Integrated Sensor Combining NDIR and Hydrogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
NDIR sensors fail to detect hydrogen, which has no infrared signature, and existing solutions require a dedicated external hydrogen sensor that consumes power and is prone to poisoning, with complex integration processes, especially when combined with miniature IR gas sensors.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensor that combines a Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) sensor with a hydrogen sensor, where the hydrogen sensor is positioned within the optical cavity of the NDIR sensor, minimizing optical interference and using a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) to house both sensors, reducing space and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated external hydrogen sensor is used, then hydrogen detection capability is achieved, but power consumption increases and the sensor is prone to poisoning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydrogen sensor and NDIR sensor into a single integrated sensor unit, sharing common structural components and optical cavity space. This merging eliminates the need for separate external hydrogen sensors, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining hydrogen detection capability through the shared sensor architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated external hydrogen sensor is used, then hydrogen detection capability is achieved, but the integration process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydrogen sensor and NDIR sensor into a single integrated unit with shared structural components, optical cavity, and housing. This consolidation simplifies the integration process by eliminating the need for complex assembly of separate sensors, while still providing both hydrogen detection and infrared gas detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor serves multiple functions within a single device: it detects hydrogen through the hydrogen sensor and simultaneously detects other gases through the NDIR sensor using the shared optical cavity. This multi-functionality reduces integration complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate dedicated sensors
3Reliability
If the hydrogen sensor is positioned within the optical cavity, then optical interference is minimized, but space constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the hydrogen sensor inside the optical cavity of the NDIR sensor, nesting one sensor within the structural framework of the other. This nesting arrangement minimizes optical interference by positioning the hydrogen sensor in a region where it does not obstruct the infrared optical path, while efficiently utilizing the available space within the integrated sensor housing
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 integrated sensor enables efficient detection of hydrogen without increasing power consumption or design complexity, providing a compact and reliable solution for multi-gas detection with enhanced sensitivity and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
Radiations transmitted by the IR source travel within a region of the optical cavity to be received by the detector. The radiations of specific wavelength may be absorbed by gas molecules of the target gas.
Implementation Method 2
The hydrogen gas sensor is at least one of a small solid-state electrochemical sensor or a Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated sensor for detecting gases present in an environment is provided. The integrated sensor comprises a first gas sensor and a second gas sensor. The first gas sensor is configured to measure a first gas and the second gas sensor is configured to measure a second gas. The first gas is different from the second gas. The first gas sensor is an optical sensor and defines an optical cavity. The second gas sensor is disposed within the optical cavity of the first gas sensor.