Multi-LED Transmittance Measurement With Collinear Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water quality analysis methods are time-consuming and prone to errors due to sample handling and transportation, and existing LED-based instruments face challenges in accurate light measurement and optical alignment in space-limited apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using multiple LED modules with beam splitters and adjustable alignment mechanisms to align reflected light beams into a collinear path, combined with microprocessors for spectrophotometric computation to determine chemical concentrations in liquid samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED light sources are used to provide sufficient variety and range of light wavelengths, then the monitoring capability for various water quality parameters is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED modules are integrated into a single compact apparatus with a unified mounting structure. The beam splitters combine multiple light paths into a single collinear beam that passes through the sample, merging multiple wavelength measurements into one integrated system that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses beam splitters at 45 degrees to redirect light paths from multiple LED modules into a single collinear beam path. This dimensional transformation allows multiple wavelength sources to share the same optical path through the sample, reducing spatial requirements and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED light sources are placed in a space-limited apparatus, then the monitoring capability is improved, but the accurate measurement of light generated and transmitted becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Beam splitters serve as intermediary optical elements that redirect and combine light paths from multiple LED modules into a single collinear beam. This intermediary mechanism ensures that light from different wavelengths is properly aligned and transmitted through the sample, enabling accurate measurements despite the compact arrangement of multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with optical beam splitters that automatically direct light paths into a collinear arrangement. This optical substitution simplifies the alignment process and ensures precise light transmission through the sample without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED light sources are placed in a space-limited apparatus, then the monitoring capability is improved, but the optical alignment required for optimum propagation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitters merge multiple light paths from different LED modules into a single collinear beam that passes through the sample. This merging mechanism automatically aligns all light sources along one optical path, eliminating the need for complex individual alignment procedures for each LED module while maintaining the monitoring capability for various parameters.
4Measurement precision
If traditional water quality analysis methods are used, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but the analysis time and sample handling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables continuous on-site measurement of multiple water quality parameters simultaneously without requiring sample transport, storage, or laboratory processing. The integrated LED modules provide continuous illumination at multiple wavelengths, allowing real-time monitoring that eliminates time losses associated with traditional batch analysis methods while maintaining comprehensive parameter coverage.
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 fast, accurate, and reliable on-site water quality monitoring by ensuring precise light alignment and compensation for LED intensity variations, reducing measurement errors and enhancing decision-making in industrial and municipal water management.
Implementation Method 1
beam splitters mounted at the inner end at a 45 degree angle to the axis of the cylindrical shape of the LED modules... resulting 90 degree reflected light beams
Implementation Method 2
LED modules responsible for the sourcing of several wavelengths of light... LED light sources at the outer end
Implementation Method 3
single light detector... propagated light received by the light detector through the sample water is recorded
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring the transmittance of several wavelengths of light through a liquid sample in order to measure or estimate established and novel quality parameters that are descriptive of the quality of the liquid being monitored. The apparatus comprises at least two light emitting diode (LED) modules; each comprising an LED light source and a beam splitter window; a cylindrical rigid structure, a mounting structure, a window aperture, a mechanism for fixing the position of the LED modules, at least one LED light detector, a liquid sample light detector, a microprocessor, and an enclosing structure surrounding the apparatus. The apparatus provides a means for fine tuning the alignment of the light beams generated by the LED light sources, which ensures that the light beams are propagated optimally within the apparatus body and measured accurately by the light detectors.