Wearable Sensor Reference Electrode Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable biological marker sensors, particularly those measuring sodium (Na+) concentration, face degradation due to chemical interaction with the epidermal environment, leading to unreliable measurements, and replacing electrodes is challenging due to their small size and potential safety hazards from flammable gas production during restoration.
Innovation Solution
An electrical charger apparatus that replenishes degraded reference electrodes of wearable biological marker sensors using a chloride solution, managing the production of hydrogen gas to prevent flammability, while recharging the sensor's battery, ensuring safe restoration of chemical and electrical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reference electrode is restored by applying voltage to bond chloride ions with silver atoms, then the chemical and electrical properties are restored, but hydrogen gas is produced which may be flammable
Solution Approach 1:
The restoration apparatus is filled with an inert gas atmosphere (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) to displace oxygen and prevent hydrogen gas from forming flammable mixtures. This creates a safe environment during the electrode restoration process where chloride ions bond with silver atoms while hydrogen gas is produced, eliminating the flammability hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful hydrogen gas produced during electrode restoration is converted into a beneficial effect by using it to inflate a balloon attached to the restoration apparatus. This not only neutralizes the safety hazard but also provides visual indication that the restoration process is complete and the electrode is ready for use.
2Reliability
If the reference electrode is replaced instead of restored, then reliable measurements are ensured, but the small size and potential safety hazards make replacement challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The reference electrode is designed to restore itself through an electrochemical process when placed in the restoration apparatus. By applying voltage, the degraded silver chloride coating is regenerated automatically without requiring manual replacement. This self-restoration capability eliminates the need for users to handle the small, delicate electrodes during replacement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the degraded reference electrode and replacing it with a new one, the system recovers and restores the original electrode by regenerating the silver chloride coating. This extends the electrode's service life and eliminates the need for continuous replacement of these small, expensive components.
3Productivity
If the sensor is used continuously without restoration, then productivity is maintained, but the reference electrode degrades due to chemical interaction with the epidermal environment
Solution Approach 1:
The restoration apparatus is designed to be integrated with the sensor's charging process. When the sensor is placed in the charging case, the reference electrode is automatically restored simultaneously with the battery charging. This preliminary restoration action prevents degradation from accumulating and maintains electrode stability throughout continuous use.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoration process is made continuous by integrating it with the normal charging cycle of the sensor. Every time the sensor is charged, the reference electrode is restored, ensuring continuous maintenance without requiring separate restoration steps. This maintains both productivity and reliability throughout the sensor's operational life.
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 effectively restores the chemical and electrical properties of wearable biological marker sensors, ensuring reliable measurements and safety by controlling hydrogen gas production during the electrode restoration process, thereby extending the lifespan of the sensors and maintaining their accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Multiple chloride ions of the chloride solution bond with a plurality of silver atoms of the reference electrode
Implementation Method 2
restoring the reference electrode, if the reference electrode is degraded, by applying a voltage to a circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed for a method for restoring a wearable biological sensor. The method includes determining that a wearable biological marker sensor comprising a reference electrode is placed within a restoration apparatus. The restoration apparatus includes a correct reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a chloride solution. The reference electrode is in electrical contact with the correct reference electrode and the counter electrode through the chloride solution. The method additionally includes determining whether the reference electrode is degraded based on a voltage differential between the reference electrode and the correct reference electrode. The method also includes restoring the reference electrode, if the reference electrode is degraded, by applying a voltage to a circuit. The circuit includes the reference electrode and the counter electrode. Further, multiple chloride ions of the chloride solution bond with a plurality of silver atoms of the reference electrode.