Chemical fluorescence-based multi-sensor detection apparatus for hazardous substance detection and structural design thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composite sensor-based detection technology for reducing false positives and performance degradation caused by external environmental variables such as humidity, VOCs, and dust in a chemical fluorescence-based hazardous substance detection device. The detection device according to the present invention includes a main sensor unit of the chemophoresis method, a temperature and humidity sensor unit, a VOC sensor unit, and a dust and smoke sensor unit, and the control unit analyzes the information obtained from these sensors in conjunction to correct the detection signal or determine an abnormal environmental state. In addition, by applying an air flow structure including a second flow path arranged in parallel with a first flow path as needed, the stability of sample inflow can be structurally supplemented in high-humidity environments. Accordingly, the present invention provides the effect of improving detection reliability and equipment operational stability even under harsh environmental conditions.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composite sensor detection device and structural design, and more specifically, to a structural and control technology including a composite sensor configuration and an air flow path to address the problem of sensor performance degradation caused by various environmental variables such as humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust, and smoke in a detection device that detects harmful substances in the air using chemofluorescence. Background Technology

[0003] Hazardous substance detection devices utilizing chemical fluorescence are widely used in industrial safety, environmental monitoring, and defense sectors to rapidly detect ultra-trace amounts of hazardous substances by optically measuring the fluorescence change of a sensor that reacts with specific hazardous substances. While these optical detection devices offer the advantages of very high sensitivity and fast response speeds, they have a limitation in that the stability of the measurement signal deteriorates rapidly when exposed to external environmental variables.

[0004] The most critical problem is the instability of the fluorescence signal and the occurrence of false positives in high-humidity environments. Conventional chemofluminescence detection devices generally feature a single-channel structure, configured so that external air flows directly into the fluorescence sensor without a separate moisture barrier. In such a structure, the humidity of the surrounding air is directly transmitted to the sensor, causing the baseline of the fluorescence signal to waver or increasing background noise, which leads to false positives even when no hazardous substances are actually present.

[0005] To address this, conventional devices have primarily utilized a method of equipping a humidity sensor and software-correcting the fluorescence sensor output signal based on the measured value. However, this correction method is limited to computationally correcting numerical deviations in the sensor output and has limitations in fundamentally resolving the instability of the fluorescence signal itself in cases of rapid humidity changes or prolonged high-humidity environments.

[0006] Meanwhile, the application of filters to remove moisture from the air was considered as a measure to mitigate the effects of humidity; however, this filter encountered a problem where harmful substance molecules were also captured during the process of collecting moisture in the form of water. Consequently, the concentration of harmful substances reaching the fluorescent sensor was significantly reduced, leading to a decrease in detection sensitivity. For this reason, humidity removal or hydrophobic filters could not be applied to actual commercial equipment. As a result, conventional detection devices were forced to maintain a structure in which air flows directly into the sensor through a single channel, without any physical structure to block moisture.

[0007] Furthermore, due to the nature of devices based on optical signals, if fine dust or smoke particles in the air enter the sensor chamber, they cause light scattering or absorption, generating false positive signals that are difficult to distinguish from actual reactions to hazardous substances. Moreover, in environments with high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), background noise in the fluorescence signal increases or light intensity fluctuates irregularly, acting as a factor that degrades detection reliability.

[0008] As such, conventional chemofluorescence hazardous substance detection devices have not been able to sufficiently resolve the problem of false detection in high-humidity environments using only software calibration methods based on humidity sensor measurements, and lacked the means to independently detect, distinguish, and determine various environmental disturbance factors such as dust, smoke, and VOCs. Therefore, there is a need for new structures and control technologies based on complex sensing that can overcome the limitations of calibration methods relying on a single environmental variable and improve the reliability of hazardous substance detection signals by simultaneously detecting and analyzing multiple environmental variables. Prior art literature

[0010] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2030307 Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2042829 Republic of Korea Published Patent No. 10-2022-0021266 The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention aims to fundamentally resolve the problems of signal interference and detection performance degradation caused by external environmental variables, such as humidity, smoke, dust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in a composite sensor detection device based on chemifluorescence. In particular, it recognizes the problem of reduced detection reliability in high-humidity environments, which is difficult to resolve solely through software calibration based on a single sensor using environmental sensors such as temperature and humidity sensors, and sets effectively improving this as a primary objective.

[0012] The present invention addresses the problem where, when only a correction method based on environmental sensor measurements is applied in a conventional single-flow structure, changes in the state of sample air entering the main sensor unit due to rapid humidity changes or prolonged high humidity conditions are not sufficiently reflected in the fluorescence signal analysis, thereby reducing the reliability of the fluorescence signal. Since such situations increase the likelihood of false positives or failures to detect even when actual hazardous substances are present, the present invention aims to overcome the limitations of sensor-based correction by simultaneously detecting multiple environmental variables and reflecting them in the analysis of the detection signal.

[0013] To this end, the present invention has as its primary objective to ensure the reliability of hazardous substance detection even under various environmental conditions by comprehensively utilizing environmental information obtained from temperature, humidity, VOC, and dust and smoke sensors along with the fluorescent signal of the main sensor unit, thereby performing correction of the detection signal, adjustment of judgment criteria, or alarm output.

[0014] In addition, considering that detection stability may be degraded due to the physical characteristics of the sample air flow under specific conditions, such as high humidity environments, despite the sensor-based signal analysis and correction described above, the present invention has an additional objective of structurally supplementing detection stability that is difficult to secure with sensor correction alone by maintaining a first flow path in which the main sensor is placed as the basic detection path, while optionally including a second flow path to mitigate the physical characteristics of the air flow as needed. This structural supplementation is performed in parallel with sensor output correction, thereby enabling detection reliability to be maintained even in transient response situations.

