Fluid Composition Sensing With Low-Interference Particle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sensor devices face limitations in accurately characterizing particle identity and concentration due to optical interference from inertial impactors and lack of efficient sampling methods, particularly in holographic imaging, which degrades image quality and sensor performance.
Innovation Solution
A fluid composition sensor with a collection media that minimizes optical interference using an impactor nozzle to direct fluid flow perpendicular to the collection media, coupled with a replaceable media system and imaging techniques like lensless holography, allowing for automated particle analysis and reducing sensor inaccuracies by dynamically monitoring particle loading conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inertial impactor sampling method is used to characterize particle identity and concentration, then particle sampling capability is improved, but optical interference increases causing degraded image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the inertial impactor component from the optical path of the holographic imaging system. By separating the particle sampling function (performed by impactor) from the imaging function (performed by holographic camera), the design eliminates optical interference while maintaining particle characterization capability. The impactor deposits particles on a substrate that is then imaged without the impactor structure being in the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a collection substrate as an intermediary between the inertial impactor and the holographic imaging system. This substrate receives particles from the impactor and presents them to the imaging system in a manner that minimizes optical interference. The substrate acts as a mediator that decouples the mechanical particle collection function from the optical measurement function.
2Measurement precision
If sequential particle sampling is performed to analyze multiple particles, then particle analysis capability is improved, but sampling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary particle collection by depositing multiple particles simultaneously on the collection substrate using the inertial impactor, rather than sampling particles one at a time. This preliminary bulk collection action allows subsequent holographic imaging to analyze multiple particles in parallel, significantly reducing the total sampling and analysis time while maintaining analytical capability.
3Productivity
If collection media is used to capture particles for analysis, then particle capture efficiency is improved, but optical reflections and scattering increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by selecting collection media with specific optical properties tailored to the imaging requirements. The collection substrate is chosen to have minimal reflectivity and scattering characteristics in the wavelength range used for holographic imaging, while still maintaining high particle capture efficiency through appropriate surface properties and geometry.
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 image quality, reduces sensor noise, and improves accuracy by minimizing optical interference and enabling efficient, automated sampling and analysis of particle characteristics, extending the sensor's longevity and simplifying data calculation.
Implementation Method 1
characterize particle identity and concentration of particulate matter that has been collected via inertial impaction
Implementation Method 2
Fluid sensor devices can use holographic imaging methods to characterize particle identity and concentration
Implementation Method 3
an imaging device configured to capture a first image and a second image
Implementation Method 4
a pump to move the volume of fluid across at least a portion of the collection media
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (10) for detecting fluid particle characteristics comprising: a fluid composition sensor (100) comprising: a collection media (106) for capturing one or more particles of a plurality of particles (120) within a volume of fluid; a pump (112) to move the volume of fluid across at least a portion of the collection media (106); an imaging device (110) configured to capture a first image and a second image of at least a portion of one or more particles captured by the collection media (106); and a controller (200) comprising a particle matter mass concentration calculation circuitry (208) configured to determine a first particle loading condition of the at least a portion of the one or more particles captured by the collection media (106) based at least in part on the first image captured by the imaging device (110) and a second particle loading condition of the at least a portion of the one or more particles captured by the collection media (106) based at least in part on the second image captured by the imaging device (110), wherein the first particle loading and the second particle loading are defined at least in part by particle matter mass of the one or more particles captured by the collection media (106), wherein the controller (200) is configured to stop the pump (112) when a predetermined difference between the first particle loading condition and the second particle loading condition is reached.