Reusable Sensor Probe with Thermal Well for Cassette
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature and conductivity sensing technologies face challenges in accurately measuring media properties without contaminating the sensor apparatus, especially when dealing with harsh media or disposable components, and there is a need for a compact, reusable sensor system that can measure temperature and conductivity without direct contact.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus system comprising a probe housing with a thermal sensor and a conductivity sensor, where the probe tip is thermally coupled to a well within a cassette, allowing for temperature and conductivity measurements through leads without direct contact with the media, and can be reused even when the cassette is disposable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor apparatus or probe is introduced to the medium being measured for accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but contamination of the sensor apparatus and/or fluid occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal well as an intermediary component that couples the sensor to the fluid medium. The well acts as a mediator that transfers thermal energy from the fluid to the sensor without requiring direct contact between the sensor and the fluid, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system is divided into separate components: the sensor apparatus, the thermal well, and the fluid medium. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain isolated from the fluid while still measuring its temperature through the thermal well interface.
2Measurement precision
If direct contact sensing is used for harsh media, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability of the sensor apparatus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal well serves as a protective intermediary between the sensor and harsh media. It allows conductivity measurements to be taken through the well structure without exposing the sensor to corrosive or damaging substances in the media, thereby maintaining both measurement precision and sensor reliability.
3Loss of substance
If a reusable sensor apparatus is used with disposable components, then loss of substance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into reusable and disposable portions. The sensor apparatus is designed as a reusable component that can be detached from and reused with multiple disposable cassettes or thermal wells, reducing waste while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor apparatus is designed with universal interfaces that allow it to work with multiple different disposable components. This multi-functionality enables a single reusable sensor to be used across various applications and disposable units, reducing overall waste without requiring excessive complexity in each individual component.
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 system provides accurate temperature and conductivity measurements while preventing contamination and allowing for reuse of the sensor apparatus, even when used with disposable components, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
whereby thermal energy is transferred from said well to said thermal sensor
Implementation Method 2
The concentration of a known compound in a media, whether fluid or otherwise, can be determined through measuring the conductivity of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.