Dual-Wavelength Sensor Device for Moisture Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor devices for measuring humidity are not cost-effective and lack efficiency in moisture detection, particularly when used on skin surfaces or in environments where multiple parameters need to be monitored simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device utilizing two optoelectronic emitters emitting electromagnetic rays at different wavelength ranges (1400-1500 nm and 900-1100 nm) and a single detector, with the emitters designed to operate time-shifted to prevent signal distortion, allowing for reliable and cost-effective moisture measurement and potential detection of additional parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate detectors are used to detect electromagnetic rays from two different wavelength ranges, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single detector is designed to detect electromagnetic rays across a broad spectral range covering both the first wavelength range (1400-1500 nm) and the second wavelength range (900-1100 nm). This multi-functional detector replaces what would traditionally require two separate detectors, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the capability to perform moisture measurements using both wavelength ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection capability for two different wavelength ranges into a single detector unit. By merging the detection functions into one component, the overall device complexity is reduced, manufacturing costs are lowered, and the device becomes more compact while still enabling precise moisture measurements through the use of both wavelength ranges
2Productivity
If two emitters operate simultaneously, then measurement speed is improved, but signal distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The two emitters operate in a time-multiplexed manner, alternating their operation in periodic cycles. The first emitter emits electromagnetic rays in the first wavelength range during one time interval, then the second emitter emits in the second wavelength range during the next time interval. This periodic operation prevents signal distortion by ensuring that the detector receives signals from only one emitter at a time, while still maintaining high measurement speed through the rapid alternation between emitters
3Ease of manufacture
If a single detector is used to detect both wavelength ranges, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but detection capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single detector is specifically designed with broad spectral sensitivity to detect electromagnetic rays across both the first wavelength range (1400-1500 nm) and the second wavelength range (900-1100 nm). This multi-functional detection capability ensures that despite using only one detector, the measurement precision is maintained by accurately detecting the distinct spectral signatures of water at both wavelength ranges, thereby achieving both cost reduction and preserved detection capability
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 solution enables precise and efficient humidity measurement with reduced manufacturing costs and device size, allowing for multifunctionality in a compact form, suitable for use on skin surfaces or various materials, while minimizing cross-talk and signal interference.
Implementation Method 1
the first emitter emits electromagnetic rays at a wavelength in the range of 1400-1500 nm... In this range, water has a local absorption maximum. The local absorption maximum is caused by an absorption band of water at a wavelength of 1470 nm
Implementation Method 2
the second emitter emits electromagnetic rays at a wavelength in the range of 900-1100 nm... In these IR spectral ranges of the second emitter, water has only a minor influence on the absorption and reflection or transmission of the electromagnetic rays
Implementation Method 3
a detector for detecting electromagnetic rays of the first and second emitter reflected at the spot or alternatively transmitted through the spot
Implementation Method 4
The approach to realize such a sensor device is based on optical properties of water... water has a local absorption maximum at 1470 nm... This makes the two emitters particularly suitable for measuring moisture at a single spot
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a sensor device includes a first optoelectronic emitter configured to irradiate a spot with electromagnetic rays, a second optoelectronic emitter configured to irradiate the spot with electromagnetic rays, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic rays from the first and second emitters reflected at or transmitted through the spot, wherein the electromagnetic rays of the first emitter have a wavelength in a range of 1400-1500 nm, wherein the electromagnetic rays of the second emitter have a wavelength in a range of 900-1100 nm, and wherein the second emitter is configured to emit at least one further electromagnetic signal, the one further electromagnetic signal not being used for measuring a humidity.