Inferential Fluid Condition Sensor Using Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical spectral sensors for fluid monitoring in industrial and automotive applications are costly due to the expensive materials required for mid-infrared spectroscopy, and they become complex and costly when multiple contaminants need to be sensed, necessitating a more affordable and multi-dimensional approach for fluid condition assessment.
Innovation Solution
A system using LEDs as light sources and solid-state detectors in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions, employing differential and inferential measurement techniques to assess fluid condition by correlating data across multiple wavelengths, reducing the need for expensive optics and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mid-infrared spectroscopy is used for fluid monitoring, then measurement precision for fluid condition assessment is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visible and near-infrared spectral regions as simplified copies or proxies for mid-infrared spectroscopy. Instead of directly measuring mid-IR spectra which require complex optics, the system measures visible/NIR spectra that correlate with fluid condition, creating a cheaper alternative that replicates the essential measurement capability without the complexity of mid-IR instrumentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive mid-infrared optical components with inexpensive visible and near-infrared components including standard LEDs, simple filters, and consumer-grade detectors. This substitution uses cheaper materials and components that can be manufactured at lower cost while still providing sufficient measurement precision for fluid condition monitoring
2Measurement precision
If multiple contaminants are sensed using traditional spectrometers, then measurement precision is maintained, but device cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single integrated sensor platform using visible and near-infrared spectroscopy that can detect multiple types of contaminants simultaneously. By using a broad spectral range sensor with multiple wavelength detection capability, the system achieves multi-functionality where one device performs what traditionally required multiple specialized sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects multiple contaminants by measuring spectral absorption at different wavelengths and using differential analysis. By changing the measurement parameter from direct mid-IR absorption to visible/NIR differential absorption measurements, the system can distinguish between different contaminants based on their unique spectral signatures across multiple wavelengths, maintaining precision while simplifying the hardware
3Measurement precision
If mid-infrared spectroscopy components are used, then fluid condition measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive mid-infrared optical components with inexpensive visible and near-infrared components including standard LEDs, simple glass or plastic filters, and consumer-grade photodetectors. These cheaper components can be manufactured using standard industrial processes rather than specialized mid-IR fabrication, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining sufficient measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational wavelength parameter from mid-infrared to visible and near-infrared regions. This parameter change enables the use of inexpensive, easily manufactured components such as standard optical filters, LED light sources, and silicon-based detectors that can be produced at scale using conventional manufacturing techniques, thereby improving ease of manufacture while preserving measurement capability
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 provides a cost-effective, compact, and practical method for multi-dimensional fluid condition assessment, capable of monitoring changes in fluid composition, contamination, and degradation without the need for complex and expensive mid-infrared spectroscopy, offering real-time monitoring and reduced size and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a spectrometric measurement system optically interfaced to a fluid stream, liquid, or gas
Implementation Method 2
Transmission being used in a flow through configuration and the transflectance mode
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor platform for the assessment of the condition and quality of fluids while in service is based on a combination of solid-state light sources (LEDs) and detectors housed within a single integrated package. The sensor platform configured to be standalone in operation and comprises interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The sensor platform is configured to obtain inputs from multiple stimulus points and correlates these to changes in the overall composition or condition of the fluid. The sensing method can be described as a combination of a differential sensor, by monitoring changes from the normal status of the fluid, and an inferential sensor where changes are interpreted in terms of global impact rather than specific localized changes in component concentration.