Multi-Gas Detection Using Color-Changing Indicator and Narrow Band Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low concentration gas detectors are limited to detecting one target gas at a time, making them inadequate for environments where multiple gases are present, and they often rely on color changing indicators that require visual monitoring or complex light detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A gas detector device utilizing a wide band light source and multiple narrow band light sensors to detect light reflected from a color changing indicator, which reacts with gases to produce distinct colors, allowing the processor to identify gas types and concentrations based on wavelength and color changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gas detectors are used to detect multiple gases, then the capability to detect multiple gases is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single gas detector to detect multiple different gases simultaneously using one color changing indicator that reacts with multiple gas types to produce distinct colors. The wide band light source and multiple narrow band sensors work together to identify different gases through their characteristic color responses, eliminating the need for separate detectors for each gas type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection spectrum by using multiple narrow band optical sensors, each sensitive to specific wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different gases based on their unique color signatures across different wavelength regions, enabling multi-gas detection with a single indicator system.
2Ease of operation
If visual monitoring of color changing indicators is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of optical sensors and signal processing circuitry that bridges the color changing indicator and the detection system. The sensors capture optical signals from the color changes, and the processing system translates these into precise gas identification and concentration measurements, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual monitoring approach with an optical sensing and electronic processing system. Instead of relying on human eyes to observe color changes, the system uses optical sensors to detect light at specific wavelengths and electronic circuits to process the signals, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while achieving precise automated detection and measurement.
3Ease of operation
If conventional light detection systems are used with color changing indicators, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability to detect multiple gases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single multi-functional gas detector to identify multiple different gases by using a color changing indicator that produces distinct colors for different gas types. The wide band light source illuminates the indicator, and multiple narrow band sensors detect the characteristic color patterns, allowing one detector to perform multiple gas detection functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of spectral analysis by measuring light at multiple specific wavelength regions. Instead of using a single conventional light sensor, the system employs multiple narrow band sensors that detect light at different wavelengths, enabling the system to distinguish between different gases based on their unique spectral signatures while maintaining ease of operation.
4Device complexity
If a single narrow band light sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision for identifying different gases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical detection function into multiple narrow band sensors, each optimized for detecting light at specific wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows the system to capture detailed spectral information across different color regions, enabling precise gas identification through analysis of the wavelength-specific light reflections from the color changing indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing each narrow band sensor with specific wavelength sensitivity tailored to detect particular color regions. Each sensor is optimized for its specific wavelength range, allowing the system to accurately detect the characteristic color patterns of different gases through localized optical measurement at specific wavelength regions.
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 simultaneous detection and concentration measurement of multiple gases, including non-target gases and mixtures, through a user-friendly and efficient optical sensing mechanism, improving accuracy and usability in multi-gas environments.
Implementation Method 1
a color changing indicator operable to react with gas in the air to change color, wherein different gases may react to create different colors
Implementation Method 2
the sensors detect light reflected by the color changing indicator from the wide band light source
Implementation Method 3
at least two narrow band light sensors, wherein each sensor may be operable to detect light at a different range of wavelengths
Implementation Method 4
a wide band light source
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, this application describes systems and methods for detecting gas using a wide band light source, and at least two narrow band light sensors, wherein each sensor may be operable to detect light at a different range of wavelengths. Additionally, the gas detector device may comprise a color changing indicator operable to react with gas in the air to change color, wherein different gases may react to create different colors, and wherein the sensors detect light reflected by the color changing indicator from the wide band light source. The gas detector device may comprise a processor in communication with the at least two light sensors operable to receive detected reflected wavelength information from the light sensors, and determine the type of gas that reacted with the color changing indicator based on the color detected by the sensors, wherein each color may be associated with a different type of gas.