Alcohol gas concentration sensor

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses an alcohol gas concentration sensor which comprises a reflecting tube, a light source assembly and a detection assembly. When in use, alcohol gas exhaled in a vehicle enters the tube through a long air inlet hole of the reflecting tube, and the light source assembly emits light. The light repeatedly reflects on the inner wall of the metal reflecting tube to prolong the light path, and fully contacts the alcohol gas in the reflecting tube. The alcohol absorbs specific band infrared light. The remaining light reaches another end thermocouple sensor. The thermocouple sensor distinguishes the target infrared band, converts the light intensity change into an electric signal, and the control circuit board collects the electric signal and performs calculation and conversion, and finally outputs the real-time alcohol gas concentration value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sensor technology, and in particular to an alcohol gas concentration sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Commonly used alcohol gas concentration sensors mostly employ electrochemical sensing solutions, resulting in short sensor lifespans and difficulty meeting automotive-grade reliability requirements. Other alcohol gas concentration detection devices based on optical principles are used for gas detection in high-concentration environments such as wineries, but lack low-concentration detection capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This part of the invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related art.

[0005] In view of this, embodiments of this application propose an alcohol gas concentration sensor, comprising: A reflector tube, wherein the reflector tube has multiple air inlets along its length; A light source assembly, disposed at one end of the reflector tube, is used to emit light; A detection component is provided at the other end of the reflector tube. The detection component includes a thermopile sensor and a control circuit board. The thermopile sensor is located at the other end of the reflector tube to receive light signals and convert the light signals into electrical signals. The control circuit board is connected to the thermopile sensor and collects the detection results of the thermopile sensor.

[0006] In one feasible implementation, the reflector is made of a metallic material; and / or The air inlet is an elongated hole.

[0007] In one feasible implementation, the light source assembly includes: A mounting base is inserted into one end of the reflector tube; A tungsten filament lamp light source, wherein the tungsten filament lamp light source is connected to the fixing base; A light-blocking plate is arranged on the side of the tungsten filament lamp light source facing the light source assembly.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, the light source assembly further includes: A guide post, one end of which is connected to the fixed base; A first snap-fit ​​component is formed on the guide post, and the light source assembly is snapped onto the reflector tube via the first snap-fit ​​component. The light-blocking plate is connected to the other end of the guide post.

[0009] In one feasible implementation, the light source assembly further includes: A first sealing element is sleeved on the fixed base and located between the fixed base and the reflector tube.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, the detection component further includes: The mounting base has a second snap-fit ​​component at its end, and the mounting base is snap-fitted to the reflector tube via the second snap-fit ​​component; The thermopile sensor is mounted on the mounting base.

[0011] In one feasible implementation, the detection component further includes: The second sealing element is sleeved on the mounting base and located between the mounting base and the reflector tube.

[0012] In one feasible implementation, the thermopile sensor includes at least two filters, each with a different wavelength of acceptable light.

[0013] In one feasible implementation, the interior of the reflective tube is coated with a reflective layer.

[0014] In one feasible implementation, the alcohol gas concentration sensor further includes: The mounting flange is disposed on the outer wall of the reflector tube.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The alcohol gas concentration sensor provided in this embodiment includes a reflector, a light source assembly, and a detection assembly. In use, exhaled alcohol gas from inside the vehicle enters the reflector through its elongated air inlet, and the light source assembly emits light. The light is repeatedly reflected off the inner wall of the metal reflector, extending its path and ensuring full contact with the alcohol gas inside. Alcohol absorbs specific wavelengths of infrared light. The remaining light reaches a thermopile sensor at the other end. The thermopile sensor distinguishes the target infrared band, converts the light intensity change into an electrical signal, and the control circuit board collects and calculates the electrical signal, ultimately outputting a real-time alcohol gas concentration value.

[0016] The alcohol gas concentration sensor provided in this application adopts an infrared optical detection scheme. Compared with traditional electrochemical sensors, its service life can reach 5 years, meeting the reliability requirements of automotive applications and solving the short lifespan defect of electrochemical devices. The reflector tube extends the effective optical path, significantly improving the detection sensitivity of low-concentration alcohol, making it suitable for detecting trace amounts of alcohol in human breath inside vehicles. This overcomes the limitation of traditional optical equipment that can only detect high-concentration gases, resulting in stronger detection stability. The entire device is easy to assemble and can continuously and accurately collect and output alcohol gas concentration data.