[0015] Furthermore, in optical detection structures such as chemofluorescence, non-specific optical interference may occur due to smoke or dust particles in the air or the influx of high concentrations of VOCs. This leads to problems such as the generation of false signals unrelated to actual hazardous substance reactions or instability of the baseline of the optical system. The present invention aims to minimize false detections by recognizing measurement information obtained from a temperature and humidity sensor unit, a VOC sensor unit, and a dust and smoke sensor unit independently of the main sensor signal, and by comparing or cross-verifying this information to reflect it in the detection judgment.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention aims to improve the operational reliability and efficiency of the equipment by comprehensively analyzing the flow characteristics of the first and second flow paths, filter status, and sensor surrounding environment information along with sensor output information, thereby mitigating the degradation of the hydrophobic filter and sensor and enabling the prediction of maintenance timing. Through this, the invention seeks to provide a system capable of reducing unnecessary consumable replacements and ensuring stable long-term detection of hazardous substances.

[0017] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above contents, and other problems and effects derived from the structure and operation of the present invention will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. means of solving the problem

[0019] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a composite sensor detection device based on a composite sensing and control method that interprets measurement information obtained from a plurality of environmental sensors in conjunction with a main sensor signal of the chemiluminescence method.

[0020] A composite sensor detection device according to the present invention includes an air inlet into which external air is introduced, and an air path formed such that the air introduced from the air inlet is guided along a first path in which a main sensor unit is disposed. A main sensor unit of the chemofluorescence type is disposed downstream of the first path, and the main sensor unit includes a light source and is configured such that the fluorescence characteristics of a sensitizer that reacts with harmful substances change due to light irradiated from the light source. Accordingly, a fluorescence signal changes depending on the presence or absence of harmful substances contained in the air delivered through the first path.

[0021] The fluorescent signal generated by the main sensor unit is received by the light detector and converted into an electrical signal, and the light detector provides the converted electrical signal to the control unit. The control unit determines the presence of hazardous substances based on the electrical signal, but is configured to interpret the detection signal by considering the measurement information collected from the temperature and humidity sensor unit, the VOC sensor unit, and the dust and smoke sensor unit disposed on the air inlet or the first path, rather than determining the output signal of the main sensor unit alone.

[0022] That is, the control unit comprehensively utilizes the fluorescent signal and the environmental sensor signal to perform at least one of applying a correction coefficient to the output signal of the main sensor unit, adjusting the judgment criteria, or outputting an alarm, thereby ensuring the reliability of hazardous substance detection even under various environmental conditions.

[0023] Meanwhile, considering that detection stability may be reduced due to the physical characteristics of sample air flow under specific conditions, such as high humidity environments, despite the sensor-based composite judgment method described above, the present invention may optionally further include a second flow path arranged in parallel with the first flow path and in which the main sensor unit is not positioned. The second flow path is configured to alleviate the flow burden of the first flow path and maintain the overall sample air inflow stably.

[0024] Additionally, a hydrophobic filter section may be disposed in the first flow path as needed to suppress the inflow of moisture in a droplet state, and when a second flow path is applied together, even if moisture accumulates on the filter surface in a high-humidity environment, the pressure gradient before and after the filter is alleviated so that the inflow of sample air can continue.

[0025] In addition, when a second Euro is applied, the control unit may be configured to analyze the air flow characteristics or corresponding measurements passing through the first Euro and the second Euro, respectively, to indirectly calculate the moisture accumulation state or contamination level of the hydrophobic filter section, and to provide the user with the state requiring filter replacement or the timing for maintenance.

[0026] As such, the present invention effectively solves the problems of detection performance degradation and false detection caused by external environmental variables by focusing on the analysis of detection signals based on a composite environmental sensor and selectively combining air flow path structures and filter configurations as needed. Effects of the invention

[0028] According to the present invention, by configuring a composite sensor including a temperature and humidity sensor unit, a VOC sensor unit, and a dust and smoke sensor unit, signal interference caused by various environmental variables such as humidity, smoke and dust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is detected independently, and by reflecting this information in the analysis of the detection signal of the main sensor unit, the possibility of false detection caused by non-specific interference, which is difficult to distinguish based solely on chemofluorescence signals, can be significantly reduced. Accordingly, the reliability and reproducibility of hazardous substance detection results are improved, and the problem of reduced system reliability due to false alarms can be effectively mitigated.

[0029] Furthermore, compared to a method that applies temperature and humidity sensor-based software correction control alone, the present invention provides the effect of performing multi-stage judgments—such as applying correction coefficients using multiple environmental sensor signals, adjusting judgment criteria, or outputting alarms—to maintain detection reliability even under conditions where rapid humidity changes or sensor degradation occur simultaneously. Accordingly, the stability of detection performance is improved even in environmental change situations that were difficult to handle with conventional simple correction methods.

[0030] In addition, considering high-humidity environmental conditions where detection reliability is not sufficiently secured by the sensor-based composite judgment alone as described above, the present invention can structurally supplement the inflow of sample air to the main sensor by applying an air flow path structure that selectively includes a second flow path where the main sensor is not located, while maintaining the first flow path where the main sensor is located as the basic detection path as necessary.

[0031] Accordingly, when the second flow path is applied, the flow burden on the first flow path is alleviated in high-humidity environments, and even when a hydrophobic filter is installed, the pressure gradient before and after the filter is reduced, allowing the sample air inflow to be maintained more stably. This provides the effect of continuously performing the detection function even under various humidity conditions.

