Inline Water Contaminant Detector Using UV254 Absorption

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water contaminant detection systems are large, expensive, and limited to central locations, making it difficult for consumers to monitor water quality in their homes, and there is a need for real-time contamination detection and filtration solutions.

Innovation Solution

A low-profile, low-power device that can be installed directly onto a home faucet, featuring a measurement unit for real-time contaminant detection using UV254 absorption and optional filtration, with data processing and display capabilities on a mobile app, allowing for accurate and efficient monitoring and filtration of water contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional TOC analyzers are used for water contaminant detection, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the core measurement function from traditional large-scale TOC analyzers by using a simplified UV254 absorption measurement approach. Instead of complete TOC analysis requiring large furnaces and complex systems, the invention isolates the UV absorption measurement capability to detect organic contaminants, enabling a compact device form factor while maintaining useful measurement accuracy for consumer applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable or replaceable test strips containing UV-absorbing indicators that react with organic contaminants. These low-cost, single-use components replace expensive, complex analytical instruments, allowing accurate contaminant detection in a portable, affordable device suitable for consumer homes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If traditional TOC analyzers are used for water contaminant detection, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable or replaceable test strips containing UV-absorbing indicators that react with organic contaminants. These low-cost, single-use components replace expensive, complex analytical instruments, allowing accurate contaminant detection in a portable, affordable device suitable for consumer homes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical analysis systems (furnaces, combustion chambers, complex optics) with a simple UV-LED and photodetector system. This substitution of sophisticated mechanical/chemical mechanisms with straightforward optical electronics dramatically reduces manufacturing cost while providing sufficient accuracy for consumer water quality monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If UV254 with large light source is used for TOC measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorganic carbon measurement accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical analysis systems (furnaces, combustion chambers, complex optics) with a simple UV-LED and photodetector system. This substitution of sophisticated mechanical/chemical mechanisms with straightforward optical electronics dramatically reduces manufacturing cost while providing sufficient accuracy for consumer water quality monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermittent or pulsed UV-LED illumination rather than continuous lighting, activating the light source only when a water sample is being measured. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption compared to continuous operation of traditional UV lamps, enabling battery-powered portable devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Measurement precision

If standing water samples are used for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant measurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sampling chamber and measurement cell into a single integrated component. Water flows directly through a compact chamber where UV measurement occurs, combining sample holding and analysis functions in one small unit. This eliminates the need for separate sample containers, transfer mechanisms, and standing sample reservoirs required by traditional analyzers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to work with flowing water from household taps without requiring manual sample collection, transfer, or preparation. The integrated chamber accepts direct water flow, performs automatic measurement, and resets for the next sample, enabling continuous monitoring without user intervention or complex sample handling procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables consumers to monitor and filter water contaminants in real-time, reducing reliance on municipal testing and providing a cost-effective solution for home water quality management, while also contributing to a central repository of water contamination data for municipalities.

Implementation Method 1

UV254 has been used as a TOC substitute, wherein the amount of UV254 absorbed by the water is known to be proportional to the concentration of organic carbon matter in the water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV254 absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Many types of filters are commercially available to trap and remove pollutants such as organic and man-made chemicals, heavy metals, sediments, radioactive isotopes, etc.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10119952B2Inline water contaminant detector and filter

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 SHENZHEN YIMU TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An affordable, low-power, low-profile water contamination detection and/or filtration device that can be installed directly onto a home faucet or other water line. The contamination detection part uses photometric and other sensors to collect data pertaining to levels of Total Organic Carbon, Total Dissolved Solids, heavy metals, turbidity, harmful bacteria, and other contaminants. The device uses efficient circuit design so that parts of the sensor, LED, and calculation circuit are only activated when the faucet is turned on and water fills a measurement chamber. The filtration part of the device can be switched on and off using simple twist interface, such that filtered water can flow directly into the contamination detection part for testing.