[0017] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and in order to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an alcohol gas concentration sensor according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an alcohol gas concentration sensor according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of the reflector of an alcohol gas concentration sensor according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of the light source assembly of an alcohol gas concentration sensor according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the light source assembly of an alcohol gas concentration sensor according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of the detection component of an alcohol gas concentration sensor according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of the detection component of an alcohol gas concentration sensor according to one embodiment of the present application, taken from another angle.

[0019] in, Figures 1 to 7 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows: 110 reflector, 120 light source assembly, 130 detection assembly; 111 air intake; 121 Mounting base, 122 Tungsten filament lamp source, 123 Light shield, 124 Guide post, 125 First snap-fit ​​component, 126 First sealing component 131 Thermopile sensor, 132 Control circuit board, 133 Mounting base, 134 Second snap-fit ​​component, 135 Second sealing component, 136 Filter. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of the technical solutions provided by this invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the technical solutions provided by this invention can be implemented without one or more of these details.

[0021] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the invention is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment proposes an alcohol gas concentration sensor, including: a reflector tube 110, the reflector tube 110 having a plurality of air inlets 111 along its length; a light source assembly 120, the light source assembly 120 being disposed at one end of the reflector tube 110 for emitting light; and a detection assembly 130, the detection assembly 130 being disposed at the other end of the reflector tube 110, the detection assembly 130 including a thermopile sensor 131 and a control circuit board 132, the thermopile sensor 131 being disposed at the other end of the reflector tube 110 for receiving light signals and converting the light signals into electrical signals, the control circuit board 132 being connected to the thermopile sensor 131 and acquiring the detection results of the thermopile sensor 131.

[0024] The alcohol gas concentration sensor provided in this embodiment includes a reflector tube 110, a light source assembly 120, and a detection assembly 130. In use, exhaled alcohol gas from inside the vehicle enters the reflector tube 110 through the elongated air inlet 111. The light source assembly 120 emits light. The light is repeatedly reflected off the inner wall of the metal reflector tube 110, extending the optical path and ensuring full contact with the alcohol gas inside. Alcohol absorbs specific wavelengths of infrared light. The remaining light reaches the thermopile sensor 131 at the other end. The thermopile sensor 131 distinguishes the target infrared band, converts the light intensity change into an electrical signal, and the control circuit board 132 collects the electrical signal, performs calculations, and finally outputs a real-time alcohol gas concentration value.

[0025] The alcohol gas concentration sensor provided in this application adopts an infrared optical detection scheme. Compared with traditional electrochemical sensors, its service life can reach 5 years, meeting the reliability requirements of automotive applications and solving the short lifespan defect of electrochemical devices. The reflector 110 extends the effective optical path, significantly improving the detection sensitivity of low-concentration alcohol, making it suitable for detecting trace amounts of alcohol in human breath inside vehicles. It overcomes the limitation of traditional optical equipment that can only detect high-concentration gases, resulting in stronger detection stability. The entire device is easy to assemble and can continuously and accurately collect and output alcohol gas concentration data.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, in one possible embodiment, the reflector tube 110 is made of a metallic material; and / or the air inlet 111 is an elongated hole.

[0027] In this technical solution, the reflector tube 110 is made of metal, with excellent reflective properties on its inner wall. This allows for efficient reflection of light emitted from the light source assembly 120, significantly extending the optical path of light within the reflector tube 110, enhancing the absorption of infrared light by the alcohol gas, and increasing the sensitivity of low-concentration alcohol detection. The metal material also possesses good structural strength, temperature resistance, and anti-aging properties, making it suitable for harsh automotive environments. The air inlet 111 is designed as an elongated hole, which expands the gas flow area, accelerates the rate at which the alcohol gas to be tested enters the reflector tube 110, shortens the detection response time, and ensures that the gas concentration inside the reflector tube 110 quickly synchronizes with the external environment, improving real-time detection performance.

[0028] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the light source assembly 120 includes: a mounting base 121, which is inserted into one end of the reflector tube 110; a tungsten filament lamp source 122, which is connected to the mounting base 121; and a light-blocking plate 123, which is arranged on the side of the tungsten filament lamp source 122 facing the light source assembly 120.

[0029] In this technical solution, the structure of the light source assembly 120 is further provided. The light source assembly 120 may include a fixing base 121, a tungsten filament lamp light source 122, and a light-blocking plate 123. The fixing base 121 is inserted and assembled at the end of the reflector tube 110, which can quickly complete the alignment and assembly of the light source assembly 120 and the reflector tube 110, and the assembly operation is convenient. The tungsten filament lamp light source 122 can output a broadband light spectrum covering the characteristic absorption band of alcohol, providing a reliable infrared light source for the thermopile sensor 131. The light-blocking plate 123 is located on the side of the tungsten filament lamp light source 122 facing the detection side, which can block the direct light from the tungsten filament lamp light source 122 from directly reaching the thermopile sensor 131, and only allow the light reflected by the inner wall of the reflector tube 110 to reach the thermopile sensor 131, eliminating the detection baseline offset caused by direct strong light, effectively reducing detection interference, and improving the accuracy of alcohol gas concentration detection data.

