Laser Refractometry Measuring Apparatus for Cloudy Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring apparatuses for determining the concentration of constituents in fluids, such as cooling lubricants or HFC hydraulic liquids, face challenges in compensating for disturbance variables during measurement, including cloudiness and contamination, which affect the accuracy and reliability of the results.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a laser as a light source for collimated light beams, a translucent sample chamber with a glass wall, and a photodiode array sensor, allowing for spatial separation and adjustment to compensate for disturbance variables. It includes a modular design with adjustable sensor positioning and a flushing mechanism to maintain measurement integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LED and CCD sensor are used for refractometry measurement, then the measurement can be performed with conventional light sources, but the measured value resolution is insufficient and disturbance variables cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light source parameter from LED to laser, which provides coherent and collimated light beams. This parameter change improves the measured value resolution by creating a well-defined light path and enables disturbance variable compensation through the consistent optical properties of laser light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a collimation lens as an intermediary component between the laser source and the sample chamber. This lens creates parallel light beams that serve as a mediator to improve measurement resolution and provide a reference for compensating disturbance variables during refraction measurement
2Device complexity
If the light source and sensor are placed close to the sample chamber, then the device structure is compact, but spatial adjustment options are limited for compensating disturbance variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the optical path by placing the sensor in a separate sensor chamber that is spatially separated from the sample chamber along the light path direction. This dimensional extension provides the necessary space for collimation and creates a geometry that enables both compact integration and adjustment flexibility for disturbance variable compensation
3Reliability
If the sample chamber is directly connected to the fluid supply circuit, then the measurement is integrated into the hydraulic system, but contamination and cloudiness affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light path through the sample chamber from the direct fluid supply circuit by using a translucent wall (glass or plastic) as one boundary of the sample chamber. This allows the light to pass through while isolating the optical path from direct fluid contamination, and the wall can be kept clean to maintain measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a replaceable translucent wall (glass or plastic) in the sample chamber that can be easily cleaned or replaced if contaminated. This disposable-like component protects the permanent optical components (laser, sensor) from contamination while maintaining measurement accuracy
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 provides improved measured value resolution, reliability in cloudy or contaminated conditions, and ease of maintenance, ensuring accurate concentration determination of fluids in various installation scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, for example in the form of a laser, passing through the sample chamber containing the fluid at least partially experiences a refraction
Implementation Method 2
can be detected by a sensor device outside the sample chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a measuring apparatus for determining the concentration of constituents in a fluid, such as cooling lubricants or HFC hydraulic liquids, by refractometry, wherein the fluid present for measuring is guided through a sample chamber, which is connected to a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and which is at least partially transparent such that the beams of a light source, for example in the form of a laser, passing through the sample chamber containing the fluid at least partially experience a refraction and can be detected by a sensor device outside the sample chamber.