane to enable simple and secure identification through optical testing, preventing unauthorized use or mix-ups, and ensuring traceability and quality assurance by using distinct substances for different production batches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If sensor membranes are made replaceable to extend operational life, then duration of action is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential mix-ups and misuse of replacement membranes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating an optically detectable substance into the sensor membrane during manufacturing, before the membrane is ever used or replaced. This pre-integrated marking system enables immediate identification and verification of the membrane's authenticity and compatibility whenever it is installed, preventing mix-ups and misuse from occurring in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The optically detectable substance acts as an intermediary element between the sensor membrane and the verification system. This mediator enables non-invasive optical detection to confirm the membrane's genuine status and compatibility, serving as a bridge that connects the physical membrane to the quality assurance process without interfering with the membrane's sensing function
2Reliability
If optical detection methods are implemented to verify membrane authenticity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical verification systems with simple optical detection methods. Instead of using intricate mechanical keys, locks, or physical fitting mechanisms to prevent misuse, the invention uses optically detectable substances that can be verified through non-invasive optical means, dramatically simplifying the verification system while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes or optical properties of the detectable substance to encode authentication information in the sensor membrane. Different production batches or membrane types can have distinct optical characteristics that are easily detectable, allowing for simple visual or optical verification without complex equipment
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 optically detectable substance allows for non-invasive verification of the sensor membrane's suitability and authenticity, preventing product piracy and ensuring consistent performance by ensuring only compatible and high-quality membranes are used, thereby extending the sensor's operational life and maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor membrane contains an optically detectable substance to mark the sensor membrane
Implementation Method 2
allows for non-invasive verification of the sensor membrane's suitability and authenticity through optical testing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electrochemical sensor for determining a measurand correlating with a concentration of an analyte in a measuring fluid, comprising: a sensor membrane designed to be in contact with the measuring fluid for detecting measured values of the measurand; a probe housing which has at least one immersion region designed for immersion into the measuring fluid, wherein the sensor membrane is arranged in the immersion region of the probe housing; and a measurement circuit which is at least partially contained in the probe housing and is designed to generate and output a measurement signal dependent on the measurand, wherein the sensor membrane contains an optically detectable substance for marking the sensor membrane.