[0032] Furthermore, in an embodiment where a second flow path is applied, the present invention can indirectly determine the state of moisture accumulation or the degree of contamination of a hydrophobic filter by analyzing changes in the air flow characteristics passing through the first and second flow paths. This allows for the filter replacement time or the condition requiring maintenance to be recognized in advance, thereby reducing unnecessary replacement of consumables and providing the effect of improving the operating efficiency and operational reliability of the equipment.

[0033] Furthermore, as the chemistry-fluorescence main sensor unit secures greater freedom in light source placement direction and optical structure, it enhances device design flexibility and enables miniaturization or the application of various form factors. This provides the advantage of flexibly designing detection equipment to meet the requirements of diverse application fields, such as industrial sites, environmental monitoring, national defense, and disaster response.

[0034] Thus, the present invention provides a basic effect centered on the analysis of detection signals based on a composite environmental sensor, and by selectively supplementing the air passage structure as needed, it has the effect of providing a composite sensor detection device for hazardous substance detection that is robust against external environmental variables and has improved detection reliability. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] FIGS. 1a and FIGS. 1b are perspective views showing the external structure of a composite sensor detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention from different directions. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a composite sensor detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the internal flow path structure and sample branching path of a composite sensor detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a front side internal structure in which a first fluid path and a second fluid path branch off according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a rear side internal structure where a first flow path and a second flow path merge according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a detailed structural diagram exemplarily showing the relative arrangement relationship of a light source, a main sensor unit, and a light detector unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a system block diagram showing the signal connection relationship between the control unit and each sensor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a detection signal correction and abnormal state determination algorithm based on environmental variables according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a filter status diagnosis logic based on the flow rate ratio between the fluid paths according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings.

[0038] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but will be implemented in various different forms.

[0039] The embodiments described in this specification are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention.

[0040] And, the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0041] Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known components, well-known operations, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid the invention being interpreted ambiguously.

[0042] Additionally, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and the terms used (mentioned) in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0043] In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and components and operations referred to as 'comprising (or comprising)' do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components and operations.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0045] Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless otherwise defined.

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention without departing from it.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a composite sensor detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an air inlet (110) into which external air is introduced, a first air passage (121) that guides the air introduced from the air inlet (110) toward a direction in which a main sensor unit (140) is positioned, a main sensor unit (140) of the chemofluorescence method, a light detector (143) that receives a fluorescence signal generated from the main sensor unit (140), a temperature and humidity sensor unit (151) that measures environmental variables in the air, a VOC sensor unit (152), a dust and smoke sensor unit (153), and a control unit (160) that receives output signals from these sensors and interprets detection signals.

[0048] Additionally, the composite sensor detection device (100) may further include a second channel (122) arranged in parallel with the first channel (121) as needed, where the main sensor unit (140) is not arranged, and a hydrophobic filter unit (130) for suppressing the inflow of liquid droplets may be optionally arranged on the first channel (121).

[0049] The air inlet (110) is a passage for introducing air from the external environment into the device and may be formed on the front or side of the housing (170). The air introduced through the air inlet (110) is guided along the first flow path (121), and if a second flow path (122) is included, it may be branched through the double flow path section (120).

[0050] In an embodiment including a second flow path (122), the above-described dual flow path (120) is configured to guide the incoming air by branching it into a first flow path (121) and a second flow path (122). The first flow path (121) is a main sensor path where a main sensor unit (140) for detecting actual hazardous substances is placed, and the air introduced from the air inlet (110) is guided along the first flow path (121) in the direction where the main sensor unit (140) is placed. The second flow path (122) is a bypass auxiliary path where the main sensor unit (140) is not placed. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the dual flow path (120) includes a branching section (123) where the air is branched, and a joining section (124) where the branched air is discharged to the outside or joined. Accordingly, the dual flow path (120) can perform the role of alleviating the flow burden of the first flow path (121) under specific environmental conditions.

[0051] A hydrophobic filter section (130) that physically blocks the inflow of moisture in the air may be disposed at the front end of the first Euro (121). A ring-shaped filter fixing section (133) may secure the hydrophobic filter section (130) in close contact. The hydrophobic filter section (130) includes a porous hydrophobic membrane that physically blocks the penetration of moisture in the form of droplets while allowing gaseous harmful substance molecules to pass through.

[0052] The hydrophobic filter unit (130) acts to delay and mitigate the immediate transmission of moisture condensation and flow rate fluctuations caused by such condensation to the main sensor unit (140) when high humidity or rapid humidity fluctuations occur, thereby suppressing the instantaneous distortion of the output signal of the main sensor unit (140) due to environmental transitions. Accordingly, even if rapid humidity changes occur in the external environment, the inflow and condensation of moisture components are suppressed in stages, and the humidity change of the sample reaching the main sensor unit (140) is converted into a gradual slope over time, thereby buffering the transient response of the sensor output.

[0053] In addition, when moisture accumulates in the hydrophobic filter section (130) in a high-humidity environment and causes pore clogging, the flow resistance of the first flow path (121) increases rapidly. At this time, the present invention alleviates the pressure gradient before and after the filter by forming a bypass flow of a portion of the incoming air through the second flow path (122). This flow bypass mechanism prevents oversaturation of the hydrophobic filter section (130), and as a result, a minimum effective air inflow through the first flow path (121) is continuously maintained at a detectable level. The above flow bypass mechanism refers to a passive flow phenomenon that is naturally formed by the difference in flow resistance between the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122) without additional driving parts.

