EDAR Gas Detection Using Road Surface Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle remote-sensing systems are inefficient in detecting absolute amounts of emissions, as they only sense part of the exhaust plume and require multiple measurements to account for false negative readings due to cold engine emissions, and are challenging to operate on multi-lane roads.
Innovation Solution
A device using EDAR technology that directs a beam of light through the exhaust plume, scattering it on a target surface to determine the temperature and composition of gases by processing the scattered light, allowing for the calculation of absolute amounts and identifying the presence, location, and flow rate of gases using optical mass and half-width at half-maximum analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam of light is directed through the exhaust plume to a target surface for scattering detection, then the measurement of absolute emissions and temperature is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a target surface (road surface, drill surface, or ground) as an intermediary to scatter the light beam back through the exhaust plume to the detector. This scattering mechanism enables absolute emissions measurement without requiring complex multi-beam systems or multiple measurement points, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing surfaces (road surfaces, drill surfaces, ground) as target surfaces for light scattering, eliminating the need for dedicated reflective surfaces or additional infrastructure. This self-service approach reduces installation complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If remote sensing systems use reflectors on both sides of the road to increase absorption signal, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reflector from the system by using naturally occurring surfaces (road surfaces, drill surfaces, ground) as target surfaces for light scattering. This eliminates the need for installing and maintaining artificial reflectors on both sides of the road, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining detection sensitivity through the scattering mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing, freely available surfaces (roads, ground, drill surfaces) as target surfaces, replacing expensive, maintenance-intensive artificial reflectors. These natural surfaces require no installation, maintenance, or replacement, significantly improving operational ease
3Measurement precision
If the light beam encompasses the entire exhaust plume, then the absolute amount of emissions is accurately measured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by directing the light beam to a target surface and utilizing scattering to return through the plume. This geometric arrangement allows the beam to encompass the entire plume cross-section using a simple optical path, achieving absolute measurement without complex multi-beam or multi-point systems
Solution Approach 2:
The target surface acts as an intermediary that enables the light beam to interact with the entire plume volume. By scattering off this surface, the beam effectively samples the complete emissions plume, achieving comprehensive measurement with a single optical path and simple detector configuration
4Reliability
If multiple measurements are taken to account for false negatives from cold engine emissions, then the reliability of emission detection is improved, but the productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds temperature measurement capability to the emission detection system by analyzing the scattering light spectrum. This dual-parameter measurement (emissions + temperature) in a single scan allows immediate identification of cold engine conditions, improving reliability without requiring multiple sequential measurements and maintaining high productivity
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 the remote detection of entire exhaust plumes, reducing false negatives by measuring absolute emissions directly and operating effectively on multi-lane roads, eliminating the need for multiple measurements and infrared cameras.
Implementation Method 1
sweepingly directing a beam of light through the gas to a target surface on which the beam of light is scattered, acquiring the scattered light scattered from the target surface
Implementation Method 2
a beam of light 1115 generated from the source 1110 passes through an exhaust plume 1140 emitted from a vehicle 1105 driven on the road 1101, thereby carrying an absorption signal associated with components and concentrations of the exhaust plume 1140
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention are directed to a device and method for detecting characteristics of a gas. The gas includes an exhausted plume from a vehicle or factory plant, leaked gas from an oil well or gas resource, or unidentified gas from an unknown source. The method includes sweepingly directing a beam of light through the gas to a target surface on which the beam of light is scattered, acquiring the scattered light scattered from the target surface, and processing the acquired scattered light to determine the characteristics of the gas, where the characteristics of the gas comprise at least one of a temperature of the gas and an amount of at least one ingredient of the gas.