Lab Gas Measuring Device with Distance Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining gas concentration in containers fail to accurately account for the geometry of the container, leading to inconsistent results due to complex apparatus requirements and translational movement effects.
Innovation Solution
A device with a distance sensor that measures the distance between the sensor and the container, allowing for the determination of the container's diameter and wall thickness, which is then used to adjust the evaluation of the transmission spectrum for accurate gas concentration measurement, using an optical system with a tunable laser and a light sensor, and an exchangeable centering device for different container shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If translational movement of the container is used to measure external geometry, then the measurement can be performed, but the apparatus becomes complex and measurement results become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical translational movement system with an optical measurement system. A laser beam is directed through the container without requiring the container to move, and the transmission spectrum is recorded. This substitution of mechanical movement with optical measurement eliminates the complexity of positioning mechanisms while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary component that secures the container in a fixed position. The holder acts as a mediator between the container and the measurement system, enabling stable geometric measurements without requiring the container itself to move translationally.
2Measurement precision
If translational movement of the container is used to measure external geometry, then the measurement can be performed, but multiple measurements lead to different results
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical translational movement with optical measurement through a fixed container, the patent eliminates variability introduced by movement. The container remains stationary in the holder while the laser beam measures the transmission spectrum, ensuring consistent and reliable geometric measurements across multiple trials.
3Measurement precision
If the container geometry is not taken into account, then the measurement process is simpler, but the gas concentration determination becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the geometric measurement function and gas concentration determination into a single integrated optical measurement process. The same laser-based transmission spectrum recording that measures container geometry also provides data for gas concentration analysis, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement system serves multiple functions: it determines both the container's external geometry and the gas concentration within the container. This multi-functionality allows accurate gas concentration determination while avoiding the need for additional specialized equipment, thereby managing device complexity effectively.
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 precise and reliable gas concentration determination in a laboratory setting, improving accuracy by considering the container's geometry and reducing the influence of container size and wall thickness on measurement results.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring device (8) for recording a transmission spectrum of the container (2) within a detection range
Implementation Method 2
the device (1) has a distance sensor (12), wherein the distance sensor (12) is configured to determine at least one distance between itself and a container (2) held in the holder (7)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Device (1) for determining the concentration of a gas in a container (2), comprising a holder (7) for receiving a container (2), a measuring device (8) for recording a transmission spectrum of the container (2) in a detection area (15), and an evaluation electronics connected to the measuring device (8) for determining the concentration of a gas based on at least one recorded transmission spectrum, wherein the device has a distance sensor (12), wherein the distance sensor (12) is configured to determine at least one distance (13) between the distance sensor (12) and a container (2) received in the holder (7) in the detection area (15), wherein the distance sensor (12) is connected to the evaluation electronics, and wherein the evaluation electronics are configured to take into account the at least one distance (13) determined by the distance sensor (12) when determining the concentration of a gas.