Adjustable Electromagnetic Field Detector for Sample Composition Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current detectors for determining the composition of material samples lack accuracy, speed, cost-effectiveness, robustness, and compactness, particularly when analyzing non-conductive samples like gas mixtures, liquids, aerosols, or suspensions.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a detector with a measuring cell where an adjustable electromagnetic field is applied to ionize components of the sample, allowing for precise conductivity measurement and identification of substances based on characteristic ionization energies, using a high-frequency generator and detection means to record conductivity changes and determine component concentrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional detectors are used to analyze non-conductive samples, then the analysis can be performed, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomposition determination accuracyVSAvoiddetector reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the electromagnetic field strength to ionize different components of the sample at different thresholds. This allows the detector to distinguish between various substances based on their characteristic ionization energies, thereby improving measurement precision for composition determination while maintaining reliable detection through systematic parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical detection methods with electromagnetic field-based ionization and conductivity measurement. By using electromagnetic fields to ionize components and measure resulting conductivity changes, the system achieves higher accuracy in composition analysis of non-conductive samples compared to conventional mechanical or optical detectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If measurement speed is increased, then productivity improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidcomposition determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous measurement by continuously increasing the electromagnetic field strength and continuously monitoring conductivity changes. This continuous action allows the system to rapidly identify ionization thresholds and determine composition without interruption, achieving both high productivity through rapid measurement and high precision through continuous data collection and analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Volume of moving object

If the detector structure is made compact, then device size is reduced, but robustness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector sizeVSAvoiddetector robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electromagnetic field generation components and detection components into a single compact measuring cell structure. The first and second poles are positioned close together to create the necessary electromagnetic field within a small volume, while the detection electronics are integrated into the same compact structure, achieving miniaturization without sacrificing robustness through careful integration of all necessary components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reliable and rapid analysis of sample composition with increased measurement accuracy and efficiency, minimizing edge effects and ensuring chemical stability through controlled cold plasma states, while being cost-effective and robust.

Implementation Method 1

If the field strength is sufficient, the adjustable electromagnetic field can cause ionization of the first component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

the conductivity present between the first and second pole is also recorded; this conductivity is influenced by the conductivity of the substance sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4392770B1Method for determining a composition of a substance sample and detector
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4392770B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4392770B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4392770B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for detecting a composition (16) of a material sample (15), which has at least one first and second component (21, 22). The method (100) comprises a first step (110), in which the detector (10) is provided in an active operating state and introduced and the material sample (15) is introduced into a measuring cell (11). This is followed by a second step (120), which involves generating an electromagnetic field (24) with an adjustable field strength (25) in the measuring cell (11) and a detecting of a conductivity (26) between a first and a second pole (12, 14) of the measuring cell (11). In a third step (130), a first increase in conductivity (26) between the first and second pole (12, 14) is detected as well as a field strength (25) at the first increase (27). This is followed by a fourth step (140), which involves identifying the first component (21) and/or detecting a concentration of the first component (21) of the material sample (15) based on the first increase in conductivity (26) detected in step c) and the accompanying field strength (25). The invention also relates to a corresponding detector (10) with which said method (100) can be carried out. The invention further relates to a corresponding computer program product (60) and a corresponding control unit (35).