Fluid Detection Device Covering Device Defect Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices that use measuring and reference beams to detect fluid properties struggle to distinguish between clear and turbid fluids, leading to potential misinterpretation of beam selector defects, and lack a cost-effective and space-saving solution for detecting movement blockages in the covering device.

Innovation Solution

A device with a processing unit downstream of the light detector that compares output parameters in different positions of a movable covering device to detect movement blockages, using multiple light beams and a covering device that can pivot between releasing and covering positions to ensure accurate detection of both measuring and reference beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a beam selector is used to alternately measure the measuring beam and reference beam, then the device can determine fluid transparency, but it cannot reliably distinguish between clear fluids and beam selector defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid transparency detectionVSAvoiddefect detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third position for the covering device that performs a preliminary check before actual measurement. In this third position, the covering device covers both the measuring beam and reference beam paths, allowing the system to detect whether the beam selector is functioning properly before attempting to measure fluid transparency. This preliminary action prevents misinterpretation of measurement results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by comparing measurement results from different positions of the covering device. The processing unit analyzes whether the measured values correspond to expected patterns for clear or turbid fluids, or indicate a beam selector defect. This feedback mechanism enables reliable distinction between actual fluid properties and instrument defects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If auxiliary equipment is added to distinguish between clear fluids and beam selector defects, then reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidauxiliary equipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The covering device is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls which beams reach the detector during normal measurement (first and second positions) and performs defect detection (third position). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate auxiliary equipment, maintaining device simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis by using its existing components (light source, covering device, detector) to detect beam selector defects. The processing unit analyzes measurement patterns to identify defects without requiring external diagnostic equipment, making the system self-sufficient and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the covering device has multiple positions for different beam configurations, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam detection accuracyVSAvoidcovering device positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement process is segmented into distinct phases corresponding to different positions of the covering device: defect detection phase (third position) and measurement phase (first and second positions). This segmentation allows each position to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity through systematic organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 reliable detection of beam selector defects and movement blockages, ensuring accurate measurement results while being cost-effective and space-efficient, by generating distinct lighting conditions at the light detector in different positions of the covering device.

Implementation Method 1

The measuring beam is guided through a transparent window into the fluid to be examined and back into the device through a further transparent window

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption and transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The covering device is designed to cover the measuring beam in the first position and to cover the reference beam and to cover the measuring beam and to release the reference beam in the second position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3683566B1Device and method for detecting properties of a fluid to be examined
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 UNKNOWN
  • EP3683566B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3683566B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3683566B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device (1) for detecting properties of a fluid (F) to be examined, comprising a light source (2) for emitting several light beams (L), one of which is a measuring beam (3) intended to pass through the fluid (F), and another is a reference beam (4) intended to bypass the fluid (F), comprising a movable cover device (5) downstream of the light source (2) for covering the light beams (L) and which is arranged to be movable between a first position (P1) releasing the measuring beam (3) and covering the reference beam (4) and a second position (P2) covering the measuring beam (3) and releasing the reference beam (4), and comprising a light detector (6) downstream of the cover device (5), wherein the cover device (5) is arranged to be movable into a third position (P3, P3', P3").in which the light rays (L) emitted by the light source (2) are covered differently compared to the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) of the covering device (5).