Emitter Structure With Multi-Plane Heating Paths For NDIR Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor systems face challenges in achieving precise and cost-effective gas detection due to limitations in the infrared radiation source's temperature distribution and emission profile, which affects measurement quality.
Innovation Solution
The emitter structure features a membrane arrangement with multiple heating paths positioned in different substrate planes to create a homogeneous temperature emission profile, allowing for accurate and controllable infrared radiation emission, optimized by additional membrane layers and parallel connection of heating elements for low resistance operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single heating path is used in conventional infrared sources, then the structure is simple, but the temperature distribution is inhomogeneous leading to poor measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The heating structure is divided into multiple heating paths (first heating path and second heating path) arranged in different substrate planes. Each heating path is positioned to cover different regions, and their combined projection areas create a comprehensive and homogeneous temperature distribution across the emission surface, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane heating arrangement to a multi-plane configuration by placing heating paths in different substrate planes (e.g., first membrane and second membrane). This dimensional expansion allows the heating paths to be positioned without overlapping in projection, achieving homogeneous temperature distribution while maintaining structural efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If multiple heating paths in different planes are used to achieve homogeneous temperature distribution, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple membranes in the membrane arrangement serve dual functions: they provide structural support for the heating paths and simultaneously act as the emission surface for infrared radiation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving homogeneous temperature distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the heating function and the emission function into a unified membrane arrangement structure. The heating paths are integrated into the membranes themselves, and the membranes serve both as thermal carriers and as the infrared emission surface, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system.
3Temperature
If heating paths are positioned to overlap in projection, then the structure is compact, but the temperature emission profile becomes inhomogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing different substrate planes for the heating paths, the invention allows the projection areas of the heating paths to be positioned next to each other without overlapping. This multi-plane arrangement ensures complete and homogeneous coverage of the emission surface while maintaining a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between temperature homogeneity and area coverage.
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 configuration results in highly accurate and cost-effective gas detection systems with improved measurement properties and emission characteristics, enhancing the precision and efficiency of NDIR and photoacoustic spectroscopy systems.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane arrangement comprises at least one first membrane, a first heating path and a second heating path
Implementation Method 2
The concentration of the gas sought is determined electro optically on the basis of the absorption of a specific wavelength in the infrared spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
An emitter structure includes a substrate with a membrane arrangement. The membrane arrangement includes at least one first membrane, a first heating path and a second heating path in different substrate planes. The first heating path and the second heating path are positioned with respect to one another such that a projection of the first heating path and a projection of the second heating path onto a common plane lie at least partly next to one another in the common plane.