Integrated Circuit Board Spectrophotometer for Water Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water quality measurement systems are labor-intensive, costly, and require frequent calibration, making it challenging to achieve accurate and precise measurements of parameters like pH and alkalinity.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-cost system with sensors and a spectrophotometer integrated onto a circuit board for in situ measurements, including a microcontroller for data processing, reduces electrical noise and eliminates the need for frequent calibration by using a miniaturized design with fiber-optic light pipes and LEDs for accurate wavelength measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional water quality measurement systems are used, then measurement capability is provided, but system size, cost, and calibration frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple measurement components (spectrophotometer, sensors, microcontroller) onto a single circuit board, combining previously separate systems into one compact unit. This merging achieves high measurement precision while reducing overall system size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places the circuit board containing measurement components inside a submersible housing, creating a nested structure where the circuit board is housed within the protective enclosure. This nesting allows the system to be compact yet protected for in situ measurements.
2Measurement precision
If traditional water quality measurement systems are used, then measurement capability is provided, but calibration frequency and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by measuring the absorption spectrum of a reference solution (such as water or buffer) and automatically adjusting its measurements. This self-service calibration eliminates the need for frequent manual calibration while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent includes a reference measurement capability that establishes a baseline absorption spectrum before actual measurements. This preliminary action allows the system to compensate for drift and maintain accuracy without frequent external calibration.
3Ease of manufacture
If integrated circuit board design is used, then system compactness and cost reduction are achieved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the spectrophotometer, sensors, and microcontroller onto a single circuit board, the patent reduces manufacturing costs and system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through careful component selection and integration design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a spectrophotometer to measure absorption at multiple wavelengths and applies mathematical algorithms to calculate pH, alkalinity, and other parameters. This parameter-based approach maintains high measurement accuracy while using compact, low-cost components on the circuit board.
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 achieves precise pH measurements within 0.001 of the actual value and accurate measurements within 0.002, with reduced noise and cost, and eliminates the need for frequent calibration, enhancing precision and accuracy compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A spectrophotometer may be located on the circuit board to measure the wavelength and intensity of light transmitted through the water being tested
Implementation Method 2
uses a miniaturized design with fiber-optic light pipes and LEDs for accurate wavelength measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring water quality parameters, such as pH, CO2, alkalinity, and so forth, includes sensors or other measuring components integrated onto a circuit board. The circuit board may be contained within a submersible, watertight housing. A spectrophotometer may be located on the circuit board to measure the wavelength and intensity of light transmitted through the water being tested. Sensors for measuring salinity, pressure, temperature, or other properties may also be included on or near the circuit board. A microcontroller for processing these measurements is located on the circuit board. System components used to direct and filter the water, such as certain pumps, filters, and so forth, may be included in the housing off of the circuit board. Integrating the sensors and other measuring components onto a circuit board allows for a compact, low-cost water-quality-measuring system that is capable of making very accurate and precise measurements.