[0054] A main sensor unit (140) of the chemofluorescence method is disposed in the first Euro (121). The main sensor unit (140) includes a light source (142) and a sensing unit (not shown) that generates a fluorescent signal in response to harmful substances. The light source (142) includes an LED, etc., and irradiates excitation light of a specific wavelength onto the sensing unit. The fluorescent signal, which changes as harmful substances in the sample air passing through the hydrophobic filter unit (130) react with the sensing unit, is received by a light detector (143).

[0055] The light detection unit (143) includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode or a phototransistor, and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of change of the received fluorescent signal and transmits it to the control unit (160).

[0056] The control unit (160) processes the signal provided by the light detection unit (143) to determine whether harmful substances are present. In particular, the control unit (160) corrects the detection signal or determines reliability by linking the absolute value of the fluorescence signal with data from the temperature and humidity sensor unit (151), the VOC sensor unit (152), and the dust and smoke sensor unit (153).

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit (160) can analyze the change in air flow distribution between the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122) to estimate the degree of contamination or moisture accumulation of the hydrophobic filter unit (130). At this time, the change in flow distribution can be determined based on the flow rate, flow velocity, differential pressure, or equivalent measurement values ​​obtained or estimated from at least one of the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122). The results of this analysis are processed by a filter status diagnosis logic and utilized as basic data to guide the user to the maintenance time, thereby preventing the risk of a false negative of the equipment in advance.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a dual flow path section (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention utilizes the difference in relative flow resistance between a first flow path (121) and a second flow path (122) to structurally control the hydrodynamic flow of the incoming sample air.

[0060] The first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122) are arranged to form parallel paths at the branching section (123) based on the direction of inflow of sample air. At this time, the second flow path (122) is characterized by being designed to have a relatively lower flow resistance compared to the first flow path (121).

[0061] Specifically, the second flow path (122) may be formed with a shorter overall flow path length than the first flow path (121), or the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path may be formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path (121). The first flow path (121) has structural features in which flow friction and pressure drop are likely to occur relatively significantly due to the placement of the hydrophobic filter section (130). On the other hand, the second flow path (122) is configured as a simple bypass path without a separate filter, thereby minimizing physical resistance to fluid flow through a straightened shortest path or an expanded cross-sectional area.

[0062] In a high-humidity environment, moisture condenses on the surface of the hydrophobic filter section (130), causing the flow impedance of the first flow path (121), i.e., the flow resistance to fluid flow, to rise sharply. At this time, a significant portion of the flow of air entering the branch section (123) is automatically transferred to the second flow path (122), which has lower flow resistance, due to the resistance difference between the flow paths, without the need for a separate active control valve.

[0063] This design of the deviation in flow resistance acts as a technical means to prevent the hydrophobic filter section (130) from becoming supersaturated with moisture and the first flow path (121) from being completely closed by suppressing the rise in static pressure upstream of the hydrophobic filter section (130) and mitigating the pressure gradient. As a result, the sample flow rate supplied to the main sensor section (140) inside the first flow path (121) is maintained above a detectable critical flow rate even when the filter is saturated, thereby ensuring the operational reliability of the equipment at all times.

[0064] In conclusion, the present invention implements a passive flow distribution system that responds to environmental variables through the geometric design of the flow path (differential length and cross-sectional area), which is an advanced structural feature that differentiates it from existing technologies that merely diversify the flow path.

[0066] A double flow path (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention ensures flow stability by designing the internal volumes of a branching section (123) into which sample air is introduced and divided into two branches, and a merging section (124) where air passing through each flow path meets again.

[0067] Specifically, the branching section (123) is a chamber area immediately before the air introduced from the air inlet section (110) is dispersed into the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122), and is formed to have an expanded internal volume compared to the first flow path (121) as well as the second flow path (122). According to hydrodynamic principles, when the cross-sectional area and volume of the flow path expand rapidly, the fluid flow velocity is relatively reduced.

[0068] The reduction in flow rate at these branching sections (123) plays a decisive role in maintaining the filtration efficiency and lifespan of the hydrophobic filter section (130). When incoming air collides with the filter at a high speed, the high kinetic energy of water particles may cause water to be forcibly pushed into the pores of the hydrophobic membrane. The present invention lowers the dynamic pressure of the fluid through the volume expansion of the branching section (123), thereby inducing the sample air to come into gentle contact with the surface of the hydrophobic filter section (130), and thereby provides a technical effect of significantly slowing down the rate of water condensation and pore closure on the filter surface.

[0069] On the other hand, the junction (124), where the air passing through the first channel (121) and the second channel (122) is recombined, is designed to have a relatively narrow internal volume compared to the branching channel (123). As the volume is reduced, the flow velocity is accelerated again, which helps to quickly discharge the detected sample air and bypassed moisture and contaminants to the outside. This accelerated flow creates a scavenging effect that prevents residual gas from stagnating inside the channel, thereby improving the response speed of the equipment and minimizing signal interference during the continuous detection process.

[0070] In addition, the changes in flow velocity and static pressure formed according to the changes in cross-sectional area and volume of the branching section (123) and the confluence section (124) in the double flow path section (120) of the present invention are based on the Bernoulli principle, and follow the hydrodynamic characteristics in which static pressure decreases in the section where the flow velocity increases and static pressure increases in the section where the flow velocity decreases.

[0071] Due to this difference in pressure distribution, even if the flow resistance of the hydrophobic filter section (130) increases in a high-humidity environment, the air flow can naturally be transferred to the second flow path (122), which has relatively low static pressure and low flow resistance, due to the difference in flow resistance without a separate active control valve or driving means.

