Fluid Composition Sensor With Transparent Substrate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sensor devices have limitations in accurately and efficiently collecting and analyzing particle content from ambient environments, particularly in avoiding optical reflections and scattering for optimal image quality, and require complex sampling and analysis processes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid composition sensor with a collection media assembly that includes a transparent substrate, alignment features, and an impactor nozzle to direct fluid flow perpendicular to the collection media, allowing for in-situ particle analysis without the need for media removal, using lensless holography for image capture and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If particles are collected via inertial impaction on a substrate, then particle identity and concentration can be characterized using holographic imaging, but optical reflections and scattering occur that degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful reflective substrate is removed entirely from the system. Instead of collecting particles on a reflective surface, the patent uses a substrate-free impaction approach where particles are collected in mid-air or on a minimal interface that does not cause optical interference, thereby extracting the source of optical reflections and scattering from the measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional approach collects particles on a substrate and images from above through the substrate. This patent inverts the approach by collecting particles and imaging from below without a substrate in the optical path, reversing the traditional configuration to eliminate substrate-induced optical interference.
2Loss of information
If complex sampling and analysis processes are used to characterize particle content, then detailed particle information can be obtained, but the device complexity and user interaction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling and analysis functions are merged into a single integrated device. The fluid composition sensor combines the particle collection mechanism with the holographic imaging system in one unit, eliminating the need for separate sampling equipment and external analysis instruments, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining complete particle information capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-contained particle collection and analysis without requiring external equipment or complex user intervention. The integrated sensor automatically captures holographic images of collected particles and processes the data to provide complete particle content information, making the system self-sufficient and user-friendly.
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 accurate, repeatable, and efficient particle collection and analysis within a single device, minimizing contamination risks and user interaction, while optimizing image quality by avoiding optical interference.
Implementation Method 1
a collection media configured to receive one or more particles from a volume of fluid received through a fluid inlet
Implementation Method 2
using lensless holography for image capture and processing
Implementation Method 3
an impactor nozzle to direct fluid flow perpendicular to the collection media
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to a collection media assembly for receiving one or more particles from a volume of fluid within a fluid composition sensor. In various embodiments, the collection media assembly comprises a housing, a transparent substrate, a collection media disposed upon the transparent substrate and configured to receive one or more particles from a volume of fluid received through a fluid inlet; and at least one alignment feature. The housing defines an open lower end configured for interaction with an imaging device, such that the one or more particles received by the collection media are visible through the transparent substrate from the open lower end. Each of the at least one alignment features is configured to engage a corresponding element disposed within the fluid composition sensor so as to constrain relative movement between the collection media assembly and the corresponding element in at least a first direction.