Abbe Number Measurement Device for Process Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the Abbe number, which represents chromatic dispersion, are not suitable for continuous measurement of process liquids due to their complex structure and inability to be applied outside laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that generate light at specific wavelengths (486.1 nm, 589.3 nm, and 656.3 nm) for successive measurement through a measuring window in contact with the process liquid, using total reflection and image analysis to detect refractive indices, and calculating the Abbe number using the formula VD=nD-1nF-nC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If replaceable filters are used for different wavelengths in Abbe refractometer, then measurement of Abbe number is possible, but device complexity increases and continuous measurement of process liquid becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into sequential wavelength measurements (486.1 nm, 589.3 nm, 656.3 nm) rather than simultaneous measurement. The light source emits one wavelength at a time, and the system measures refractive index for each wavelength separately, then calculates Abbe number from these segmented measurements. This eliminates the need for complex optical components to handle multiple wavelengths simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from traditional Abbe refractometer by removing replaceable filters and other complex optical components. It uses a simplified setup with a single light source that sequentially emits the three required wavelengths, directing light through the sample and detecting refractive index changes without the need for filter changes or complex optical paths.
2Measurement precision
If white light is split up by diffraction grid or prism, then refractive index at different wavelengths can be measured, but device complexity increases due to need for two-dimensional camera cell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by having the light source emit wavelengths sequentially rather than simultaneously. The system cycles through 486.1 nm, 589.3 nm, and 656.3 nm in sequence, measuring refractive index at each wavelength during its emission period. This periodic wavelength switching eliminates the need for diffraction grids, prisms, or two-dimensional camera cells that would be required for simultaneous multi-wavelength measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of diffraction grids or prisms with a simpler light source that directly emits the required wavelengths. Instead of using optical components to split white light into spectral components, the system uses a light source capable of sequential wavelength emission, eliminating complex optical path requirements and enabling the use of simpler one-dimensional or point detectors.
3Measurement precision
If laboratory Abbe refractometer is used, then Abbe number can be measured, but continuous measurement in industrial process settings is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic measurement system suitable for continuous process monitoring by using a light source that can rapidly switch between wavelengths and a measurement setup that can quickly capture refractive index changes. The system is designed to continuously cycle through the three wavelengths and calculate Abbe number in real-time, making it adaptable to flowing process liquids rather than static laboratory samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measuring device that can be deployed in both laboratory and industrial process settings. By eliminating the need for replaceable filters and complex optical components, the system becomes more robust and suitable for continuous operation in harsh industrial environments while maintaining the ability to measure Abbe number with the required precision for process control applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous measurement of the Abbe number in process liquids, simplifying the measurement process and making it applicable in industrial settings without the need for complex optical structures.
Implementation Method 1
generating light successively at wavelengths of substantially 486.1 nm, 589.3 nm and 656.3 nm and directing the lights of different wavelengths successively through the measuring window in contact with the process liquid
Implementation Method 2
directing the part of light totally reflected at each wavelength to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Method and device for measuring the Abbe number in a process liquid. Light generates successively at wavelengths of 486.1 nm, 589.3 nm and 656.3 nm and different light wavelengths are directed successively through a measuring window in the process liquid so total reflection occurs at each wavelength on the measuring window surface and process liquid. Partial light reflected at each wavelength is directed to a sensor, whereby an image forms on the sensor surface; between light and dark boundary region corresponding to each wavelength critical angle, in which total reflection occurs. At each wavelength between light and dark boundary region detection by image analysis. At each wavelength, dependency between light and dark boundary region and refractive-index of process liquid measurement is detected, the Abbe number by refractive-index values obtained from:VD=nD-1nF-nC;nD=refractive-index of process liquid to measure at 589.3 nm; nF=refractive-index at 486.1 nm; and nC=refractive-index at 656.3 nm.