Electro-Optic Liquid Sensor Dynamic Light Intensity Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optic liquid sensors are limited in their ability to assess operational state in the presence of liquid, as they typically cannot return a light signal when liquid is present, making it difficult to distinguish between sensor faults and actual liquid presence.
Innovation Solution
The method involves operating an electro-optic sensor by varying light intensity and detector sensitivity levels, allowing for the determination of liquid presence and sensor functionality, with all active components disposed outside the liquid chamber and using fiber optic cables for communication, enabling testing and operation in liquid environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electro-optic sensor is used, then the sensor can detect liquid presence, but the sensor cannot return a light signal when liquid is present, making it difficult to distinguish between sensor faults and actual liquid presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of light source intensity and detector sensitivity levels to enable the sensor to operate effectively in liquid environments. By varying these parameters, the sensor can distinguish between liquid presence and operational faults, resolving the contradiction between detecting liquid presence and maintaining light signal return capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (light intensity and detector sensitivity) to adapt the sensor's behavior in liquid environments. This allows the sensor to maintain light signal return capability while accurately detecting liquid presence, thereby improving reliability without losing information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all active components are disposed outside the liquid chamber, then the sensor can be tested and operated in liquid environments, but the device complexity increases due to fiber optic cable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber optic cables as intermediaries to transmit light signals between the light source/detector outside the liquid chamber and the sensing area inside the liquid chamber. This allows active components to remain outside the liquid environment while maintaining operational capability, achieving adaptability to liquid environments with manageable complexity through the intermediary fiber optic connection.
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
This approach allows for improved testing and functionality of electro-optic sensors in the presence of liquid, distinguishing between liquid presence and sensor faults, and enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity; receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level.