[0072] In other words, the present invention implements a passive flow distribution mechanism in which the flow rate is autonomously redistributed according to environmental conditions by utilizing the natural difference in pressure and flow velocity distribution induced by the shape of the flow path, and this forms the physical basis for the aforementioned filter protection effect and improved detection stability.

[0073] In conclusion, by introducing geometric design variables of 'forward flow velocity deceleration' and 'backward flow velocity acceleration' into a dual-channel structure, the present invention simultaneously achieves the conflicting objectives of filter protection and rapid component replacement without the need for separate active control components. This structural feature, which optimizes the physical behavior of the fluid beyond simple flow distribution, is a key element supporting significant advancement over conventional technology.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, a hydrophobic filter section (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention is positioned at the foremost end of the first flow path (121) and functions as an auxiliary physical blocking means for physically selectively blocking moisture components in the sample air flowing into the main sensor section (140) and the optical system.

[0076] The above hydrophobic filter section (130) includes a hydrophobic membrane with a porous structure having micropores formed to block liquid-state moisture while allowing gaseous harmful substance molecules to pass through. The hydrophobic membrane may be made of a fluorine-based polymer material such as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or a mesh structure with a hydrophobic nano-coating. Due to the characteristics of this hydrophobic material, liquid moisture with relatively high surface tension cannot penetrate into the filter pores and is repelled by forming spherical droplets on the surface, whereas gaseous harmful substance molecules freely pass through the pores by the principle of diffusion and are delivered to the rear end of the first flow path (121).

[0077] In particular, in the present invention, the placement of the hydrophobic filter section (130) at the front end of the first flow path (121) has technical significance. By placing the hydrophobic filter section (130) at the inlet side immediately after the branch section (123), not only the main sensor section (140) but also the entire interior of the first flow path (121) can be protected from moisture condensation. This reduces the risk of moisture accumulating on the inner wall of the flow path, which could cause sample adsorption or corrosion, and is a placement structure that allows the increase in flow resistance caused by moisture accumulation in the filter to naturally form a bypass to the second flow path (122) in accordance with the change in flow resistance.

[0078] In addition, as described above, as the flow rate of the incoming air is reduced due to the expansion of the internal volume of the branch section (123), the dynamic pressure of water particles applied to the surface of the hydrophobic filter section (130) is relatively reduced. This reduction in flow rate suppresses the 'break-through' phenomenon in which water particles are forcibly penetrated into the filter pores, and mitigates the pore closure speed of the hydrophobic filter section (130), thereby providing the effect of contributing to the extension of the equipment maintenance cycle.

[0079] In conclusion, the hydrophobic filter section (130) of the present invention operates by combining the physical properties of a porous hydrophobic membrane, strategic shear arrangement, and the flow control properties of a dual flow path section (120) in a trinity. This contributes to reliably protecting the sensing section and optical system of the main sensor section (140) even in high-humidity environments and improving the reproducibility of detection results.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, a main sensor unit (140) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to detect the presence of a harmful substance by converting it into an optical signal, and includes a sensing unit (not shown) comprising a chemofluorescent substance whose fluorescence properties change due to chemical interaction with a harmful substance molecule.

[0082] Meanwhile, the light source (142) is a component that can be provided separately from the main sensor unit (140) and is positioned to irradiate excitation light of a specific wavelength onto the sensing unit, and the light detection unit (143) is also functionally linked to the main sensor unit (140) and configured to receive a fluorescent signal generated from the sensing unit.

[0083] The above-mentioned sensing element has the characteristic that the intensity of fluorescence, emission wavelength, or fluorescence lifetime varies as it reacts with harmful substances, and can be implemented in the form of a porous thin film, a coating layer, or a film to maximize the contact area with the sample air. This sensing element is positioned to be exposed on the sample flow path within the first flow path (121) and configured to react directly with the sample air that has passed through the hydrophobic filter section (130).

[0084] One of the features according to one embodiment of the present invention is that the relative arrangement positions of the light source (142), the sensing part within the main sensor part (140), and the light detection part (143), or the direction of irradiation and reception of light, are not limited to a specific geometric structure. This is because the essence of chemifluorescence detection lies not in the specific angle or positional relationship between the light source and the sensing part itself, but in the irradiated excitation light reaching the sensing part to induce a fluorescence reaction and efficiently collecting the resulting fluorescence energy.

[0085] Specifically, the present invention includes not only a transmissive structure in which excitation light irradiated from a light source (142) passes through a sensing part and receives a fluorescence signal at a light detector (143) positioned on the opposite side, but also a reflective structure in which the light source (142) and the light detector (143) are positioned on the same side relative to the sensing part to detect reflected or scattered fluorescence. Additionally, the light source (142) may be positioned at any of the upper, lower, or side positions of the first flow path (121), and the direction of irradiation of the excitation light may also be perpendicular, parallel, or at any angle of inclination with respect to the sample flow direction.

[0086] The non-limiting nature of such optical arrangement allows for the flexible design of the optical module arrangement according to the internal space constraints of the dual flow path (120) and housing (170) of the present invention, and provides the advantage of flexibly designing an optical path that minimizes optical background noise while avoiding the curvature of the flow path or interference with adjacent sensor components.

[0087] Consequently, the present invention is based on the premise that the light source (142), the main sensor unit (140), and the light detection unit (143) operate in a functionally linked manner, but does not limit the arrangement relationship between them to a specific shape or direction.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, a light detection unit (143) according to one embodiment of the present invention receives a fine fluorescent signal generated from a sensing unit of a main sensor unit (140), converts it into an electrical signal that can be processed by a control unit (160) at the rear end, and performs a photoelectric conversion interface function of transmitting the generated signal to the control unit (160) in real time.

