UV Fluorometric Sensor for Chemical Concentration Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining chemical concentrations in cleaning and antimicrobial products are inefficient, leading to potential quality issues and regulatory problems due to concentration inaccuracies, particularly in applications like food and beverage processing and ware-washing.
Innovation Solution
A UV fluorometric sensor that measures fluorescence emissions from samples containing chemicals with fluorescent characteristics, calculating concentration based on detected fluorescence and using calibration constants for accurate determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If absorption spectroscopy or traditional fluorometric methods are used to determine chemical concentrations, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision and sensitivity are insufficient for accurate concentration determination in cleaning and antimicrobial products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from general absorption or fluorescence intensity to specific UV fluorescence emission characteristics at defined wavelengths. By measuring fluorescence emission in the UV range (200-400 nm) with specific excitation wavelengths, the system achieves higher precision in concentration determination for cleaning and antimicrobial products compared to traditional methods.
2Measurement precision
If UV fluorometric measurement is implemented to improve concentration measurement accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases due to specialized UV components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UV light source, analytical cell, and UV detector into an integrated sensor head assembly. This merging of components reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the precision benefits of UV fluorometric measurement. The integrated design allows the sensor to function as a compact unit suitable for various applications including cleaning product concentration monitoring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fluorometric spectroscopy with monochromators and filters is used, then wavelength selection capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of wavelength selection from complex monochromator systems and implements it through a simplified optical design using defined excitation wavelengths and UV detection. By focusing on specific UV wavelength ranges rather than full spectral analysis, the system maintains adaptability for concentration measurements while dramatically reducing device complexity.
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 sensor provides accurate, sensitive, and flexible measurement of chemical concentrations, enabling effective product usage and compliance with regulatory standards across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a UV light source that emits a first UV wavelength... detects fluorescence emissions of the sample at a second UV wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An ultraviolet (UV) fluorometric sensor measures a chemical concentration in a sample based on the measured fluorescence of the sample. The sensor includes a controller, at least one UV light source, and at least one UV detector. The sensor emits UV light in a wavelength range of 245-265 nm from the light source through the sample in an analytical area. The UV detector measures the fluorescence emission from the sample. The controller transforms output signals from the UV detector into fluorescence values or optical densities for one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of 265-340 nm. The controller calculates the chemical concentration of the chemical in the sample based on the measured fluorescence emissions.