Laser Beam Gas Detection for Lower-Level Gas Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas detection systems are inadequate for detecting dangerous gas concentrations within the path of a laser beam, which can ignite due to high power density, especially in environments with wireless laser power transmission, as they typically rely on ceiling-mounted detectors that do not account for gas accumulation at lower levels.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based gas detection system that uses a collimated laser beam to monitor gas concentrations along its path, employing wavelength-specific absorption measurements to detect inflammable gases like cooking gas, with a controller adjusting beam direction and power based on absorption differences, and triggering safety measures when thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ceiling-mounted detector is used to monitor gas concentration, then the detector position avoids obstructions from furniture and objects, but the detector cannot detect gas accumulation at lower levels where cooking gas accumulates and where laser beams originate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point ceiling-mounted detection to a multi-dimensional detection approach by introducing a laser beam that traverses through the space vertically and horizontally, enabling detection at multiple heights including the critical lower levels where cooking gas accumulates and laser beams originate
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wideband near-infrared source is used for gas detection, then measurements can be performed over a wide range of wavelengths covering different gases, but the system cannot provide specific indication of gas presence in the laser beam path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the general wideband source and applies it specifically to the laser beam path by introducing a separate laser source and detector arrangement that monitors only the critical region where the laser beam travels, providing precise measurement of gas concentration in the beam path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary laser beam as a probe that travels through the space and interacts with the gas, allowing the detection system to measure gas concentration specifically in the beam path without being constrained by the wideband source's general coverage
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
Ensures continuous and accurate detection of inflammable gas levels along the laser beam path, preventing ignition risks by adjusting power or shutting down the laser when dangerous concentrations are detected, enhancing safety in environments with wireless laser power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The absorption of the light of the laser beam in traversing the area is dependent on the gaseous content of the environment through which the beam passes
Implementation Method 2
The wavelength of the laser beam is selected such that the beam has an absorption by gas used in the appliance sufficiently high
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring levels of inflammable gases such as cooking gas, in a closed space, and for providing a warning when the gas levels exceed a safe threshold. The system uses a laser beam in order to determine the presence of the intruding inflammable gas. Laser beams provide a convenient method of determining the absorption of gases in the path of the beam, since the beam is generally collimated, traversing a well-defined path, which can cover a large extent of an area to be monitored for gas contamination. The absorption of the light of the laser beam in traversing the area is dependent on the gaseous content of the environment through which the beam passes. The wavelength of the laser beam used is chosen such that there is significant absorption of the beam by the gases which the system is intended to detect in the laser beam.