Solid-State Ion-Sensitive Electrode with Compressive Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state ion-sensitive electrodes face issues with material destruction due to ambient chemical reactants, mechanical weaknesses, and performance limitations, including high impedance, chemical interactions, and instability under pressure and temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state measurement unit with a layered structure comprising an ion-sensitive glass layer, an electrically conducting layer, and a substrate, where the ion-sensitive glass layer is under compressive stress and hermetically sealed to prevent exposure to ambient reactants, using materials with matched thermal expansion coefficients to prevent cracking and fissures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a glass membrane is used in a classic glass electrode, then measurement properties such as slope, long-term stability, selectivity and detection limit are improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates and the electrode becomes fragile and orientation-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the internal buffer from liquid to solid material, creating a solid-state ion-sensitive electrode. This parameter change eliminates the liquid-liquid interface while maintaining the ion-sensitive glass membrane's measurement properties, and the solid structure provides mechanical robustness and orientation independence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the ion-sensitive glass membrane with solid contact material and sealing materials. The glass membrane provides measurement functionality while the solid contact material and robust housing provide mechanical strength, creating a composite electrode that overcomes the fragility of classic glass electrodes
2Volume of moving object
If the internal buffer is replaced by solid material to create a solid-state electrode, then dimensions are reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to material destruction from ambient chemical reactants and chemical interactions between conducting layers and glass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealing member as an intermediary between the solid contact material and the ambient environment. This sealing member prevents direct contact between reactive materials and ambient chemical reactants, blocking harmful chemical interactions while maintaining the compact solid-state structure
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member creates a protected environment around the solid contact material and glass membrane, effectively isolating them from ambient chemical reactants. This inert environment prevents oxidation and other chemical reactions that would otherwise degrade the materials
3Reliability
If metal elements are used in the solid-state electrode, then electrical conductivity is improved, but reliability worsens due to high impedance of glass membranes making electrical isolation critical and susceptibility to damage from ambient reactants
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member acts as a protective intermediary that isolates the electrically conducting layer from ambient chemical reactants. This allows the use of metal elements for electrical conductivity without direct exposure to damaging substances like oxygen and moisture
4Ease of manufacture
If the ion-sensitive glass layer is not under compressive stress, then manufacturing is easier, but reliability deteriorates due to cracking and fissures under pressure and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thermal expansion differences between materials. The holding member is made of a material with a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the glass membrane. During cooling from assembly temperature to operating temperature, the holding member contracts more than the glass, creating compressive stress on the glass membrane that prevents cracking under subsequent pressure and temperature variations
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 solution enhances the robustness and durability of the ion-sensitive electrodes, protecting them from chemical and physical influences, allowing for improved performance and extended lifespan by preventing material damage and maintaining stability across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the ion-sensitive glass layer is under compressive stress
Implementation Method 2
using materials with matched thermal expansion coefficients to prevent cracking and fissures
Implementation Method 3
hermetically sealed to prevent exposure to ambient reactants
Data Source
AI summary
Measurement unit for an ion-sensitive solid-state electrode, that serves to measure pH in a measurement solution, with a layered structure including an ion-sensitive glass layer with a first ring-shaped contact surface, an electrically conducting layer that directly or via at least one intermediate layer adheres to the ion-sensitive glass layer, and a substrate that adheres to the electrically conducting layer and is provided with a second ring-shaped contact surface; and with a holding member that is provided with a first ring-shaped sealing surface, a second ring-shaped sealing surface, and an annular section; wherein the first ring-shaped sealing surface is sealingly connected to the first ring-shaped contact surface, wherein the second ring-shaped sealing surface is connected to the second ring-shaped contact surface of the substrate, and wherein the first and second ring-shaped sealing surfaces of the holding member are sealingly connected by the annular section.