Infrared Surface Moisture Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring surface moisture on building facades are not sufficiently precise, often measuring moisture within the material rather than on the surface, and are prone to interference from sunlight and weather conditions, with rough surfaces further complicating signal accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A contactless measurement procedure using a light source and light sensor arrangement where infrared radiation is emitted at a defined angle, reflected light intensity is detected, and evaluated to quantify surface moisture, with a data processing device correlating light intensity to moisture levels, and a pulse frequency of 10 kHz to 70 kHz to distinguish reflection signals from continuous interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional absorption or thermal imaging methods are used to measure surface moisture, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient and often measures moisture within the material rather than on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed light sources that emit light in periodic pulses rather than continuous illumination. The light source is activated in short pulses, and the sensor detects reflected light during these pulses. This periodic activation allows the system to distinguish between light reflected from the surface (during the pulse) and ambient light (between pulses), thereby improving surface moisture measurement precision while managing system complexity through timing-based signal separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the measurement system with specific optical components (lenses, filters, polarizers) and geometric arrangements before measurement begins. The system is pre-calibrated with reference values for different moisture conditions, and the measurement geometry (angles, distances) is predetermined to optimize surface reflection detection. This preliminary setup enables the system to achieve high measurement precision without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation
2Reliability
If optical measurement methods are used to detect surface moisture, then contactless measurement is achieved, but interference from sunlight and weather conditions affects measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed illumination where the light source emits light in short, timed pulses. The sensor is synchronized to detect light only during these pulses, creating a time-gated measurement window. This allows the system to distinguish between the pulsed measurement light and continuous ambient sunlight or weather-related light, significantly improving reliability by rejecting out-of-time interference signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the sensor signal is continuously monitored and compared against reference values or expected ranges. When interference from sunlight or weather conditions is detected (through signal strength, pattern recognition, or deviation from expected moisture-related reflections), the system can adjust measurement parameters, trigger re-measurement, or flag the data as unreliable, thereby maintaining measurement reliability under varying environmental conditions
3Measurement precision
If light reflection intensity is used to determine surface moisture, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision is affected by surface roughness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using focused optical systems that concentrate the light beam on specific local areas of the surface. Lenses or optical fibers are used to deliver light to a defined measurement spot, and the sensor is positioned to receive reflection from that same localized area. This localizes the measurement to a controlled region, reducing the impact of surface roughness variations across the broader surface and maintaining both precision and measurement speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses rapid pulsed illumination with high temporal resolution, where each pulse provides a complete measurement cycle (illumination and detection) in a very short time. This allows multiple measurements to be taken quickly in succession, maintaining high productivity while the averaging or selection of multiple rapid measurements improves precision by reducing the impact of surface roughness variations
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 method provides reliable and reproducible surface moisture measurements, unaffected by sunlight and weather, and accurately determines surface moisture levels, even on rough surfaces, offering improved precision compared to conventional absorption and thermal imaging methods.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (102) and a light sensor (116)... wherein the light beam (106) of the light source (102) is reflected by water adhering to the building facade
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A method for measuring and/or observing the moisture content of a surface, particularly building facades, in a surface area (112) using the reflection and/or scattering, particularly total internal reflection, of light. The invention also relates to a measuring device for determining the surface moisture content of building facades, particularly facades, preferably in the exterior area, comprising a light source (102) and a light sensor (116) and a mounting device (120) for the light source (102) and the light sensor (116). The invention also relates to the use of said measuring device for determining the surface moisture content of a building facade.