Gas Correlation Filter Wheel Layout for Stable Multi-Gas Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas analyzers face challenges in stably measuring multiple gas components due to space constraints and complexity when sealing two types of gases, such as target and reference gases, which can lead to structural complications and the need for rebuilding if one type of gas fails.

Innovation Solution

A gas analyzer with a gas correlation filter wheel that includes a plurality of target gas filters and reference gas filters, each with optical filters to selectively transmit specific infrared wavelengths, allowing for stable measurement of multiple gas components by improving signal variation detection and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two types of gases (target gas and reference gas) are sealed for each target gas in a multicomponent meter, then gas analysis capability is improved, but space constraints and structural complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas analysis capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gas filter system into separate target gas filters and reference gas filters that can be independently configured. Each gas component to be measured has its own target gas filter sealed with that specific target gas, while reference gas filters are separately arranged. This segmentation allows flexible configuration for different measurement requirements without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reference gas filters are designed to be universally applicable across multiple target gas measurements. The same reference gas (such as zero gas or standard gas) can be used for calibrating and measuring different target gases, reducing the need for multiple separate reference gas systems and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two types of gases are sealed for each target gas, then measurement function is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement functionVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple gas filters are positioned concentrically or in overlapping configurations. The target gas filters and reference gas filters are arranged to share common optical paths and structural support elements, allowing multiple filters to occupy reduced spatial volume compared to separate arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of filters to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional configuration on the rotating wheel. Filters are distributed around the circumference and arranged in radial layers, utilizing spatial dimensions more efficiently to accommodate multiple gas filters within a compact wheel structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If sealing of one type of gas fails, then system reliability deteriorates, but rebuilding the entire wheel is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gas filters are designed as independent, replaceable units on the rotating wheel. Each target gas filter and reference gas filter is sealed separately and can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation means that if one filter's sealing fails, only that specific filter needs to be replaced rather than rebuilding the entire wheel assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables easy replacement of failed or depleted gas filters. When a target gas filter or reference gas filter loses its sealing integrity or gas supply, it can be quickly removed from the wheel and replaced with a fresh filter, minimizing downtime and maintenance complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 detection and sensitivity through the use of optical filters that selectively transmit wavelengths absorbed by target gases, reducing optical noise and interference.

Implementation Method 1

a gas analyzer that analyzes a target gas component by irradiating a gas with a broadband infrared ray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

It is known that an absorption intensity of the gas follows the Beer-Lambert law, and a ratio of a quantity of light correlates with the gas concentration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeer-Lambert law:

Implementation Method 3

A light source configured to emit an infrared ray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4703710A1Gas correlation filter wheel and gas analyzer
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 FUJI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP4703710A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703710A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703710A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A gas analyzer (1) for measuring a concentration of a plurality of target gases included in a sample gas (G) includes a light source (10) to emit an infrared ray (L), gas filters including target gas filters (22), each sealed with a different one of the target gases that absorbs the infrared ray, and reference gas filters (23) sealed with a reference gas that transmits the infrared ray and does not absorb the infrared ray, a light shielding mask (24) 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 (241) to transmit the infrared ray, a gas correlation filter wheel (20) to house the target gas filters (22) and the reference gas filters (23), and a sample gas cell (40) to receive the infrared ray transmitted through the gas filter, and to have the sample gas (G) including the target gases inside.