Handheld Optical Sensor with Integral Sample Cup for Field Water Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld optical measuring devices for water samples require external equipment for data communication and often lack a self-contained design, making them inconvenient for field use and prone to measurement errors due to signal degradation and handling issues.
Innovation Solution
A handheld optical measuring device with an integral sample cup and immersible sensor head that allows for self-contained measurement and display of water sample properties, featuring a controller module and sampling member for easy handling and protection of the sensor head, enabling measurements without external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing handheld optical measuring devices are used, then water sample optical properties can be measured, but external equipment is required for data communication and the devices lack self-contained design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical sensor, controller, sample cup, and data processing capabilities into a single integrated handheld device. The sensor head merges optical detection components directly with the sample cup structure, eliminating the need for separate external equipment for data communication and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device performs multiple functions including optical property measurement, data processing, and communication within a single unit. The controller module handles both signal processing and data communication, making the device self-sufficient for field operations without requiring external support equipment.
2Measurement precision
If sensor head is kept close to sample for enhanced sensitivity, then measurement accuracy improves, but signal degradation and handling errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor head is nested within the sample cup structure, allowing the sensor to be positioned close to the sample for enhanced sensitivity while the sample cup provides protective enclosure. This nested configuration enables the sensor to maintain proximity to the sample without direct exposure to environmental factors that cause signal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample cup acts as a protective shell that encloses the sensor head and sample. This protective structure prevents handling errors and environmental interference while allowing the sensor to remain close to the sample for accurate measurements, thus maintaining both sensitivity and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If handheld device is made self-contained, then field use convenience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: sensor head, sample cup, controller module, and power source. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently designed and assembled. This segmentation makes the complex self-contained design more manageable while maintaining portability and independence for field use.
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 provides improved protection and convenience during field use, allowing for immediate and accurate measurements of water samples with minimal preparation, reducing signal degradation and handling errors, and enhancing sensitivity by keeping the sensor close to the sample.
Implementation Method 1
Absorption spectroscopy can provide information about the range of electromagnetic spectra absorbed by one or more substances in a water sample. In using a spectrophotometer, ultraviolet and/or visible light at a certain wavelength (or range of wavelengths) is shined through the water sample. The spectrophotometer measures how much of the light is absorbed by the water sample.
Implementation Method 2
Fluorometric spectroscopy concerns the detection of fluorescent light emitted by a sample of interest. It involves using a beam of light, usually ultraviolet (UV) light, that excites the electrons in molecules of certain compounds in the sample and causes them to emit light of a lower energy (i.e., to 'fluoresce').
Implementation Method 3
Turbidity sensing provides a quick, practical indication of the relative amount of suspended solids in water or suspended liquids. Many industrial and commercial bath applications can make use of turbidity and conductivity sensing to improve product quality, minimize ingredient consumption, and reduce wastewater discharge. Turbidity sensors often determine the amount of suspended solids based on the amount of light transmitted through a sample or scattered by a sample.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments provide a handheld optical measuring device and method of measuring an optical property of a liquid sample. In some embodiments the optical measuring device includes a handheld controller module having an immersible sensor head and a sampling member including a sample cup and an attachment member that couples the sample cup to the handheld controller module. In some embodiments the attachment member is an elongated rigid member that is hingedly coupled to the controller module, thus providing a folding configuration for enclosing the sensor head with the sample cup during measurements, transportation, and/or storage. In some embodiments the attached sample cup provides a protective shell for the immersible sensor head during use and/or when not in use.