[0090] The light detector (143) may include a photodiode, phototransistor, or equivalent light detector having high quantum efficiency for fluorescence in a specific wavelength band. Preferably, a semiconductor-based high-sensitivity photodiode may be adopted. The placement position or light reception angle of the light detector (143) is not limited to a specific direction as described above, and a geometric position capable of most efficiently collecting fluorescence energy emitted from the sensing unit may be selected.

[0091] Specifically examining the signal generation mechanism of the light detector (143), it outputs an electrical signal in the form of current or voltage by generating internal charge carriers corresponding to the number of incident photons of fluorescence. At this time, the light detector (143) is configured to precisely convert not only the absolute intensity of the fluorescence signal but also the amount of change in fluorescence (ΔIntensity) or the rate of change in the signal (Slope) due to the influx of harmful substances into an electrical signal.

[0092] The electrical signal generated by the light detector (143) is transmitted to the control unit (160) and undergoes amplification and filtering processes. The control unit (160) analyzes the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the received signal and extracts a pure harmful substance reaction signal with background optical noise removed. In particular, the control unit (160) analyzes the signal from the light detector (143) in conjunction with environmental information obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor unit (151), the VOC sensor unit (152), and the dust and smoke sensor unit (153).

[0093] For example, even if a signal change is detected by the light detector (143), if a rapid change in humidity is simultaneously detected by the temperature and humidity sensor (151), the control unit (160) may determine that there is a high possibility of signal fluctuation due to environmental changes and may apply a correction coefficient to the fluorescent signal or adjust the judgment criteria. On the other hand, if the signal of the light detector (143) changes in a specific pattern without a significant change in the environmental sensor, it may determine that there is a high possibility of harmful substance inflow and output an alarm.

[0094] Consequently, the light detector (143) functions as a core interface that converts the physical phenomenon known as chemiluminescence into electrical data, and through a signal analysis process linked with environmental information from temperature, humidity, VOC, and dust and smoke sensors, it reduces the possibility of false detection due to external environmental variables and provides the effect of relatively improving the reliability of the detection results.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 7, a hazardous substance detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature and humidity sensor unit (151) that measures the temperature and humidity in the air in real time and is positioned in front of an air inlet unit (110) or a double flow path unit (120) to reduce or compensate for signal distortion caused by external environmental variables.

[0097] It is technically important that the above temperature and humidity sensor unit (151) is positioned to preemptively identify the environmental conditions of the incoming sample itself before the sample air reaches the sensing unit of the main sensor unit (140) and causes a chemofluorescence reaction. Through this, the control unit (160) can improve the precision of transient response correction for rapid environmental changes by obtaining environmental variable data immediately before the actual detection signal is generated.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (160) may be configured to perform an environment correction algorithm that reflects the measured values ​​collected from the temperature and humidity sensor unit (151) as input variables to the fluorescence signal interpretation logic of the main sensor unit (140). Generally, chemofluorescent materials tend to have a decrease in quantum yield as the excitation energy is lost through a non-radiative transition due to a quenching phenomenon occurring as ambient humidity increases. The environment correction algorithm may be implemented to calculate correction coefficients and weights by referring to pre-set reference data, experimental calibration results, or accumulated learning data.

[0099] To compensate for these physical characteristics, the control unit (160) may multiply a pre-set correction factor by the fluorescence signal intensity or selectively adjust the signal interpretation weight when the real-time humidity value obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor unit (151) exceeds a reference range. For example, if the baseline of the fluorescence signal rises and the sensitivity decreases in a high-humidity environment, the control unit (160) can extract a pure harmful substance reaction signal with environmental factors removed by relatively separating it by normalizing the signal through the correction factor.

[0100] Furthermore, the control unit (160) can dynamically adjust the judgment threshold by considering the change in the reaction rate constant according to the temperature change, and if the rate of change of the environmental variable detected by the temperature and humidity sensor unit (151) exceeds a preset threshold rate of change, it can be determined as a section with a high probability of environmental change, and can be configured to cross-verify whether the signal change occurring in the main sensor unit (140) is caused by harmful substances or environmental noise through correlation analysis with the temperature and humidity data.

[0101] Thus, the present invention establishes a multi-layer defense system in which physical moisture blocking through a dual flow path (120) and a hydrophobic filter section (130) and logical signal correction through a temperature and humidity sensor section (151) and a control section (160) are organically combined. This provides the effect of improving the reliability and reproducibility of detection results even in situations of rapid environmental transition, which were difficult to respond to with conventional single-environment sensor-based correction methods.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 7, a hazardous substance detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a VOC sensor unit (152) and a dust / smoke sensor unit (153) that form an independent environmental monitoring channel communicating with a dual flow path (120) or a first flow path (121) in order to compensate for the physical and chemical detection limitations that a main sensor unit (140) of the chemical fluorescence method may have.

[0104] The above VOC sensor unit (152) measures the concentration of volatile organic compounds contained in the sample air in real time. High concentrations of VOC inflow can act as chemical noise that interferes with the binding between the chemofluorescence sensor and the harmful substance, or causes the optical baseline to drift rapidly, making it difficult to identify minute fluorescence changes.

[0105] The dust and smoke sensor unit (153) detects particulate matter such as fine dust, cigarette smoke, and fog in the air. In an optical sensing structure, these particles cause non-specific light scattering that scatters the excitation light emitted from the light source (142) in all directions, which can cause optical interference that makes the fluorescent signal appear to change even though there is no actual reaction to harmful substances.

