Gas Measurement Optics for Interference-Corrected Multi-Component Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas measurement devices face challenges in maintaining detection sensitivity while preventing an increase in size when measuring multiple gas components with overlapping absorption wavelength ranges, leading to measurement errors due to interference components.

Innovation Solution

The device employs separate optical paths for detecting target and interference components, using multiple detectors in series on one path to correct detection values, and an arithmetic unit to determine component concentrations by accounting for interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detectors are disposed in series to measure multiple gas components, then measurement capability for multiple components is improved, but optical path length increases causing light attenuation and reduced detection sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capability for multiple componentsVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into separate detection units, each dedicated to measuring specific gas components. Instead of placing all detectors in series on one optical path, multiple independent optical paths are created, with each path having its own light source and detector(s). This segmentation prevents light from traveling through excessive gas volumes while still enabling measurement of multiple components through parallel detection channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional series arrangement of detectors on a single optical path to a multi-dimensional configuration with parallel optical paths. By distributing detectors across multiple spatial dimensions (separate optical paths rather than sequential positioning), the system maintains short optical path lengths for each detector while collectively measuring multiple gas components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If separate detection units are provided for each gas component, then measurement accuracy for each component is improved, but overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracy for each componentVSAvoidoverall device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into shared detection units. A single detection unit can measure multiple gas components by detecting light at different wavelengths, eliminating the need for completely separate detection units for each component. This merging approach maintains measurement accuracy for each component while reducing the overall number of detection units and compacting the device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection units are designed with multi-functionality, capable of measuring multiple gas components through wavelength-selective detection. Each detection unit can identify different gas components by analyzing light absorption at characteristic wavelengths, allowing one detection unit to perform the work of multiple single-purpose detectors, thereby reducing device size while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach maintains detection sensitivity and prevents device enlargement by isolating detectors, reducing light attenuation, and accurately determining gas component concentrations by correcting for interference.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared gas analyzer using a non-dispersive infrared absorption method (NDIR)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

absorption wavelength ranges of the plurality of gas components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a second detector that detects light passing through the second sample cell to detect a light intensity thereof in the absorption wavelength range of the second component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

a third detector that detects light passing through the second sample cell to detect a light intensity thereof in the absorption wavelength range of the third component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20260029338A1Gas Measurement Device

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

The gas measurement device (1) includes a first detection unit (120) that detects a first component in a sample gas, and a second detection unit (140) that detects a second component and a third component that interfere with the first component. The first detection unit includes a first sample cell (122) and a first detector (10A) which are disposed in series on a first optical path (IR1) of light emitted from a first light source (124). The second detection unit (140) includes a second sample cell (142), a second detector (10B) and a third detector (10C) which are disposed in series on a second optical path (IR2) of light emitted from a second light source (144).