Multi-Cell Optical Fluid Detection with Mirror-Routed Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid detection apparatuses, such as gas or liquid detection systems, suffer from redundancy of components, increased cost, weight, and size due to the use of multiple optical sources and detectors.
Innovation Solution
An optical fluid detection apparatus with a single optical source and detector, utilizing a system of mirrors to direct optical test beams through multiple fluid cells, allowing for efficient detection of fluid concentrations by interferometry, and rotating or moving the mirrors to test multiple cells with a single source and detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical sources and detectors are used to detect fluids in different areas, then detection coverage and reliability are improved, but device complexity, cost, weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single optical source and single optical detector are used to perform fluid detection across multiple fluid cells through time-multiplexed measurement. The optical source emits test beams that sequentially pass through different fluid cells, and the detector detects the transmitted light for each cell at different measurement times, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated optical sources and detectors for each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different fluid cells by moving the optical path through time. At different measurement times, the optical beam is directed through different fluid cells, allowing the single optical source and detector to serve multiple detection functions dynamically rather than requiring static dedicated components for each cell.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical sources and detectors are deployed, then detection capability for multiple fluids is improved, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical source and detector serve as universal components that can detect multiple different fluids by sequentially measuring each fluid cell over time. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware to adapt to different detection targets without requiring separate dedicated components for each fluid type.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection functions for different fluid cells are merged into a single detection system. Instead of having separate optical sources and detectors for each fluid cell, the system combines all detection functions into one integrated apparatus that time-multiplexes measurements across multiple cells.
3Productivity
If multiple optical sources and detectors are used, then simultaneous detection of multiple fluids is achieved, but size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high-speed detection by dynamically switching between fluid cells in a time-multiplexed manner. The optical beam rapidly transitions between different fluid cells, enabling the system to detect multiple fluids at high speed without requiring multiple simultaneous detection channels that would increase apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system uses periodic measurement cycles where the optical beam sequentially passes through different fluid cells in a repeating time sequence. This periodic action allows the single optical source and detector to perform multiple detection functions repeatedly over time, achieving high productivity without proportional increases in apparatus size.
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
Reduces the number of optical sources and detectors, thereby decreasing cost, size, and weight while enabling high-speed testing and monitoring of multiple fluid cells with reduced redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
enabling high-speed testing and monitoring of multiple fluid cells with reduced redundancy
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror configured to reflect the one or more optical test beams
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for detecting optical fluid detection. The apparatus may include an optical source configured to emit one or more optical test beams. The apparatus may further include a first mirror configured to reflect the one or more optical test beams. The apparatus may further include a plurality of fluid cells including a first fluid cell configured to pass the one or more optical test beams through a first fluid. The apparatus may further include a second mirror configured to reflect the one or more optical test beams after passing through the first fluid cell. The apparatus may further include a third mirror configured to reflect the one or more optical test beams after reflecting from the second mirror. The apparatus may further include an optical detector configured to receive the one or more optical test beams after reflecting from the third mirror.