[0106] The control unit (160) of the present invention compares the output data received from the VOC sensor unit (152) or the dust / smoke sensor unit (153) with a preset threshold value in real time. If either one exceeds the threshold value, the control unit (160) may determine or classify the current detection environment as an Environmental Anomaly State unsuitable for detecting hazardous substances.

[0107] When such an abnormal environmental condition is detected, the control unit (160) may be configured to process the reaction exceeding the threshold generated from the fluorescent signal of the main sensor unit (140) by classifying it into a false alarm zone where false detection is possible due to environmental noise, rather than connecting it to an immediate hazardous substance alarm. At the same time, specific environmental abnormal alarms, such as "high concentration VOC inflow" or "smoke interference" may be selectively output through the user interface of the device to induce the user to accurately recognize the current situation.

[0108] This independent monitoring structure forms a hierarchical verification structure that evaluates the reliability of detection signals at multiple levels by comparing the output signal of the main sensor with the measurement results of the auxiliary environmental sensor. Consequently, the present invention provides the effect of reducing the possibility of false alarms even under various industrial environments or complex disturbance conditions, and improving the detection accuracy regarding actual hazardous substance inflow situations.

[0110] The control unit (160) of the present invention performs an adaptive signal processing algorithm that combines and analyzes the physical flow state of the device and external environmental variables in real time, and processes the output signal of the main sensor unit (140) in a situationally adaptive manner.

[0111] In the present invention, the trigger condition for the control unit (160) to switch the signal processing method is a state in which it is estimated or determined that bypass flow through the second flow path (122) has increased due to a high humidity environment detected through the temperature and humidity sensor unit (151) or an increase in the load of the hydrophobic filter unit (130). In such a state, since there is a high possibility that the amount of sample inflow will change physically or that optical signal noise will increase rapidly, the control unit (160) may selectively apply at least one of the following signal processing logics.

[0112] 1. Time Averaging: The control unit (160) may apply a moving average, low-pass filtering, or equivalent signal stabilization processing to the raw data collected from the light detector (143) in order to eliminate minute signal fluctuations that occur in high-humidity environments or unstable flow conditions. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the signal and reduces the possibility of determining peak signals caused by instantaneous environmental noise as false positives.

[0113] 2. Adaptive Threshold Adjustment: The control unit (160) can dynamically adjust the threshold value, which is a reference point for determining the presence or absence of hazardous substances according to changes in environmental conditions. For example, if a dual flow path structure is applied and it is determined that the effective amount of sample flowing into the first flow path (121) has decreased due to an increase in bypass flow rate, the control unit (160) can maintain detection sensitivity by lowering the threshold value to reduce the possibility of false negatives caused by signal attenuation. On the other hand, in sections where environmental noise is dominant, the threshold value can be raised to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary alarms.

[0114] 3. Reliability Weighting: The control unit (160) can calculate a reliability weight for the judgment result of the main sensor unit (140) by combining the current humidity state, the flow change pattern, and the environment sensor output value. If it is determined that the reliability of the main sensor is low under harsh environmental conditions, the reliability of the final judgment is supplemented by increasing the weight of cross-verification with the temperature and humidity sensor unit (151), VOC sensor unit (152), and dust and smoke sensor unit (153) instead of immediately outputting a single judgment result.

[0115] As such, the present invention implements a hybrid reliability structure that organically combines a hardware structure, which is based on a judgment structure derived from a composite environmental sensor, with software-based adaptive signal processing that additionally utilizes information on physical flow changes when a dual flow channel structure is applied. This takes into account the characteristics of chemiluminescence detectors, where sample supply conditions can change depending on environmental variables, and provides the effect of improving the stability and reliability of detection performance under various environmental conditions.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (160) of the present invention analyzes the change in the distribution ratio of the air flow rate passing through the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122) formed inside the double flow path (120), estimates the physical state of the hydrophobic filter unit (130) based on the flow rate ratio, and performs a filter self-diagnosis function that guides the user to the maintenance time.

[0118] Generally, the first flow path (121) includes a hydrophobic filter section (130) and has the characteristic that the flow resistance gradually increases as fine dust is adsorbed on the filter surface or as moisture accumulates due to exposure to high humidity depending on the usage environment and time. On the other hand, the second flow path (122), where no sensor is placed, tends to maintain a relatively constant flow impedance. The present invention utilizes the relative change in flow rate passing through the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122), which is caused by the relative resistance difference between these parallel flow paths, as a key indicator for monitoring the filter condition.

[0119] The control unit (160) collects the flow rate (Q1) passing through the first flow path (121) and the flow rate (Q2) passing through the second flow path (122), and calculates the flow rate ratio (R = Q1 / Q2) using the flow rate values. When the flow rate ratio (R) decreases below the reference value when compared to the reference flow rate ratio in the initial state where the filter is clean, the control unit (160) determines that the degree of clogging (Clogging Level) of the hydrophobic filter unit (130) is intensifying.

[0120] Specifically, the control unit (160) compares the calculated flow rate ratio (R) with a preset reference value and threshold value to perform the following step-by-step maintenance logic.

[0121] 1. Calculation of degree of closure: The degree of closure of the hydrophobic filter section (130) is calculated based on the degree of reduction of the flow rate ratio (R).

[0122] 2. Maintenance notification output: If the calculated degree of closure exceeds a warning threshold, the control unit (160) outputs a notification recommending filter inspection through a user interface. Additionally, if the calculated degree of closure exceeds a limit threshold, the control unit (160) determines that filter replacement is required, outputs an alarm, and performs device protection measures.

[0123] In addition, these diagnostic results are combined with the aforementioned dynamic signal optimization algorithm to maintain equipment availability by auxiliaryly adjusting the detection threshold even during the filter closure phase.

