Fluid Treatment Device Light Detector Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid treatment devices require complex configurations with separate light-detecting members to monitor ultraviolet light, complicating the device setup.
Innovation Solution
A fluid treatment device design that integrates a flow path member with a first cover member forming a space and a light-transmissive part, allowing a single light detector to receive light fluxes both directly from a light source and after passing through the flow path, simplifying the device configuration by using a single light detector to monitor both paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate light-detecting members are provided for monitoring ultraviolet light, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light-detecting functions into a single light-detecting member that can detect both direct ultraviolet light from the light source and transmitted ultraviolet light through the flow path. This merging approach maintains monitoring accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate light-detecting members.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light-detecting member is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting direct light from the source for monitoring light source output and detecting transmitted light through the flow path for monitoring fluid treatment effectiveness. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving comprehensive monitoring with a single component.
2Device complexity
If a single light detector is used to receive both direct and transmitted light fluxes, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detected light fluxes into distinct components: direct light flux from the light source and transmitted light flux through the flow path. By separating these fluxes in the detection process, the single light-detecting member can accurately measure both parameters without cross-interference, maintaining measurement precision while using a single detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that enables the single light-detecting member to distinguish and separately measure direct and transmitted light fluxes. This intermediary approach allows precise monitoring of both light source output and fluid treatment effectiveness using a single detector, resolving the precision-complexity contradiction.
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 simplified configuration enables accurate detection of abnormalities in the light sources and flow path components, reducing complexity and enhancing monitoring accuracy without increasing device complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source disposed in the first space and configured to emit light toward the flow path; and a first light detector disposed in the first space and configured to receive a first light flux that is emitted from the first light source and reaches the first light detector without passing through the flow path and a second light flux that is emitted from the first light source and reaches the first light detector after passing through the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid treatment device includes a flow path member having a flow path through which a fluid (e.g., water W) to be treated flows, first and second cover members forming spaces separated from the flow path and including light-transmissive parts disposed between the spaces, respectively, and the flow path, first and second light sources disposed in the spaces formed by the first and second cover members, respectively, to emit light toward the flow path, and a first light detector disposed in the space formed by the first cover member. A first light detector receives a first light flux that is emitted from the first light source and reaches the first light detector without passing through the flow path and a second light flux that is emitted from the first light source and reaches the first light detector after passing through the flow path.