Laser Contaminant Detection via Beam Path Length Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel containment systems are unable to detect contaminants such as water, sand, and rust within fuel containers proactively, leading to premature device shutdowns and requiring complete fuel purging and refilling after contamination is detected.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a laser source to emit a beam into the fuel container, detected by an imaging array, which calculates the volume of contaminants based on beam path length differences, allowing for early detection and quantification of contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fuel containment systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to detect contaminants is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual fuel inspection methods with an optical detection system. A laser source emits light through the fuel container, and an imaging array captures the transmitted light patterns. The system uses optical properties (light absorption, scattering, refraction) to detect contaminants, substituting physical/optical measurement for mechanical inspection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system between the fuel container and the detection mechanism. The laser beam acts as an intermediary carrier that interacts with the fuel and contaminants, transferring information about contaminant presence to the imaging array. This intermediary approach enables indirect detection of contaminants through their optical effects on the laser beam.
2Reliability
If proactive contaminant detection is implemented, then fuel quality can be monitored early, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of contaminants before they cause harmful effects. By continuously or periodically monitoring fuel quality using the laser-imaging system, the system detects contaminants in early stages, allowing preventive action before contaminant levels reach thresholds that would cause device shutdown or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the imaging array continuously monitors light transmission through the fuel, and the system processes this information to determine contaminant presence. The feedback mechanism compares detected optical patterns against reference values or thresholds, enabling automatic detection and alerting when contaminant levels exceed acceptable limits.
3Reliability
If complete fuel purging is performed after contamination detection, then device operability is restored, but fuel loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables partial purification approaches by detecting specific contaminant locations and quantities. Instead of requiring complete fuel purging, the system can identify contaminated regions within the fuel container and target only those areas for removal or treatment, leaving clean fuel portions intact and reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of complete fuel drainage and replacement with an optical detection-guided selective removal system. By using laser imaging to map contaminant distribution, the system can guide targeted removal mechanisms (such as selective pumping or filtration) to extract only contaminated portions, minimizing fuel loss.
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 the detection and quantification of contaminants before they affect fuel operability, preventing premature device shutdowns and allowing for targeted fuel purification.
Implementation Method 1
A laser source is configured to emit a laser beam into the container. An imaging array is configured to detect the laser beam as imaging data.
Implementation Method 2
The computing device is configured to determine, from the imaging data, a plurality of beam path length differences due to the contaminant
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting a contaminant in a container is provided. The system includes a laser source configured to emit a laser beam into the container, an imaging array configured to detect the laser beam as imaging data, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the imaging array. The computing device is configured to determine, from the imaging data, a plurality of beam path length differences due to the contaminant, and calculate, from the beam path length differences, a volume of contaminant in the container.