[0124] Consequently, the present invention implements a condition-based maintenance system that utilizes changes in the flow rate ratio (R = Q1 / Q2) in a dual-channel structure as a direct judgment indicator, thereby enabling the equipment to diagnose the filter status step-by-step and clearly provide maintenance timing without the need for a separate, high-cost measuring device.

[0126] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above.

[0127] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will understand that, without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the claims of this invention, substitution of components, changes in combination methods, modifications in shape and arrangement, partial modifications of algorithms, or various equivalent changes and variations are possible.

[0128] For example, the placement location or number of applications of multiple environmental sensor units (temperature and humidity sensor unit, VOC sensor unit, dust and smoke sensor unit), the specific shape, length and cross-sectional area ratio of the dual flow path unit (120), and the volume relationship of the branching unit (123) and the merging unit (124) can be optimized and designed according to the level of miniaturization requirements of the device or the applied environmental conditions. In addition, the material or pore size of the hydrophobic filter unit (130), the optical placement structure of the main sensor unit (140), and the detailed formulas of the environmental correction, reliability judgment, or filter diagnosis algorithm performed by the control unit (160) can also be implemented in various ways in hardware or software within the scope of achieving the same detection reliability improvement effect.

[0129] Accordingly, the scope of protection of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the embodiments described above, but should be interpreted as including not only the description in the claims set forth below but also all technical ideas belonging to the equivalent scope. Explanation of the symbols

[0130] 100 : Composite sensor detection device 110: Air inlet 120 : Double Euro section 121 : 1st Euro (Main Sensor Path) 122 : 2nd Euro (Bypass Auxiliary Route) 123 : Branch 124 : Confluence 130 : Hydrophobic filter section 133 : Filter fixing part 140: Main sensor section 142 : Light source 143 : Photodetector 151 : Temperature and humidity sensor unit 152 : VOC sensor unit 153 : Dust and smoke sensor unit 160 : Control unit 170 : Housing

Claims

Claim 1 An air inlet for receiving external air; a first flow path for guiding the air introduced from the air inlet toward a direction in which a main sensor unit is positioned; a second flow path positioned in parallel with the first flow path and in which the main sensor unit is not positioned; a hydrophobic filter unit positioned upstream of the main sensor unit in the first flow path to suppress the inflow of liquid droplets; a main sensor unit of a chemofluorescence type comprising a light source and a sensing unit including a chemofluorescent substance that changes fluorescence properties upon reaction with harmful substances, configured such that a fluorescence signal changes depending on the presence of harmful substances contained in the air transmitted through the first flow path by light irradiated from the light source; a light detection unit comprising a photodiode, a phototransistor, or an equivalent light detection element, which generates an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of change in the fluorescence signal generated by the main sensor unit and transmits it to a control unit; a temperature and humidity sensor unit positioned in the air inlet or the first flow path to measure the temperature and humidity in the air; and a VOC sensor unit positioned in the air inlet or the first flow path to measure the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. A chemical fluorescence-based composite sensor detection device for detecting hazardous substances, comprising: a sensor unit; a dust / smoke sensor unit disposed in the air inlet or the first flow path to detect dust or smoke particles in the air; and a control unit that receives output signals from the light detection unit, the temperature / humidity sensor unit, the VOC sensor unit, and the dust / smoke sensor unit, and determines the presence of hazardous substances by performing at least one of correction, reliability judgment, or alarm output for the fluorescence signal of the main sensor unit; wherein the second flow path is formed with a shorter flow path length or a larger cross-sectional area than the first flow path, thereby having lower air flow resistance than the first flow path, and is configured such that air introduced from the air inlet is distributed by the difference in flow resistance between the first flow path and the second flow path. Claim 2 A chemical fluorescence-based composite sensor detection device for detecting hazardous substances according to claim 1, comprising a branching section in which air introduced from the air inlet section branches into the first flow path and the second flow path, and a joining section in which air passing through the first flow path and the second flow path joins, wherein the internal volume of the branching section is formed to be larger than the internal volume of the joining section, so as to be designed such that the air flow velocity is decelerated in the branching section and accelerated in the joining section. Claim 3 A chemical fluorescence-based composite sensor detection device for detecting hazardous substances, characterized in that, in claim 1, the control unit performs an environment correction algorithm that applies at least one of a correction coefficient, a weight, or a judgment threshold to the output signal of the main sensor unit using the measured value of the temperature and humidity sensor unit. Claim 4 A chemical fluorescence-based composite sensor detection device for detecting hazardous substances, characterized in that, in claim 1, the control unit is configured to determine that the measurement environment is an abnormal environmental condition unsuitable for hazardous substance detection or to output an alarm signal regarding the environmental abnormality when the output of the VOC sensor unit or the dust / smoke sensor unit exceeds a reference value. Claim 5 A chemical fluorescence-based composite sensor detection device for detecting hazardous substances according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the control unit determines that the detection reliability is not sufficiently secured by correction based only on the measured value of the temperature and humidity sensor unit in a high-humidity environment state or that bypass flow through the second path has occurred, it performs at least one of time averaging, threshold adjustment, or reliability weighting adjustment on the output signal of the main sensor unit to reduce the possibility of false detection or non-detection. Claim 6 A chemical fluorescence-based composite sensor detection device for detecting hazardous substances according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to analyze the temporal change in the flow distribution formed between the first flow path and the second flow path by changing the flow resistance of the first flow path according to the moisture accumulation or contamination of the hydrophobic filter part, estimate the moisture accumulation state or contamination level of the hydrophobic filter part, and provide the user with a state requiring filter replacement or a maintenance time. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete

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