A portable alcohol concentration measuring device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of portable alcohol concentration measuring devices, it is related to alcohol concentration measurement technical field, including shell, microcontroller, pump and sensor are integrated in the shell, the microcontroller is used to control pump start-stop, the pump provides flowing power for the liquid to be detected flowing through sensor, further including battery for microcontroller, pump and sensor power supply, the sensor has U type pipe, when the liquid to be detected fills the U type pipe of sensor, microcontroller controls sensor to carry out frequency measurement, sensor can convert the frequency signal measured into density value and transmit to microcontroller, the microcontroller receives frequency value and calculates liquid density.The utility model is a kind of portable alcohol concentration measuring device, its core purpose is in to the electromechanical integration design of high integration, realize the full-process automation from sampling, measurement to cleaning, to solve the problem of cumbersome operation, easy cross-contamination and insufficient portability in prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of alcohol concentration measurement technology, specifically a portable alcohol concentration measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] Alcohol concentration is a crucial quality and control indicator in fields such as food and beverage (e.g., wine, spirits, beer), chemicals, medical, and quality inspection. Traditional laboratory analytical methods, such as density bottle method, alcohol meter method, and gas chromatography, while offering high measurement accuracy, generally suffer from limitations such as large equipment size, complex operation, long processing time, high environmental requirements, and the need for professional personnel to operate them.

[0003] Currently, some portable alcohol concentration measuring devices based on the principle of vibration density meters have appeared on the market. These devices typically include a U-shaped vibrating tube sensor. As the liquid flows through the vibrating tube, its vibration frequency changes. By detecting the frequency change, the density can be calculated, and thus the alcohol concentration can be obtained. However, these existing portable devices still have shortcomings in terms of ease of use, integration, and reliability.

[0004] Existing technologies suffer from the problem of bulky and inconvenient-to-carry equipment: Traditional alcohol concentration measuring devices often adopt a split design or are large laboratory equipment, making them difficult to use outdoors, on-site, or in mobile scenarios.

[0005] Existing technologies suffer from complex operation and high barriers to entry: many existing devices require cumbersome calibration, sample pretreatment, or multiple steps, and rely on professional personnel.

[0006] The existing technology suffers from slow measurement speed and low efficiency: traditional methods may involve long waiting times or multiple measurements to obtain results.

[0007] The existing technology suffers from problems such as unstable measurement accuracy and susceptibility to interference: due to environmental factors (such as temperature and humidity) or improper sample handling, existing equipment may produce errors.

[0008] Existing technologies rely on wired power supplies and have limited application scenarios: many devices require an external power supply, which limits their application in environments without power.

[0009] Existing technologies suffer from problems such as cumbersome sample processing and easy introduction of errors: traditional methods may require manual sampling, cleaning, or replacement of parts, increasing operational complexity and the risk of contamination. Utility Model Content

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a portable alcohol concentration measuring device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a portable alcohol concentration measuring device, including a housing, wherein a microcontroller, a pump and a sensor are integrated inside the housing, the microcontroller is used to control the start and stop of the pump, and the pump provides flow power for the liquid to be detected to flow through the sensor; It also includes a battery that powers the microcontroller, pump, and sensors, and the housing has a charging port for charging the battery; The sensor has a U-shaped tube. When the liquid to be detected fills the U-shaped tube of the sensor, the microcontroller controls the sensor to perform frequency measurement. The sensor can convert the measured frequency signal into a density value and transmit it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller receives the frequency value and calculates the liquid density.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the outer wall of the housing is also equipped with a switch button for controlling the battery circuit and a trigger button for operating the microcontroller.

[0013] In a further embodiment, an inlet and an outlet are respectively provided on the outer wall of the housing, a sampling tube is installed on the outer wall of the housing, the inlet of the pump is connected to one end of the sampling tube, the outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the sensor, and the outlet of the sensor is finally connected to the outlet on the housing through a flexible tube. The outlet is used as a discharge channel for waste liquid or cleaning liquid after measurement. The pump, the sensor and the outlet constitute a closed liquid passage.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the pump is a miniature peristaltic pump, and the sensor is an integrated U-shaped vibrating tube density meter.

[0015] In a further embodiment, a handle is installed on the side wall of the outer casing.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. This utility model is a portable alcohol concentration measuring device. Through highly integrated design (such as integrating a densitometer, sensor, pump and battery into a compact housing), the device is portable and convenient for users to measure anytime and anywhere.

[0017] 2. This utility model simplifies the user interface (such as switch buttons and trigger buttons) and automates processes (such as automatically processing samples via pumps), enabling non-professionals to easily complete measurements and reducing the difficulty of use.

[0018] 3. This utility model utilizes an integrated densitometer and a fast-response sensor, combined with the automatic sampling function of the pump, to achieve rapid and real-time alcohol concentration measurement, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0019] 4. This utility model improves the accuracy and repeatability of measurements and reduces external interference by integrating a densitometer and optimizing the sensor layout.