[0030] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the light source assembly 120 further includes: a guide post 124, one end of which is connected to the fixing base 121; a first snap-fit ​​member 125, which is formed on the guide post 124, and the light source assembly 120 is snapped to the reflector tube 110 through the first snap-fit ​​member 125; wherein, the light-blocking plate 123 is connected to the other end of the guide post 124.

[0031] In this technical solution, the light source assembly 120 may further include a guide post 124 and a first snap-fit ​​component 125. One end of the guide post 124 is connected to the fixing base 121, and the other end is connected to the light-blocking plate 123, realizing the integrated positioning of the fixing base 121 and the light-blocking plate 123, ensuring the coaxiality of the light-blocking plate 123 with the tungsten filament lamp light source 122 and the reflector tube 110, and stabilizing the light-blocking effect. The first snap-fit ​​component 125 is provided on the guide post 124, so that the light source assembly 120 is firmly locked to the end of the reflector tube 110 by the snap-fit ​​structure, replacing the threaded assembly, making disassembly and assembly simpler. The snap-fit ​​connection can ensure the sealing of the connection between the light source assembly 120 and the reflector tube 110, reduce the entry of external stray light into the reflector tube 110, and at the same time unify the installation position of the light source assembly 120, avoid optical path offset caused by assembly deviation, and continuously ensure the detection accuracy of the thermopile sensor 131.

[0032] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the light source assembly 120 further includes a first sealing member 126, which is sleeved on the fixing base 121 and located between the fixing base 121 and the reflector tube 110.

[0033] In this technical solution, the first sealing element 126 is fitted onto the fixing base 121 and fills the connection gap between the fixing base 121 and the reflector tube 110. It can seal the assembly gap between the two, on the one hand preventing stray light from penetrating into the interior of the reflector tube 110 and avoiding stray light interference with the light signal acquisition of the thermopile sensor 131; on the other hand, it isolates water vapor and dust from entering the reflector tube 110, protects the tungsten filament lamp light source 122 and the internal optical path structure of the reflector tube 110, improves the weather resistance of the device, and at the same time reduces the leakage of infrared light from the tube to the outside, stabilizes the internal optical path of the reflector tube 110, and ensures that the alcohol gas concentration detection results are stable and reliable.

[0034] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the detection component 130 further includes: a mounting base 133, the end of which is provided with a second snap-fit ​​member 134, and the mounting base 133 is snapped onto the reflector tube 110 through the second snap-fit ​​member 134; wherein, the thermopile sensor 131 is disposed on the mounting base 133.

[0035] In this technical solution, the structural composition of the detection component 130 is further provided. The mounting base 133 is quickly snapped and fixed to the reflector tube 110 via the second snap-fit ​​member 134 at its end, facilitating convenient assembly and disassembly. This allows for precise definition of the installation position of the thermopile sensor 131 at the end of the reflector tube 110, ensuring coaxiality of the optical path. The snap-fit ​​structure enables a tight fit between the mounting base 133 and the reflector tube 110, reducing light leakage through gaps and preventing external stray light from interfering with the light signal received by the thermopile sensor 131. The mounting base 133 provides a stable support for the thermopile sensor 131, buffering vehicle vibration and impact, reducing the risk of displacement of the thermopile sensor 131, and continuously ensuring the accuracy of alcohol gas concentration detection.

[0036] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the detection component 130 further includes a second seal 135, which is sleeved on the mounting base 133 and located between the mounting base 133 and the reflector tube 110.

[0037] In this technical solution, the second sealing element 135 is fitted onto the mounting base 133 and fills the assembly gap between the mounting base 133 and the reflector tube 110. This prevents external dust and moisture from entering the interior of the reflector tube 110, protecting the thermopile sensor 131 from contamination and corrosion. Simultaneously, it blocks external stray light from entering the reflector tube 110 through the gap, preventing stray light from interfering with the light signal collected by the thermopile sensor 131. It also prevents infrared light from escaping from the reflector tube 110, stabilizes the internal optical path environment of the reflector tube 110, reduces changes in the assembly gap caused by vehicle vibration, and continuously ensures stable and accurate alcohol gas concentration detection data.

[0038] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the thermopile sensor 131 includes at least two filters 136, each of which has a different wavelength of acceptable light.

