Infrared Bubble Detection Using Modulated Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bubble detection systems in liquids lack accuracy and adaptability, as they do not utilize infrared transmitters and receivers in line with each other, and fail to modulate light to filter out unwanted sources, leading to false signals and reduced detection precision.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an infrared transmitter and receiver affixed on opposite sides of a pipe, controlled by a microcontroller that modulates the light and filters out unmodulated light, allowing for precise detection of bubbles by correlating modulated light information and determining bubble presence based on interruptions in the signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional light emitters and detectors are used without direct beam transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to detect bubble interruptions accurately
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing detectors offset from the light source as in conventional systems, the patent inverts the approach by using a direct beam transmission path where the detector is positioned directly in line with the infrared transmitter, enabling accurate detection of beam interruptions caused by bubbles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional visible light detection with infrared transmission and detection, substituting the optical mechanism to achieve both direct beam transmission capability and enhanced precision in bubble detection through infrared absorption characteristics
2Reliability
If unmodulated light is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to false signals from unwanted light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic modulation to the infrared light source at a specific frequency, causing the light to oscillate in a periodic manner. This enables the receiver to distinguish modulated light signals from unmodulated background light sources, significantly improving detection reliability by filtering out false signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copied version of the transmitted modulated light signal at the receiver end, allowing correlation between transmitted and received signals to identify genuine bubble interruptions versus background noise, thereby enhancing reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-programmable electronic components are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when parameter changes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a programmable microcontroller that allows dynamic adjustment of working parameters such as modulation frequency, detection thresholds, and correlation algorithms. This enables the system to adapt to different liquid types, flow conditions, and detection requirements without hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller-based system provides universal functionality by能够通过软件配置实现多种检测模式和参数调整，使同一硬件系统能够适应不同的应用场景和液体类型，无需更换电子部件
4Measurement precision
If infrared modulation is implemented, then measurement precision is improved by filtering unwanted light, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic modulation of the infrared light source, which allows the receiver to detect only the modulated component of the light signal. This filtering of unmodulated background light through periodic action significantly improves measurement precision by eliminating false signals from ambient light sources
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller implements feedback through correlation of transmitted and received modulated signals, enhancing precision by identifying genuine bubble interruptions. The system processes the modulated signal with correlation algorithms that compare expected versus actual received patterns, significantly improving detection accuracy
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 system provides accurate and adaptable bubble detection by filtering out extraneous light sources, enhancing precision and allowing for programmable parameters without replacing electronic components, thereby improving the reliability of bubble detection in liquid flows.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter is an infrared (IR) transmitter and the receiver is an infrared (IR) receiver
Implementation Method 2
The microcontroller sends a modulation protocol for emitting the directed light with a specified modulation protocol
Implementation Method 3
The receiver filters out all unmodulated light, correlates information on modulated light received from the transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting bubbles within a liquid flowing in an interior of a pipe. The system includes a transmitter emitting directed light through the liquid flowing through the pipe and a receiver for receiving the emitted directed light from the transmitter. The transmitter and receiver are affixed on opposite sides of the pipe. The system also includes a microcontroller having a modulator. The microcontroller communicates with the transmitter and receiver. The microcontroller sends a modulation protocol for emitting the directed light with a specified modulation protocol to the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter emits the directed light as modulated light based upon the modulation protocol and the receiver filters out all unmodulated light, correlates information on modulated light received from the transmitter and sends correlated light information to the microcontroller. The microcontroller determines a presence of bubbles in the liquid based on the light information received from the receiver.