Electrochemical Sensor Self-Calibration via Multi-Point Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating gas sensors are cumbersome and risky, often requiring standard gases, which can be hazardous and difficult to handle, and are prone to interference from environmental factors like temperature and humidity, leading to inaccurate measurements and safety issues, especially in field applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize the intrinsic characteristics of sensors and physical and chemical laws to measure absolute material concentration without the need for standard materials, involving multiple passes of the sample through an electrochemical sensor, logging response values, and solving simultaneous equations to determine concentration and calibration parameters, thereby eliminating the need for traditional calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional calibration methods using standard gases are employed, then sensor calibration can be performed, but safety risks increase due to handling hazardous materials and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for hazardous standard gases from the calibration process. Instead of using external calibration standards, the system performs self-calibration by measuring its own response characteristics across multiple concentrations, thereby removing the harmful element (standard gases) while maintaining calibration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-calibration by automatically determining its own calibration curve through multiple measurements at different concentrations. The system uses its intrinsic response characteristics to generate calibration data without external intervention, eliminating the need for hazardous standard gases while ensuring reliable calibration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple calibration samples are used to account for environmental factors, then measurement accuracy improves, but calibration time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by performing multiple rapid measurements at different concentrations in a systematic sequence. The system cycles through multiple concentration points and automatically processes the data to generate calibration parameters, achieving both high measurement precision and fast calibration speed through structured periodic measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes concentration parameters systematically across multiple measurements to build the calibration curve. By automatically varying and measuring responses at different concentrations, the system efficiently determines calibration parameters without requiring manual intervention at each step, thus maintaining high precision while improving productivity.
3Reliability
If on-site calibration is performed to account for local environmental conditions, then measurement reliability improves, but operational complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs automatic self-calibration on-site by measuring its own response characteristics in the actual operating environment. The system automatically determines calibration parameters without requiring manual operation or external equipment, thereby maintaining high reliability under local conditions while preserving ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal calibration method that can be applied to various sensor types and operating conditions using the same automated approach. The system adapts to different local environments and sensor characteristics through a unified self-calibration process, ensuring reliability across diverse applications while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If frequent calibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system efficiently determines calibration parameters through optimized measurement sequences that change concentration parameters systematically. By using mathematical optimization and efficient data processing, the system achieves accurate calibration with minimal measurements, reducing calibration time while maintaining high precision even when performed frequently.
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
This approach simplifies the measurement process, improves reliability and repeatability, and reduces the impact of environmental factors, allowing for direct on-site zero point measurement and self-calibration of sensors, enhancing stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the current signal S of the most commonly used electrochemical, semiconductor, and catalyst-based sensor usually meets the following measurement equation: S=kC0+k0
Implementation Method 2
the parameters kj depend on the structural properties of the sensor, the composition of the sample, and the temperature, pressure, and flow state of the sample and environment
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for measuring a substance's concentration in a fluid. The method includes first passing a sample to be measured through a chemical sensor at least twice and recording the response value each time; forming a simultaneous equation set using the equation relation between the response value obtained during each measurement and the concentration of the substance, and the mass equation relation satisfied by the concentration change caused by a physical, chemical reaction during each measurement and by the change of the mass, electric quantity, and heat; solving for the concentration of the substance measured and the sensor calibration parameter. The method, used as an absolute measurement method, can be applied to calibrate the sample concentration of a fluid, overcomes the effects on the measurements caused by temperature, humidity, pressure, and some interfering gas, requires no sensor calibration, and substantially enhances the measurements' stability and reliability.