Water Content Measurement Device Using Hydrophilic Filter and Reactant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-precision water content measurement devices in low flow regimes (less than 10 microliter/minute) are often expensive, require external power, and are limited to specific fluid compositions, making them unsuitable for diverse applications, especially in microfluidic systems with aqueous solutions of unknown composition.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device comprising a reactor with a hydrophilic porous filter, a hydrogen gas donor, and a transducing element that converts water into an electrical signal, capable of operating in various settings without external power, using a patch-like configuration that captures and filters moisture, and generates hydrogen gas for continuous measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thermal mass-flow meters are used for water content measurement, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for aqueous solutions of unknown composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reaction medium (such as a desiccant or chemical reagent) as an intermediary between the water-containing sample and the measurement sensor. This intermediary selectively interacts with water molecules, converting them into a detectable form while being insensitive to other components in the aqueous solution, thereby enabling precise measurement of water content regardless of solution composition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct thermal or flow-based detection to detection of a chemical reaction product or physical change specific to water. By transforming the measurement approach to detect water-specific properties (such as chemical reactivity with the reaction medium), the system achieves precision for unknown compositions while maintaining operational simplicity
2Measurement precision
If state-of-the-art measurement devices (thermal mass-flow meters, Doppler ultrasonic flow meters, Venturi flow meters, Coriolis flow meters) are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates only the essential function needed for water content measurement from complex flow measurement systems. Instead of using entire sophisticated flow meters, the invention employs a simplified setup with a reaction medium and basic sensor that directly measures water-specific properties, eliminating unnecessary components and reducing complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex instrumentation with inexpensive, simple components such as chemical reagents, porous materials, or basic sensors. These consumable or replaceable elements provide accurate water measurement without requiring costly equipment, reducing both device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If state-of-the-art measurement devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to diverse settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a measurement system with universal applicability by using a reaction medium that selectively targets water molecules regardless of the surrounding matrix. The same basic device architecture can measure water content in gases, liquids, vapors, and aerosols by simply changing the reaction medium or sample introduction method, providing high adaptability across diverse settings while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables adaptability through parameter changes in the reaction medium or operating conditions rather than changing the fundamental measurement principle. By adjusting parameters such as reagent type, temperature, or flow rate, the same device can accurately measure water content across various environments and compositions, achieving versatility without sacrificing precision
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 device provides precise, low-cost, and portable water flow rate measurement across a wide range of flow rates and compositions, including aqueous solutions, with high sensitivity and selectivity, while also generating harnessable electricity, effective in both static and dynamic states, and across different states of water (liquid, gas, vapor) within a temperature range of 5-40°C.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophilic porous filter (4) for capturing moisture
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophilic porous filter (4) for capturing moisture
Implementation Method 3
a reactant characterised by its gas generation properties as a reaction product
Implementation Method 4
a transducing element (8) converting the gas into an electrical signal (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns a device (1) for measuring water content in liquids, gases and/or vapors. The water reacts with a reactant (6) to generate hydrogen gas as a reaction product. A transducing element (8) then generates an electrical signal in accordance with a stoichiometric volume of the hydrogen gas.