Lensless Holographic Fluid Sensor with Modular Collection Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sensor devices have limited functionality in accurately collecting and analyzing particle content from ambient environments, particularly in avoiding optical reflections and scattering for optimal image quality, and require complex sampling and analysis processes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid composition sensor device with a removable fluid flow component, collection media assembly, and imaging device using lensless holography to capture particle images, allowing for rapid and simplified sequential sampling and analysis of particles within a fluid flow, with alignment features to secure the collection media in place for precise imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If holographic imaging methods are used to characterize particle identity and concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for avoiding optical reflections and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes optical components (lenses, mirrors) that cause reflections and scattering from the imaging system. By using lensless holography, the system eliminates these problematic optical elements while retaining the ability to capture particle images through direct recording of interference patterns on the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/optical imaging system (lenses, mirrors, focal planes) with a direct computational holographic approach. The imaging function is achieved through mathematical reconstruction of particle positions from interference patterns recorded on the sensor, substituting physical optical manipulation with computational processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed collection media is used within the sensor, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases due to inability to replace collection media for different sampling needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor into modular segments: a reusable sensor housing containing the imaging system and a replaceable collection media cartridge. This segmentation allows the collection media to be changed independently while maintaining precise alignment through standardized mechanical interfaces and alignment features built into the cartridge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements alignment features (such as keyed interfaces, registration marks, or mechanical guides) specifically at the local interface between the collection media cartridge and the sensor housing. These localized alignment mechanisms ensure precise positioning of the collection media relative to the imaging sensor without requiring complex alignment throughout the entire device.
3Ease of operation
If manual particle sampling and analysis processes are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming sequential sampling and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous particle sampling by allowing users to quickly exchange collection media cartridges without interrupting the overall sampling process. While one cartridge is being analyzed, another can be prepared or inserted, maintaining continuous operation. The automated imaging and analysis further ensure that the useful action of particle characterization continues without manual intervention delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated imaging and particle analysis capabilities where the system automatically captures images of particles on the collection media and processes them without requiring manual analysis. This self-service automation significantly increases productivity while keeping the user interaction simple - the user only needs to insert the collection media and start the sampling process.
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 accurate and repeatable characterization of particle content within fluids by constraining movement and applying alignment features to ensure optimal image capture, reducing contamination risks and improving user satisfaction through automated measurement and minimized device failures.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the one or more particles of the plurality of particles received by the collection media; wherein the imaging device is configured to capture the image of one or more particles of the plurality of particles received by the collection media using lensless holography
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to a fluid composition sensor device and method of using the same. In various embodiments, the fluid flow composition sensor is configured to receive a volume of fluid, the fluid composition sensor comprising a housing, a removable fluid flow component, an impactor nozzle, a collection media assembly dock element configured to receive a replaceable collection media assembly comprising a collection media configured to receive one or more particles within the volume of fluid, an imaging device configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the one or more particles received by the fluid composition sensor, and a controller configured to determine, based at least in part on the image, at least one particle characteristic of the volume of fluid. The imaging device may be configured to capture the image of one or more particles received by the fluid composition sensor using lensless holography.