[0020] 5. This utility model has a built-in rechargeable battery and provides a charging port, supporting long-term wireless operation and expanding its application range.

[0021] 6. This utility model achieves automatic sample intake and discharge by integrating a pump and water outlet, reducing human intervention and the possibility of errors. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view of the main structure of an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a side view of the main structure of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inner wall structure of the main structure of this utility model embodiment; Figure 4 This is a side view of the main structure of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Outer shell; 2. Handle; 3. Facial mask; 4. Switch button; 5. Trigger button; 6. Charging port; 7. Water inlet; 8. Water outlet; 9. Battery; 10. Sensor; 11. Pump; 12. Microcontroller; 13. Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] This embodiment provides a portable alcohol concentration measuring device, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, the device includes a housing 1, which serves as the load-bearing and protective structure for the entire device. The housing 1 is typically made of engineering plastic and designed with an ergonomic grip shape. Handles 2 are also installed on the outer side walls of the housing 1 for easy hand operation. The housing 1 integrates a microcontroller 12, a pump 11, and a sensor 10. The microcontroller 12 controls the start and stop of the pump 11, which provides the flow power for the liquid to be detected to flow through the sensor 10. The microcontroller 12 integrates a liquid pump drive circuit, a battery charging circuit, an LCD display circuit, a power management circuit, a communication interface circuit, a button circuit, and an MCU circuit. It is responsible for powering the system, providing a human-machine interface, converting density and alcohol content into algorithms, and external communication.

[0026] It also includes a battery 9 that powers the microcontroller 12, pump 11, and sensor 10. The battery 9 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A charging port 6, typically a USB Type-C or Micro-USB interface, is installed on the housing 1 to connect to an external power source for charging the battery 9. A switch button 4 for controlling the battery 9 circuitry is also installed on the outer wall of the housing 1. The switch button 4 controls the overall power supply of the entire device. A trigger button 5 for operating the microcontroller 12 is also installed on the outer wall of the housing 1. The trigger button 5 serves as the main input command for the user to initiate the measurement cycle.

[0027] Pump 11 is a miniature peristaltic pump, serving as the power source for liquid propulsion. It delivers liquid by squeezing a flexible tube with rollers. The advantage is that the liquid only flows through the inside of the tube and does not come into contact with the pump itself, greatly avoiding corrosion and cross-contamination between samples. Sensor 10 is an integrated U-tube vibrating density meter. It contains a precision U-tube driven by piezoelectric ceramic material. When liquid flows through the U-tube, the mass of the liquid changes the vibration frequency of the U-tube. By detecting this frequency change, the density of the liquid can be accurately calculated.

[0028] Meanwhile, an inlet 7 and an outlet 8 are respectively provided on the outer wall of the outer casing 1. A sampling tube is installed on the outer wall of the outer casing 1. When in use, it is immersed in the liquid to be tested. The inlet of the pump 11 is connected to one end of the sampling tube. The outlet of the pump 11 is connected to the inlet of the sensor 10. The outlet of the sensor 10 is finally connected to the outlet 8 on the outer casing through a hose. The outlet 8 is used as a discharge channel for waste liquid or cleaning liquid after measurement. The pump 11, the sensor 10 and the outlet 8 constitute a closed liquid passage.

[0029] When the liquid to be detected fills the U-shaped tube of the sensor 10, the microcontroller 12 controls the sensor 10 to perform frequency measurement. The sensor 10 can convert the measured frequency signal into a density value and transmit it to the microcontroller 12. The microcontroller 12 receives the frequency value and calculates the liquid density.

[0030] A display screen 13 is also installed on the outer wall of the outer casing 1, and a mask 3 is attached to the surface of the display screen 13 to prevent the display screen 13 from being wetted by aqueous solutions. At the same time, functional markings and brand logos are printed on the mask 3.

[0031] During testing, after the user presses the trigger button 5, the microcontroller 12 inside the device will execute the following steps according to a preset program: Sample introduction stage: The microcontroller sends a command to the pump 11 to make it rotate forward. The pump draws the liquid to be tested from the sampling tube, and the liquid flows sequentially through the closed liquid passage formed by the pump 11, the sensor 10, and the outlet 8. This process continues for a period of time to ensure that the liquid in the sensor 10 is a completely fresh and bubble-free sample to be tested.

[0032] Measurement and Calculation Stage: When the liquid stably fills the U-shaped tube of sensor 10, microcontroller 12 controls sensor 10 to perform frequency measurement. Sensor 10 converts the measured frequency signal into a density value and transmits it to microcontroller 12. Microcontroller 12 internally stores a calibrated density-frequency conversion formula and a density-alcohol content lookup table. Based on the received frequency value, microcontroller 12 calculates the density using the formula and then obtains the corresponding alcohol content value by looking up the table. This design eliminates the need for manual sample injection and liquid drainage. The results show that the calculated alcohol content is displayed in real time on the device's display screen 13.

