Fluid Detector Calibration via Sorption Duration Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid detectors with preconcentrators face challenges in achieving high accuracy and stability due to manufacturing tolerances and aging effects, leading to shifting measurement ranges and selectivity issues when detecting volatile organic compounds, especially in environments with natural VOC emissions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for calibrating fluid detectors by adjusting the sorption duration of the preconcentrator, allowing for precise enrichment and release of substances, which is calibrated by determining the storage capacity and mass transport characteristics to ensure a defined electrical measurement value based on substance concentration, thereby maintaining a stable measurement range without altering the selectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a preconcentrator is used to increase selectivity by sorbing and accumulating specific volatile organic compounds, then selectivity is improved, but manufacturing tolerances and aging effects cause varying characteristics of the measurement path, leading to poor measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the sorption time as a calibration parameter to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and aging effects. By varying the sorption duration, the system adapts to changing characteristics of the preconcentrator and measurement path, maintaining measurement precision while preserving the selectivity enhancement provided by the preconcentrator.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed by correcting the evaluation of the fluid sensor signal, then measurement precision may be improved, but the lower and upper limits of the measurement range shift, causing loss of information about the original measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration through sorption time adjustment before actual measurements are taken. This approach establishes the correct measurement range and precision parameters in advance, avoiding the need to correct evaluation results afterward. The measurement range information is preserved because the calibration sets the proper operating parameters rather than mathematically correcting results that have already lost range information.
3Device complexity
If the preconcentrator characteristics vary due to manufacturing tolerances and aging, then device complexity increases, but simple recalibration methods are needed to maintain ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing a self-calibration capability where the system automatically adjusts the sorption time parameter based on measured characteristics. This eliminates the need for complex manual calibration procedures or external intervention, allowing the device to maintain optimal performance despite varying preconcentrator characteristics while keeping operation simple for the user.
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 enhances the accuracy and stability of fluid detector measurements by ensuring a linear dependence of the electrical measurement value on the substance concentration, allowing for simple recalibration and maintaining the selectivity of the sensor within narrow limits, thus effectively addressing the issues of shifting measurement ranges and manufacturing variations.
Implementation Method 1
a preconcentrator (5) and an adjacent fluid sensor (6) for detecting one or more substances to be detected... during which the fluid to be detected is enriched for a sorption duration in the preconcentrator (5)
Implementation Method 2
The sorbed substances may be desorbed, particularly by heating the preconcentrator, so that the concentration of the specific sorbed substance in the air surrounding the preconcentrator may be increased
Implementation Method 3
the mass transport of the pre-concentrated volatile organic substances to the chemiresistors occurs by diffusion
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for calibrating a measurement process for a measurement system having a fluid detector, which is provided with a preconcentrator and a fluid sensor. The measurement system for detecting a concentration of a substance to be detected has a sorption phase, during which the fluid to be detected is enriched for a sorption duration (t) in the preconcentrator in a first state, and a measurement phase, in which a concentration of the substance to be detected resulting from the release of the substance to be detected that was enriched in the preconcentrator is measured. The fluid detector is calibrated by adjusting the sorption duration (t).