Gas Sensor Reflector Array Optical Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas sensors are inefficient, energy-intensive, and mechanically vulnerable, requiring large sensors for weakly absorbing gases and being sensitive to vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A compact gas measuring device with a reflector array that creates multiple intersections of the optical path, allowing for efficient multiple irradiations of the gas volume and minimizing the gas volume while maintaining a compact and robust design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If light bulbs are used as light sources, then the measurement can be performed, but the energy consumption is high and the modulation speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from thermal radiation (light bulb) to electroluminescence (LED), operating at different physical principles and energy efficiency levels, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filament-based light source with a solid-state LED, eliminating the fragile mechanical components and achieving both lower energy consumption and higher mechanical robustness
2Measurement precision
If large sensors are used to detect weakly absorbing gases, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a simple linear optical path to a three-dimensional folded optical path using multiple reflections, effectively increasing the path length without proportionally increasing the device volume, thus maintaining detection precision for weakly absorbing gases while keeping the sensor compact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple optical reflections within a compact housing, where the optical path folds back on itself multiple times through strategic placement of mirrors, achieving long effective path length within a small physical footprint
3Measurement precision
If multiple reflections are used to achieve longer absorption paths, then the detection of weakly absorbing gases is improved, but the optical device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple discrete reflection segments using individual mirrors, where each mirror creates a specific reflection angle and position, allowing the complex folded path to be constructed from simple, manageable components that reduce overall system complexity
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 device achieves efficient measurement of both weakly and strongly absorbing gases in a small volume, reducing energy consumption and mechanical sensitivity, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple gases with different absorption properties.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector array (4), which defines a first optical path (5) between the radiation source (2) and the first detector element (3) and a second optical path (10) between the radiation source (2) and the second detector element (9)
Implementation Method 2
Gas sensors, which determine the absorption of electromagnetic radiation in the respective gas, are used for the quantitative determination of gas concentrations
Implementation Method 3
one or a plurality of detectors, which detect the light of the measurement wavelength and of the reference wavelength by means of optical bandpass filters
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device is provided for measuring the absorption of gases. The measuring device (1) includes a radiation source (2), a first detector element (3), a second detector element (9) and a reflector array (4). The reflector array (4) defines a first optical path (5) between the radiation source (2) and the first detector element (3) and defines a second optical path (10) between the radiation source (2) and the second detector element (9). The first optical path (5) has at least two points of intersection with itself and the second detector element (9) is arranged outside of a first plane which is defined by the radiation source (2) and two points of intersection (6) of the first optical path (5).