Compact Component Measuring Apparatus Using Multi-Wavelength Spectrometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component measuring apparatuses using spectrometry are large in size due to the requirement of diffraction gratings or interference spectroscopic devices and high-power lamps, making them unsuitable for compact applications.

Innovation Solution

A compact component measuring apparatus utilizing multiple light sources with different wavelengths, a light irradiation unit, a light receiving unit for transmitted or scattered light, and a signal processing unit to measure light intensity per wavelength, allowing for accurate analysis of components without the need for bulky spectroscopic equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If diffraction gratings or interference spectroscopic devices are used for spectrometry, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrometry accuracyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the continuous spectrum measurement into discrete wavelength segments by using multiple light sources, each emitting at specific wavelengths. This segmentation allows spectrometry without requiring complex diffraction gratings or interference devices, thereby reducing apparatus complexity while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of diffraction gratings and interference devices with an electrical/optical system using multiple controlled light sources and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates moving parts and complex optical alignment requirements, significantly simplifying the device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If high-power lamps are used as light sources, then illumination intensity is improved, but device size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight outputVSAvoidapparatus mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single high-power lamp, the patent employs multiple low-power light sources, each emitting at specific wavelengths required for detecting particular components. This segmentation of light sources reduces the power requirement and overall size while maintaining sufficient illumination intensity for each measurement channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by using multiple low-power sources operating simultaneously or sequentially rather than one high-power source. This parameter change allows achieving the same total light output with reduced individual source requirements, thereby decreasing apparatus weight and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then component analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent detection capabilityVSAvoidlight source configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal measurement platform where multiple light sources and photodetectors can detect various components (oil, moisture, etc.) by selecting appropriate wavelength combinations. This multi-functional design allows the same apparatus to perform different measurements without requiring separate dedicated devices for each component type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 spectrometry and distribution measurement of components using a small-sized apparatus, facilitating high-accuracy analysis of components by comparing infrared lights of different wavelengths, and includes features like moisture measurement and drying/sterilization capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

A component measuring apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of light sources having different wavelengths, an irradiation unit that applies lights emitted from the plural light sources to a measurement object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the intensity of reflected and scattered light is dropped near 3.6 μm due to absorption by the leaked oil 203a

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS9322716B2Component measuring apparatus and moving body

Publication Date: 2016.04.26 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

A component measuring apparatus includes a plurality of light sources having different Wavelengths. The component measuring apparatus also includes an irradiation unit that applies lights emitted from the plural light sources to a measurement object, and a light receiving unit that receives at least one of light having transmitted through the measurement object and light having been scattered from the measurement object. The component measuring apparatus further includes a measuring unit that measures intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit per wavelength.