Fluid Sensor With Beam Dump For Stable Contaminant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems for monitoring contaminant levels in fluid streams are inadequate due to instability and sensitivity to optical changes, and they often require special fittings or pipe modifications for insertion, which is not compatible with standard quarter-inch NPT fittings commonly used in refueling systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system utilizing a laser light source and fiber optic light guide, with a beam dump and blocking member, that can be securely inserted into a standard quarter-inch NPT fitting without requiring pipe modifications, providing stable contaminant level detection by emitting a laser beam, receiving reflected light through a fiber optic guide, and analyzing properties to determine contaminant levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensor systems are used for contaminant monitoring, then contaminant detection function is provided, but measurement stability deteriorates due to sensitivity to optical changes and measurement shift
Solution Approach 1:
A beam dump is introduced as an intermediary component to absorb excess light and prevent it from reflecting back to the sensor. This mediator eliminates the harmful reflected light that causes measurement instability and optical shifts, thereby improving measurement stability without sacrificing contaminant detection accuracy
2Ease of operation
If conventional sensor systems are inserted into fluid streams, then contaminant monitoring is achieved, but device installation complexity increases due to incompatible sizes and configurations with standard fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed with a standardized configuration that is compatible with common fittings such as quarter-inch NPT fittings. This universal design allows the sensor to be installed in standard fluid systems without requiring special fittings or pipe modifications, significantly easing installation while maintaining functional integrity
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensor systems are used, then contaminant detection is provided, but harmful reflected light increases causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The beam dump converts the harmful reflected light into absorbed energy, preventing it from returning to the sensor. By absorbing the excess light that would otherwise cause measurement errors, the beam dump transforms a harmful optical interference into a beneficial measurement stabilization effect
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 sensor system offers stable and less sensitive contaminant monitoring, compatible with standard fittings, allowing for accurate contaminant level detection in fluid streams without the need for special fittings or pipe modifications, ensuring reliable fuel quality assessment in refueling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a beam dump positioned at the distal end of the arm opposite the light source to absorb at least a portion of the light beam directed towards the distal end of the arm, thereby preventing the absorbed portion of the light beam from being reflected back towards the inlet
Implementation Method 2
A light guide is disposed in the sensor body and extends from the light sensor to an inlet of the sensor body for directing light to the light sensor
Implementation Method 3
a laser light source disposed in the body to emit a laser beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor system for sensing contaminants within a fluid stream of a fluid system includes a sensor body and an arm extending from the sensor body to a distal end of the arm, a laser light source configured to direct a laser beam outwardly from an outlet of the sensor body, and a light sensor. A fiber optic light guide is disposed in the sensor body and extends from the light sensor to an inlet of the sensor body for directing light to the light sensor. A beam dump is positioned at the distal end opposite the laser light source to absorb at least a portion of the laser beam directed towards the distal end. A blocking member of the arm is disposed intermediate between the sensor body and the distal end and is configured to partially restrict a field of intake of light at the inlet.