[0033] Drainage and Cleaning Phase: After the measurement results are displayed and maintained for a period of time, the microcontroller 12 drives the pump 11 to continue working, thoroughly draining all waste liquid from the outlet 8 of the sensor 10 flow path. Subsequently, to clean the flow path, the microcontroller 12 can control the pump 11 to draw in a small amount of cleaning liquid, such as purified water, from a built-in cleaning liquid tank (not shown in the diagram), which can be a small reservoir or switched to an externally supplied cleaning liquid via a three-way valve. This clean liquid flushes the closed liquid path formed by the pump 11, sensor 10, and outlet 8. The flushed waste liquid is also discharged from outlet 8. After the entire process is completed, the pump 11 stops working, and the device stands by, ready for the next measurement. This design minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and ensures measurement accuracy.

[0034] The entire measurement process, including sample injection, measurement, drainage, and cleaning, is simplified to a single operation requiring only the press of trigger button 5. Switch button 4 controls the device's power supply. This design significantly reduces the user's operational burden and enhances the user experience.

[0035] The components in this solution can also be replaced with the following alternative structures: other types of micro pumps, such as micro diaphragm pumps or micro gear pumps, can be used. To achieve a similar anti-contamination effect, one-way valves can be added to the inlet and outlet ends of pump 11, and the pump chamber components in contact with the liquid can be made of corrosion-resistant materials such as PPS or ceramics. Alternatively, pump 11 can be placed after sensor 10 as a unit that pushes liquid rather than sucks it in, thus achieving fluid drive as well.

[0036] A multi-way valve, such as a three-way or four-way valve, can also be used to connect the sampling tube, cleaning fluid tank, waste liquid outlet, and sensor flow path. By controlling the switching of the multi-way valve through a program, in conjunction with the unidirectional rotation of pump 11, samples or cleaning fluid can be precisely drawn in separately and discharged to the waste liquid outlet. This approach allows for more precise control of liquid flow direction and volume.

[0037] Alternatively, a Coriolis mass flow meter can be used, which also measures density with high accuracy and has stronger resistance to interference from bubbles and solid particles. Or, an indirect measurement method can be employed, such as combining a miniature refractometer to measure the refractive index with a temperature sensor; by simultaneously measuring the refractive index and temperature, the alcohol concentration can be calculated and deduced. In summary, this design utilizes pump 11 as the driving core, connects it in series with sensor 10 via a flow path, and coordinates and controls it uniformly according to the instructions of trigger button 5, achieving "one-button" automatic sample injection, measurement, drainage, and cleaning. This closed, automated flow path system is the essential technical feature that distinguishes it from existing manually operated equipment, directly solving the technical problems of cumbersome operation and cross-contamination.

[0038] This ensures true portability and broad adaptability to various scenarios: thanks to a power system optimized for portable applications, the entire automated unit no longer relies on mains power and can operate independently. Combined with a compact, integrated design, professional-grade alcohol concentration measurement can be easily performed in any field setting, such as in the field, production line, warehouse, or restaurant.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable alcohol concentration measuring device, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) integrates a microcontroller (12), a pump (11) and a sensor (10). The microcontroller (12) is used to control the start and stop of the pump (11), and the pump (11) provides flow power for the liquid to be detected to flow through the sensor (10). It also includes a battery (9) that powers the microcontroller (12), pump (11) and sensor (10), and the housing (1) has a charging port (6) for charging the battery (9). The sensor (10) has a U-shaped tube. When the liquid to be detected fills the U-shaped tube of the sensor (10), the microcontroller (12) controls the sensor (10) to perform frequency measurement. The sensor (10) can convert the measured frequency signal into a density value and transmit it to the microcontroller (12). The microcontroller (12) receives the frequency value and calculates the liquid density.

2. The portable alcohol concentration measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the housing (1) is also equipped with a switch button (4) for controlling the battery (9) circuit and a trigger button (5) for operating the microcontroller (12).

3. The portable alcohol concentration measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the housing (1) is provided with an inlet (7) and an outlet (8). A sampling tube is installed on the outer wall of the housing (1). The inlet of the pump (11) is connected to one end of the sampling tube. The outlet of the pump (11) is connected to the inlet of the sensor (10). The outlet of the sensor (10) is finally connected to the outlet (8) on the housing through a hose. The outlet (8) is used as a channel for discharging waste liquid or cleaning liquid after measurement. The pump (11), the sensor (10) and the outlet (8) constitute a closed liquid passage.

4. The portable alcohol concentration measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pump (11) is a micro peristaltic pump (11), and the sensor (10) is an integrated U-shaped vibrating tube density meter.

5. The portable alcohol concentration measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A handle (2) is installed on the outer side wall of the outer shell (1).

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