[0039] In this technical solution, the thermopile sensor 131 includes at least two filters 136 with different transmission wavelengths, which can respectively filter infrared light in the characteristic absorption band of alcohol and infrared light in the reference band, forming a dual-channel detection reference. The detection channel filter 136 collects the light signal absorbed by alcohol gas, while the reference channel filter 136 collects the reference light signal unaffected by alcohol. The difference between the two sets of signals eliminates common-mode interference such as light source attenuation, ambient temperature, and optical path loss. Dual-wavelength contrast correction can significantly reduce detection errors under complex in-vehicle conditions, accurately distinguish alcohol gas from other interfering gases, improve the ability to identify low-concentration alcohol, and effectively improve the accuracy and anti-interference performance of alcohol gas concentration detection.

[0040] In some examples, there can be two filters 136, one of which can receive infrared light at 3910±40nm and the other can receive infrared light at 3300±30nm.

[0041] In one feasible implementation, the interior of the reflective tube 110 is coated with a reflective layer.

[0042] In this technical solution, the reflective layer coated inside the reflective tube 110 can significantly improve the reflection efficiency of the infrared light from the tungsten filament lamp light source 122 on the inner wall of the reflective tube 110, reduce energy loss when the light propagates within the reflective tube 110, and extend the effective optical path. A sufficient optical path can enhance the absorption of characteristic infrared light by the alcohol gas, increase the signal difference of the thermopile sensor 131, and strengthen the sensitivity for detecting low-concentration alcohol. Simultaneously, the reflective layer can prevent oxidation of the metal substrate from reducing reflectivity, ensuring long-term stability of the internal optical path of the reflective tube 110 and guaranteeing continuous stability of alcohol gas concentration detection results in vehicle-mounted scenarios.

[0043] In one feasible implementation, the alcohol gas concentration sensor further includes a mounting flange disposed on the outer wall of the reflector tube 110.

[0044] In this technical solution, the mounting flange is fixed to the outer wall of the reflector tube 110, providing a standardized mounting carrier for the alcohol gas concentration sensor. It can be directly matched and fixed to the corresponding assembly point on the vehicle-mounted equipment housing, simplifying the overall vehicle assembly process. The mounting flange increases the contact area between the sensor and the vehicle-mounted carrier, dispersing the force caused by vehicle vibration, reducing the risk of loosening or displacement of the reflector tube 110, light source assembly 120, and detection assembly 130, stabilizing the internal optical path of the reflector tube 110, avoiding interference from assembly shaking with the signal acquisition of the thermopile sensor 131, and ensuring long-term detection accuracy.

[0045] In this invention, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0047] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An alcohol gas concentration sensor, characterized in that, include: A reflector tube, wherein the reflector tube has multiple air inlets along its length; A light source assembly, disposed at one end of the reflector tube, is used to emit light; A detection component is provided at the other end of the reflector tube. The detection component includes a thermopile sensor and a control circuit board. The thermopile sensor is located at the other end of the reflector tube to receive light signals and convert the light signals into electrical signals. The control circuit board is connected to the thermopile sensor and collects the detection results of the thermopile sensor.

2. The alcohol gas concentration sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector is made of a metallic material; and / or The air inlet is a long, narrow hole.

3. The alcohol gas concentration sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source assembly includes: A mounting base is inserted into one end of the reflector tube; A tungsten filament lamp light source, wherein the tungsten filament lamp light source is connected to the fixing base; A light-blocking plate is arranged on the side of the tungsten filament lamp light source facing the light source assembly.

4. The alcohol gas concentration sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The light source assembly also includes: A guide post, one end of which is connected to the fixed base; A first snap-fit ​​component is formed on the guide post, and the light source assembly is snapped onto the reflector tube via the first snap-fit ​​component. The light-blocking plate is connected to the other end of the guide post.

5. The alcohol gas concentration sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The light source assembly also includes: A first sealing element is sleeved on the fixed base and located between the fixed base and the reflector tube.

6. The alcohol gas concentration sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The detection component also includes: The mounting base has a second snap-fit ​​component at its end, and the mounting base is snap-fitted to the reflector tube via the second snap-fit ​​component; The thermopile sensor is mounted on the mounting base.

7. The alcohol gas concentration sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection component also includes: The second sealing element is sleeved on the mounting base and located between the mounting base and the reflector tube.

8. The alcohol gas concentration sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The thermopile sensor includes at least two filters, each with a different wavelength of acceptable light.

9. The alcohol gas concentration sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The interior of the reflective tube is coated with a reflective layer.

10. The alcohol gas concentration sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Also includes: The mounting flange is disposed on the outer wall of the reflector.

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