Infrared Spectrometer Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable Fourier transform infrared spectrometers face challenges in preventing condensation inside sealed housings when starting up after being cooled, especially in humid environments, which can damage optical components.
Innovation Solution
An infrared spectrometer with an openable sealed housing, an infrared light source, a dehumidifying means, a thermo-hygro sensor, and a control means that limits power supply to the light source, balances humidity increase and decrease rates, and gradually increases power supply to prevent condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the infrared light source is started up after being cooled during transportation, then the light source can be activated for measurement, but condensation occurs on the cooled optical elements due to temperature difference with humid air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by activating the infrared light source before starting the measurement process. The light source is turned on first to heat the internal air and optical elements, preventing condensation from forming when humid air contacts the cooled surfaces. This sequence of operations - heating first, then measuring - resolves the contradiction between activating the light source and preventing condensation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power source is completely turned off during transportation, then the apparatus can be portably transported, but the infrared light source cools down and creates condensation risk upon restart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a preliminary heating action upon restart. After the apparatus is transported with the power source turned off, the system automatically activates the infrared light source first to heat the internal environment before allowing measurement operations. This preliminary heating prevents condensation while maintaining the portability benefit of complete power shutdown during transport.
3Loss of time
If the light source temperature is rapidly increased, then the startup time is reduced, but water vapor from adsorbed materials is released and causes condensation on optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a controlled warm-up phase before full operation. The infrared light source is activated and gradually heated to release adsorbed water vapor in a controlled manner, allowing the vapor to be exhausted before it can condense on optical elements. This preliminary vapor release phase prevents condensation while maintaining reasonable startup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly passing through the critical temperature range where water vapor release occurs. The system quickly heats through the range where adsorbed moisture would be released, minimizing the time that vapor is present and reducing condensation risk, then proceeds to normal operating temperature.
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 solution enables safe startup of the infrared spectrometer while avoiding condensation, even in environments with adsorbed water vapor, by controlling humidity and power supply to the light source.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting portion of the infrared light source emits light by black-body radiation of a light emitter around a metal conductive wire by current resistance heating
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting portion of the infrared light source emits light by black-body radiation of a light emitter around a metal conductive wire by current resistance heating
Implementation Method 3
a dehumidifying agent is housed together in a sealed housing
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared spectrometer includes: an openable sealed housing that houses optical components; an infrared light source that irradiates an infrared light into the housing; a dehumidifying agent that dehumidifies an inside of the housing; a thermos-hygro sensor that detects a humidity inside the housing; and a light source control apparatus that controls power supply to the infrared light source. The light source control apparatus: starts the infrared light source while limiting power supply to the infrared light source; determines presence/absence of a risk of condensation inside the sealed housing based on detected value of humidity detected while power is supplied to the infrared light source; if the risk of condensation is present, balances a rate of increase of the detected value of humidity and a rate of decrease of humidity, and at the same time, increases power supply to the infrared light source gradually.