Broad-Range Molecular Spectroscopy for Wastewater Pollutant Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water pollutant characterization equipment lacks the ability to store and analyze samples over time, does not characterize by size and mass concentration, and lacks a rotating and removable loader, suction assembly, lifting means, and secondary sensor for continuous analysis.
Innovation Solution
A molecular spectroscopy equipment with a broad scanning range that performs multispectral analysis using LED technology, allows automatic sample taking, storing, and analyzing over time, featuring a motorized suction cylinder, rotating disc with concentrically arranged LEDs, and a secondary sensor for stored samples, enabling continuous characterization of sedimentable and non-sedimentable particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing water pollutant characterization equipment is used, then basic spectroscopic analysis can be performed, but the equipment cannot store and analyze samples over time at different intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment divides the analysis process into discrete time intervals by storing samples in a rotating loader with multiple positions. Each sample can be analyzed at different time points, enabling temporal characterization of pollutant evolution. This segmentation of the continuous monitoring process into discrete measurement intervals resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and continuous analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sample collection and storage in the rotating loader before actual analysis. Samples are pre-positioned in the loader mechanism, allowing the analysis unit to systematically examine them at predetermined time intervals. This preliminary action enables both precise measurement and continuous temporal analysis without requiring continuous sample flow.
2Extent of automation
If existing equipment without rotating loader and suction assembly is used, then device structure remains simple, but automated sample taking and storing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating loader mechanism serves multiple functions: it stores multiple samples simultaneously, positions them for sequential analysis, and enables automated sample retrieval. This single multi-functional component achieves automated sample taking and storing without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each function, thus improving automation while controlling overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction assembly is integrated within the rotating loader structure, with the suction mechanism nested inside the loader's sample positions. This nesting allows the suction function to be part of the loading mechanism itself, achieving automated sample taking without adding a completely separate external system, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing automation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing equipment without secondary sensor is used, then device complexity remains low, but analysis of stored samples cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary sensor is extracted as a separate, dedicated component specifically for analyzing stored samples in the rotating loader. This extraction allows the sensor to be optimized for stored sample analysis without interfering with the primary analysis function. The separated sensor system enables versatile analysis of both fresh and stored samples while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary sensor is positioned to work dynamically with the rotating loader, activating only when the loader positions a stored sample for analysis. This dynamic operation allows the sensor system to serve multiple purposes (analyzing both incoming and stored samples) without requiring permanent complex infrastructure, achieving versatility while controlling complexity through conditional activation.
4Measurement precision
If broad scanning range spectroscopy is used, then pollutant characterization accuracy improves, but equipment cost and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves broad spectral scanning through periodic rotation of the LED disc, which sequentially presents different wavelength regions to the sample. This periodic scanning action allows the use of multiple discrete LED sources rather than requiring a continuous broadband light source, significantly reducing equipment cost while maintaining the ability to characterize pollutants across a broad spectral range with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical monochromators or grating-based spectral scanning systems with a simpler rotating LED disc mechanism. This substitution uses basic rotational mechanics to achieve spectral scanning, eliminating the need for expensive precision optical mechanisms while maintaining broad scanning range and pollutant characterization accuracy, thus improving ease of manufacture and reducing cost.
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 precise, automated, and cost-effective characterization of waste water pollutants by size and mass concentration, facilitating sample introduction and extraction, and allowing analysis at different time intervals, improving operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating disc with a plurality of LED diodes (21) arranged concentrically on it
Implementation Method 2
The invention makes use of variable wavelength spectrophotometry to carry out the water characterisation process
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for storing and analyzing samples over time that includes a rotating and removable loader. Housing containers are for storing and analyzing the samples. A suction assembly is for taking samples that is equipped with a primary sensor. A lift is for lifting the suction assembly; a multispectral analysis unit. An injector injects the samples taken. A positioner positions a secondary sensor responsible for characterizing the stored samples. The equipment allows the samples to not just be taken and characterized automatically at the time they are taken, but also provides the option of characterizing the sample over time, which results in a broadening of the parameters to be determined, such as the size and mass concentration of the sedimentable and non-sedimentable particles present in the sample.