Flame Sensor Deterioration Diagnosis Without Mechanical Shutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flame detection systems require mechanical light blocking mechanisms to measure sensitivity changes, which are cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A digital calculation method using a reference light source to determine the sensitivity and deterioration of an electron tube flame sensor by measuring the number of peaks in an electrical signal, without mechanical light blocking, by comparing discharge probabilities and light quantities before and after activating the reference light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a chopper or shutter mechanism is used to block measuring light during reference light measurement, then sensitivity change measurement becomes possible, but the device complexity increases and mechanical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical chopper or shutter system with a purely optical and electronic solution. A reference light source is introduced that can be independently controlled to provide reference light to the flame sensor. The system uses electronic signal processing to separate and compare signals from the actual flame and the reference light source, eliminating all mechanical moving parts while achieving the same sensitivity measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference light source acts as an intermediary element that provides a known, stable light signal to the flame sensor. This intermediary reference signal allows the system to measure sensitivity changes by comparing the response to the reference light against the response to the actual flame, enabling precision measurement without mechanical light blocking components.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical light blocking means are used to measure standard reference light, then sensitivity diagnosis becomes possible, but the ease of operation decreases and the system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual or mechanical light blocking operations with automated electronic control of the reference light source. The control unit electronically switches between measuring the actual flame signal and the reference light signal, and performs automated calculations to determine sensitivity changes. This eliminates the need for operators to manually operate mechanical choppers or shutters, greatly simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame sensor system performs self-diagnosis of its own sensitivity by using the reference light source as an internal reference. The control unit automatically compares the sensor's response to the reference light against expected values and calculates sensitivity changes without requiring external intervention or complex operational procedures, enabling the system to self-monitor and self-diagnose its performance.
3Reliability
If conventional flame sensor operation is used without reference light measurement, then continuous operation is maintained, but deterioration detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The reference light source serves as an intermediary reference that enables continuous monitoring of sensor deterioration. By providing a stable, known light signal that the flame sensor can respond to, the system creates a baseline for comparison. The control unit continuously or periodically measures the sensor's response to this reference light and compares it against expected performance, enabling deterioration detection while maintaining continuous flame sensing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the reference light signal to establish a baseline sensitivity value before normal flame detection begins. This preliminary action creates a reference point that the system can use to detect future deterioration. The control unit stores this baseline information and uses it to identify when the sensor's response to either the reference light or actual flames deviates from expected performance, enabling proactive deterioration detection.
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 efficient and rapid determination of sensitivity changes and deterioration of the electron tube, eliminating the need for mechanical components and allowing for continuous sensor operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electron tube which is used for detecting the presence or absence of a flame on the basis of ultraviolet rays emitted from the flame
Implementation Method 2
electrons are emitted from the one electrode due to the photoelectric effect
Implementation Method 3
measuring a change in impedance between electrodes, a change in voltage between electrodes, and electric current flowing between electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A flame detecting system capable of easily performing a deterioration diagnosis of a flame sensor without being provided with a shutter mechanism. The flame detecting system comprising a flame sensor to detect light, a calculating device, and a reference light source, in which the calculating device, by operations of a central processing unit CPU, is configured to execute a first mode at which the discharge probability in the flame sensor is measured when the reference light source is turned off and a second mode at which the discharge probability in the flame sensor is measured when the reference light source is turned on, and calculate a current discharge probability of the flame sensor from data obtained at the first mode and the second mode.