Aerosol Characterization Optical System Using Scattered Radiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for characterizing aerosols, such as fog, ash, or smoke, in test chambers are expensive and lack consistency in simulating real-world aerosol conditions, making it difficult to accurately test vision systems and aircraft aerosol detection systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical system using scattered electromagnetic radiation with multiple sources and sensors to characterize aerosols, allowing for cost-effective and reliable characterization of aerosols in various applications, including aircraft, without the need for test chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used to measure and characterize aerosols in test chambers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the aerosol measurement function from the complex test chamber environment and implements it as a standalone optical sensor system that can operate independently. This separates the measurement capability from the expensive infrastructure, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical scattering principles to create an indirect measurement system that copies the interaction between light and aerosol particles. By measuring scattered light patterns rather than directly analyzing particles, the system achieves accurate aerosol characterization without complex sampling and analysis equipment.
2Reliability
If test chambers are used to simulate real-world aerosol conditions, then reliability of vision system testing is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system is designed to be deployed directly in real-world environments where it autonomously measures aerosol conditions. The system serves itself by using ambient light sources and processing scattered light signals without requiring controlled chamber environments, thereby maintaining testing reliability while eliminating complex infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal aerosol measurement system that can operate in diverse environments (test chambers, aircraft, field conditions) without requiring environment-specific configurations. This multi-functional capability maintains reliability across different testing scenarios while reducing the need for specialized expensive equipment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sources and detectors are used to characterize aerosol parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength measurements and scattering angle detections into a unified optical sensor system with integrated signal processing. By merging these measurement functions into a single coordinated system rather than separate instruments, the patent achieves precise aerosol parameter characterization while managing device complexity through integration.
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 optical system enables accurate characterization of aerosol parameters such as average particle size and concentration, providing consistent and reliable data for testing and real-world applications, while reducing costs associated with traditional test chamber equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The illuminated aerosol particles scatter the emitted electromagnetic radiation as one or more electromagnetic radiation returns
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A method of characterizing an aerosol, the method comprising illuminating aerosol particles (118) located within a measurement volume with a first electromagnetic radiation pulse (114) emitted from a first source (102) and receiving one or more electromagnetic radiation returns that have been scattered by the aerosol particles illuminated by the first electromagnetic radiation pulse at one or more sensors (106, 108), illuminating the aerosol particles within the measurement volume with a second electromagnetic radiation pulse (116) emitted from a second source (104) and receiving a one or more electromagnetic radiation returns scattered by the aerosol particles illuminated by the second electromagnetic radiation pulse at the one or more sensors, determine at least one of intensity based on the one or more electromagnetic radiation returns, and determine an aerosol parameter based on an algorithm and the at least one intensity.