Absorption Measurement System with Variable Beam Paths

Solution Overview

Problem

Absorption measurement systems are limited by the fixed length of measuring paths, which restricts their measuring range and accuracy, making them inflexible for applications with varying absorption coefficients.

Innovation Solution

The system employs measuring chambers with beam paths of varying lengths, selectable based on the measurement range, and uses a characteristic curve to determine absorption coefficients, allowing for flexible operation over a large range with high accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed length measuring path is used, then the device structure is simple, but the measuring range and accuracy are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring chamber is divided into multiple sections with different path lengths (e.g., 1cm, 2cm, 5cm, 10cm), allowing the system to handle different absorption coefficients by selecting appropriate segments. This segmentation enables extended measuring range while maintaining manageable device structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects different measuring path lengths based on the absorption characteristics of the medium being measured. By making the path length adjustable rather than fixed, the system adapts to varying measurement requirements, improving both accuracy and versatility without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single measuring path length is used, then the device is simple to operate, but the measuring range is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasuring rangeVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring chamber is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating several path lengths within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the same device to measure different absorption coefficients effectively, extending the measuring range while maintaining ease of operation through a unified system design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the path length parameter based on the measurement requirements. By providing pre-defined path length options and allowing selection based on the expected absorption coefficient range, the system maintains operational simplicity while achieving versatility across different measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the measuring path length is increased, then small absorption coefficients can be measured accurately, but large absorption coefficients cannot be measured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision for small absorptionVSAvoidmeasuring range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring chamber is divided into multiple sections with different path lengths (e.g., 1cm, 2cm, 5cm, 10cm), allowing the system to handle different absorption coefficients by selecting appropriate segments. This segmentation enables extended measuring range while maintaining manageable device structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the path length parameter based on the measurement requirements. By providing pre-defined path length options and allowing selection based on the expected absorption coefficient range, the system maintains operational simplicity while achieving versatility across different measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables measurements across an extremely large range while achieving high accuracy by selecting suitable beam paths, overcoming the limitations of fixed path lengths and enhancing the system's flexibility and precision.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the radiation intensity, which is dependent on the absorption in the medium

Methodology Applied

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

Data Source

PatentUS8908184B2Absorption measurement system

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 ENDRESS HAUSER CONDUCTA GESELLSCHAFT FUER MESS UND REGELTECHNIK MBH CO KG

AI summary

An absorption measurement system, flexibly usable over a large measuring range, for measuring at least one property of a medium reflected in its absorption behavior, especially a property such as an absorption coefficient (μ). The absorption measurement system comprises: a measuring chamber filled with the medium in measurement operation, in which radiatable beam paths usable as measuring paths and of different lengths, extend completely through the medium; a transmitting unit, which transmits radiation along the measuring paths through measuring chamber in measurement operation; a measuring and receiving unit, which receives radiation passing through measuring chamber on the measuring paths and measures its radiation intensities dependent on the property of the medium and the lengths of the measuring paths; and a measuring electronics, which determines the property based on the measured radiation intensities and the lengths of measuring paths.