Flow Cell with Segmented Body and Intermediary Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concentration measuring devices face challenges with complex coupling structures, difficulty in fixing lenses, weak fluid sealing, and limited compatibility with various pipe sizes, particularly when measuring fluids with large diameters or in stationary states.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell with a simple structure, easy lens fixation, and improved fluid sealing, featuring a body with both fluid and light passages, optical cables, lens bodies, windows, and connectors, along with an O-ring for sealing, allowing for precise concentration measurements across different pipe sizes and in stationary conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional coupling structure is used between components, then the flow cell can be connected to the main pipe, but the structure becomes complicated and lens fixation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is divided into separate functional modules: a body portion with fluid passage, a light passage, and distinct lens mounting portions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component, simplifying the overall coupling structure while making lens fixation easier through dedicated lens mounting features on the body portion.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the flow cell body and the main pipe. This connector simplifies the coupling structure by providing a standardized interface, while the body portion includes dedicated lens mounting features that simplify lens fixation without requiring complex integration with the main pipe connection.
2Reliability
If a fluid sealing structure is added to secure passage width, then sealing improves, but the passage width becomes difficult to maintain at predetermined width
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is separated from the passage width definition function. The body portion is designed with precise passage width dimensions, while a separate connector component provides the sealing interface. This segmentation allows the passage width to be precisely controlled at approximately 10 mm without compromising sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary that provides both sealing and mechanical connection functions. It includes sealing structures such as O-rings or gaskets that ensure fluid tightness, while the body portion maintains the predetermined passage width through its internal geometry, independent of the sealing mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the flow cell is directly connected to the main pipe, then the connection is simple, but it is difficult to install in main fluid pipes having relatively large diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal interface that can adapt to main pipes of various diameters. It includes adjustable or modular features that allow the same basic connector design to work with different pipe sizes, making the flow cell compatible with various pipe configurations while maintaining a relatively simple connection structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates dynamic or adjustable elements that allow it to adapt to different pipe diameters. This may include adjustable mounting brackets, flexible sealing mechanisms, or modular components that can be configured for various pipe sizes, enhancing versatility without significantly increasing structural complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the passage width is narrowed to approximately 10 mm for desirable measurement results, then measurement precision improves, but the sealing structure becomes difficult to design and implement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the narrow passage structure. The body portion contains the precise 10 mm passage width for optimal measurement, while the sealing is provided by a separate connector component with dedicated sealing features. This segmentation maintains measurement precision while simplifying sealing structure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as an intermediary that handles the sealing function separately from the narrow passage. It provides sealing structures such as O-rings or gaskets that are designed specifically for the connection interface, allowing the main passage to maintain its precise 10 mm width without compromising sealing performance.
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 enhances concentration measurement performance by simplifying the coupling structure, improving lens fixation, and securing a predetermined passage width, thereby increasing precision and compatibility with various pipe sizes, including large diameters, and enabling accurate measurements in stationary states.
Implementation Method 1
an optical cable connected to the body to transmit source light from a spectrometer to the body and to transmit receiving light from the body to the spectrometer
Implementation Method 2
windows provided on both sides of the fluid passage and inserted into the light passage to transmit light
Implementation Method 3
lens bodies provided on both sides of the fluid passage to diffuse and condense light
Implementation Method 4
an O-ring is provided to seal between the fluid passage and the light passage
Implementation Method 5
When near-infrared light (NIR) passes through a liquid in which chemical is dissolved, the absorbance of light of a specific wavelength changes with respect to a concentration of a specific chemical
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a concentration measuring device which includes: a main pipe through which a fluid whose concentration is to be measured flows; a flow cell having a fluid passage and a light passage formed to pass through the fluid passage; a spectrometer capable of measuring absorbance for each wavelength of the source light transmitted to the flow cell and the received light receiving from the flow cell; and an optical cable connecting the flow cell and the spectrometer with each other, wherein the flow cell is separated from the main pipe to be provided separately, and a fluid pipe is connected to the flow cell, so that the fluid flows from the main pipe to the flow cell through the fluid pipe using a pitot tube.