Multi-Wavelength LED Transmittance Measurement with Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for real-time industrial and municipal water and wastewater quality monitoring lack efficient methods for measuring light transmittance through liquids without the need for moving mechanical parts, and they struggle to compensate for temperature-related fluctuations in LED performance.
Innovation Solution
A submersible apparatus using multiple LEDs of different peak output wavelengths, a light detector, an optical unit, temperature sensors, and a microprocessor that controls LED activation and applies a machine learning-based predictive model to compensate for temperature effects and detector drift, allowing for accurate measurement of light transmittance across various wavelengths without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LEDs of different wavelengths are used to measure light transmittance, then measurement versatility and information quality improve, but device complexity and temperature compensation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the LED array into multiple independent wavelength channels, each with its own temperature sensor and compensation algorithm. This allows independent optimization and compensation for each wavelength, managing complexity through modular organization rather than treating all wavelengths as a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors provide real-time feedback on LED operating temperatures, which feeds into compensation algorithms that adjust transmittance measurements. This closed-loop feedback system automatically compensates for temperature effects without requiring manual calibration or complex mechanical adjustments
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors and machine learning models are added to compensate for LED temperature effects, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical temperature stabilization systems with electronic sensing and software-based compensation. Instead of using mechanical components to physically stabilize LED temperatures, the system uses temperature sensors and machine learning algorithms to computationally compensate for temperature effects, achieving precision without mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters based on temperature readings. The machine learning model learns the relationship between temperature and LED output characteristics, then applies parameter transformations to correct transmittance measurements. This allows the system to maintain precision across varying temperature conditions without physical stabilization
3Reliability
If the apparatus is designed to be submersible without moving parts, then reliability and ease of operation improve, but manufacturing complexity and optical alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical unit with the housing structure, integrating light sources, detectors, and optical elements into a single sealed submersible assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate moving components and simplifies manufacturing by treating the entire optical system as an integrated unit that can be calibrated once during assembly
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 apparatus provides accurate, real-time measurements of light transmittance through liquids across multiple wavelengths, effectively compensating for temperature-related fluctuations, thereby enhancing the reliability and precision of water quality monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
multiple light emitting diode light sources (LED's) of different peak output wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a light detector for detecting an intensity of light
Data Source
AI summary
A device to measure the amount of light able to transmit through a liquid. The device uses a light detector and multiple light emitting diodes (LED's) along with an optical unit such that the light detector, LED's, and an optical unit define a path of light emitted by each individual LED or subgroup of LED's and detected by the detector. The device uses a structure designed to surround the LED's and light detector such that the structure allows the device to be immersed in the liquid and such that the structure is shaped to allow a volume of liquid to be between the LED's and detector, intersecting the light path.