Absorption Coefficient Determination Using Variable Measurement Distances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the absorption behavior of a medium face challenges in accurately measuring absorption coefficients due to interference factors from varying measurement distances and hardware aging, leading to unreliable results and increased calibration requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method that extends the calculation equation for absorption coefficients by incorporating a length difference between measurement distances, allowing for the elimination of interference factors and enabling measurement at multiple distances using a sensor with a variable measurement distance and pulsed light source, which adapts to maintain constant intensity and wavelength, thus reducing calibration needs and improving reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If measurement is performed at a single fixed distance, then the measurement process is simple, but interference factors from hardware aging and varying distances cannot be eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption coefficient determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a variable measurement distance that can be dynamically adjusted between a first measurement distance and a second measurement distance. This dynamic capability allows the system to perform measurements at multiple distances and eliminate interference factors through mathematical processing, thereby improving absorption coefficient determination accuracy while managing measurement process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic switching between two measurement distances to perform alternating measurements. By periodically changing the measurement distance and using the difference between measurements at the two distances, the system eliminates interference factors such as hardware aging and constant path losses, improving measurement precision without requiring complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If multiple measurement distances are used, then interference factors can be eliminated, but the measurement process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two measurement distances rather than performing separate measurements at each distance. This dynamic approach allows interference factors to be eliminated through the difference calculation while maintaining a streamlined measurement process that reduces time loss compared to traditional multi-distance methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If measurement distances are varied, then absorption behavior can be more accurately determined, but calibration requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption coefficient accuracyVSAvoidcalibration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates interference factors from the measurement equation by performing measurements at two different distances and using the difference between these measurements. This extraction approach removes the need for precise calibration of absolute measurement distances and hardware characteristics, improving absorption coefficient accuracy while reducing calibration requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs a copy measurement at a second measurement distance after the first measurement, then uses the difference between the two measurements to eliminate interference factors. This copying approach allows accurate determination of absorption coefficients without requiring precise knowledge of the actual measurement distances or extensive calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

This approach allows for quick and direct analysis of medium absorption by eliminating interference factors and reducing calibration requirements, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of absorption coefficient determination across different measurement distances and wavelengths.

Implementation Method 1

An absorption behavior of a medium is described by an absorption coefficient of the medium... the first intensity value represents a measured first light intensity after passing over a first measurement distance in the medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10036702B2Method, device and sensor for determining an absorption behavior of a medium

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A method is used to determine an absorption behavior of a medium. The method includes establishing an absorption coefficient of the medium using a first intensity value and at least one second intensity value and a length different between a first measurement distance and a second measurement distance. The first intensity value represents a measured first light intensity after passing over a first measurement distance in the medium. The second intensity value represents a measured second light intensity after passing over a second measurement distance in the medium. The first intensity value and the second intensity value are measured using light with a common initial intensity.