Gas Correlation Filter Wheel for Stable Multi-Gas Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas analyzers face challenges in stably measuring multiple gas components due to space constraints and complexity when sealing both target and reference gases, leading to issues with signal variation and noise interference.
Innovation Solution
A gas correlation filter wheel with multiple gas filters, each sealed with a specific target gas and a reference gas, and optical filters to selectively transmit wavelengths absorbed by the target gases, combined with a rotating mechanism and signal processing to enhance sensitivity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple target gases and reference gases are sealed in separate gas filters for each gas component, then multi-component gas measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple gas filters (target gas filters and reference gas filters) into a single rotating wheel structure. Multiple gas filters are arranged radially around a central rotation axis, allowing all filters to be integrated into one compact unit rather than requiring separate sealed chambers for each gas component.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating wheel serves multiple functions: it houses all gas filters, provides rotation to alternately position different filters in the optical path, and enables sequential measurement of multiple gas components. This single structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate sealed gas chambers and switching mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If multiple gas filters are integrated into a single rotating wheel structure, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement stability may be affected by rotation mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating wheel implements periodic action by alternately positioning different gas filters in the optical path at regular intervals. This periodic rotation enables systematic alternation between target gas and reference gas measurements, which is essential for the gas filter correlation method to eliminate interference and achieve stable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static separate gas chambers to a dynamic rotating wheel structure. The rotation mechanism allows different gas filters to be dynamically positioned in the optical path, enabling flexible switching between measurement modes while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
3Volume of stationary object
If a single rotating wheel houses all gas filters, then space constraints are reduced, but the risk of systematic error increases if sealing of any gas fails
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating wheel is segmented into multiple independent gas filter units, each with its own sealed chamber. This segmentation allows individual gas filters to be independently sealed and replaced if needed, rather than requiring a single large sealed structure. Each filter unit can be manufactured and sealed separately with standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows individual gas filters to be discarded and replaced independently if sealing fails or calibration is needed. The rotating wheel structure enables easy removal and replacement of specific filter units without affecting the entire system, facilitating maintenance and recovery of measurement capability.
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 stable measurement of multiple gas components by improving signal variation detection and sensitivity, allowing for accurate concentration analysis of multiple gases simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a ratio of a quantity of light correlates with the gas concentration
Implementation Method 2
The gas filter correlation method (GFC) is known as a measuring method that eliminates effects of an interference gas and optical noise
Data Source
AI summary
A gas analyzer for measuring a concentration of a plurality of target gases included in a sample gas includes a light source to emit an infrared ray, gas filters including target gas filters, each sealed with a different one of the target gases that absorbs the infrared ray, and reference gas filters sealed with a reference gas that transmits the infrared ray and does not absorb the infrared ray, a light shielding mask provided outside the gas filters, including regions, each of the regions corresponding to a respective one of the gas filters, and each of the regions having openings to transmit the infrared ray, a gas correlation filter wheel to house the target gas filters and the reference gas filters, and a sample gas cell to receive the infrared ray transmitted through the gas filter, and to have the sample gas including the target gases inside.