Adjustable Sensor Head Assembly for Accurate Powder Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor heads for measuring powderised agents face issues such as contamination, misalignment of critical components, and inaccurate measurements due to handling and cleaning, which affect their accuracy and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A sensor head assembly with an adjustable concave mirror and biasing members, coupled with sealing members and a threaded component, allows for precise alignment and protection of sensitive areas, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor head is designed with fixed components for simplicity, then manufacturing and assembly are easier, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to misalignment of critical components like windows/lenses and mirrors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable and re-alignable components within the sensor head, allowing critical elements like windows/lenses and mirrors to be dynamically positioned and re-positioned. This enables precise alignment to be achieved and maintained, resolving the contradiction between simple fixed design and accurate measurement requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for adjustment of component positions and orientations as variable parameters, enabling optimization of the optical path and measurement accuracy. By making these parameters adjustable rather than fixed, the system can achieve precise alignment while maintaining ease of assembly and maintenance
2Ease of operation
If the sensor head is handled frequently for installation, repositioning and cleaning, then operational flexibility is improved, but contamination of sensitive areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested protective structure where a protective cover or housing encloses the sensitive optical components. This nested design allows the sensor head to be handled and disassembled for maintenance while the protective structure prevents contaminant ingress into sensitive areas during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protective barriers or sealing elements as intermediary components between the external environment and sensitive internal areas. These intermediaries prevent direct contact between contaminants and critical components, allowing handling and cleaning operations without compromising component protection
3Reliability
If routine cleaning and maintenance is performed frequently, then operational reliability is improved, but misalignment of components and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment features and pre-configured component positions that maintain precise alignment even after assembly and disassembly. Critical components are pre-aligned during manufacturing with features that preserve this alignment during routine maintenance, eliminating the need for complex realignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with simpler maintenance approaches. By designing self-aligning features or using maintenance methods that preserve alignment, the system achieves high reliability through routine maintenance without the misalignment problems that would result from frequent mechanical adjustment
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
The assembly provides robust and reliable operation by optimizing operating parameters, improving measurement accuracy and preventing contamination, while allowing for easy adjustment and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the light exits the end of the cable, through a sensing volume, reflects off of a concave mirror and returns to the fibre optic cable end
Implementation Method 2
The return light is then transmitted return fibres within the fibre optic cable to a photodiode, in which the signal is converted to a voltage output
Implementation Method 3
a biasing member is provided between the sensing chamber and the second window, such that it biases the second window and the concave mirror away from the sensing chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a sensor head assembly for a measurement system for powderised agent comprising: an elongate body having a proximal end configured to receive a fibre optic cable, and a distal end; a sensing chamber provided within the elongate body, a first window provided at a proximal side of the sensing chamber and a second window provided at a distal end of the sensing chamber; and a concave mirror mounted within the elongate body at a distal side of the second window, wherein the concave mirror is mounted such that its position within the elongate body is adjustable.