Laser Gas Analyzer Optical Link for Cable-Free Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser gas analyzers face challenges with size and complexity due to the need for long communication cables between the light emitting and receiving units, which also complicates explosion-proofing and handling of wiring.
Innovation Solution
The laser gas analyzer communicates information between the light emitting and receiving units through laser light, eliminating the need for physical cables by using light modulation signals for both gas analysis and communication, allowing for synchronization and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a communication line is used to connect the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, then signal synchronization and data exchange can be achieved, but the device size increases and wiring complexity arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication function with the laser light transmission function. The same laser light that carries the measurement signal also carries the communication signal, eliminating the need for separate communication cables. This merging of functions reduces wiring complexity while maintaining signal synchronization between the light emitting unit and light receiving unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser light serves dual purposes: it acts as both the measurement probe for gas analysis and the communication carrier for data exchange. By making the laser light multi-functional, the system eliminates dedicated communication lines, thereby reducing device complexity and wiring requirements while preserving reliable signal synchronization.
2Reliability
If insulated communication modules are mounted on both units, then surge and lightning protection can be achieved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the communication function into the laser light transmission, the patent eliminates the need for separate insulated communication modules at both units. The optical communication path inherently provides isolation, reducing the device size while maintaining surge and lightning protection capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an extremely long cable is used to connect the units, then communication over large distances can be achieved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with an optical communication system using laser light. This substitution eliminates the need for long physical cables, reducing device complexity and cable management requirements while maintaining the ability to communicate over large distances through the optical path.
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
This approach simplifies wiring handling and reduces the size of the analyzer, enhancing its compactness and ease of installation while maintaining accurate gas concentration measurements.
Implementation Method 1
laser light of a light absorption wavelength at which the laser light is absorbed by a gas to be measured
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength of the drive current is swept and modulated in the wavelength band that includes the light absorption wavelength
Implementation Method 3
a light receiving element configured to receive the laser light that passes through the space to be measured
Data Source
AI summary
A laser gas analyzer includes a light emitting unit including a laser element configured to emit laser light having a target wavelength band including a wavelength of an absorption line spectrum of the target gas, and a modulated light generation unit configured to supply a drive current to the laser element so that the laser element sweeps and modulates the laser light to have the target wavelength band, and a light receiving unit including a light receiving element configured to receive the laser light passing through the target space and output a detection signal, and a light reception signal processing unit configured to analyze the target gas according to the detection signal from the light receiving element. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit communicate with each other using the laser light.