Tilting pH Sensor Pipe With Shut-Off Valves for Dust Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement apparatuses for hydroponics, such as those described in Japanese Patent No. 7241444, do not provide a specific method to control the immersion of pH sensors in aqueous solutions, leading to potential dust accumulation on the sensor surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A liquid shut-off valve device is introduced, comprising a pipe supported by a fulcrum, supply ports, and spherical-shaped objects and cylinders forming valves. This device allows the pH sensor to be immersed in the solution only during measurement periods, preventing dust accumulation by maintaining the sensor dry during non-measurement periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the pH sensor is kept immersed in the aqueous solution, then the measurement readiness is improved, but dust accumulates on the glass film surface
Solution Approach 1:
The rod-shaped body is designed to dynamically change its orientation between immersed and non-immersed states. The rod can tilt to immerse the pH sensor in the solution for measurement, or tilt to raise the sensor above the solution to prevent dust accumulation. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its state based on whether measurement is needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pH sensor is not immersed in the aqueous solution, then dust accumulation is prevented, but measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a fulcrum-based mechanism that allows the rod-shaped body to easily switch between two stable states: immersed state for measurement and non-immersed state for dust prevention. This dynamic design ensures that measurement capability is preserved when needed while preventing dust accumulation during storage or non-use periods.
3Ease of operation
If a cleaning liquid supply pipe is arranged inside the rod-shaped body, then the measurement unit can be cleaned while balanced horizontally, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning liquid supply pipe is nested inside the rod-shaped body, with the pipe running through the interior of the rod. This nested configuration allows the cleaning function to be integrated into the existing structure without significantly increasing external complexity. The pipe delivers cleaning liquid to the pH sensor while the rod maintains its balanced horizontal position.
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 liquid shut-off valve device effectively manages the immersion of pH sensors, preventing dust accumulation and ensuring accurate measurements by controlling the sensor's exposure to the aqueous solution.
Implementation Method 1
a pipe (18) which is supported by a fulcrum and is configured to be tilted to one side thereof or to another side thereof opposite to the one side
Implementation Method 2
a pipe (18) which is supported by a fulcrum and is configured to be tilted to one side thereof or to another side thereof
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A measurement apparatus includes a supply pipe that is supported by a top portion forming a fulcrum and is configured to be tilted to one side or the other side thereof, a cleaning liquid supply pipe that supplies distilled water to the supply pipe, a first valve that stops the flow of the distilled water from the supply pipe while the supply pipe is tilted to the one side, and a second valve disposed on the opposite side of the first valve from a supply port. While the supply pipe is not tilted, the first valve and second valve do not stop the flow of the distilled water from the supply pipe. While the supply pipe is tilted to the other side, the second valve prevents a liquid from flowing from the outside of the supply pipe toward the first valve.