Optical Agitator Position Sensing for Sample Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic measuring systems require costly float switches or turbine/thermal flow meters for sample flow detection, which occupy extra space and increase system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system with an agitating element and optical measurement arrangement that determines the element's position based on flow rate, using an optical measurement path to detect the agitating element's position inside or outside the path, allowing flow rate detection without additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a float switch or turbine/thermal flow meter is used for sample flow detection, then flow rate detection is achieved, but system cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow detection function with the existing optical measurement arrangement by integrating an optical sensor into the optical path. The agitating element's position, which naturally varies with flow rate, is detected using the same optical components already present in the system, thereby merging two functions (flow detection and sample analysis) into a single integrated system without requiring separate flow meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement arrangement serves dual purposes: it performs the primary function of optical sample analysis while simultaneously detecting the agitating element's position to determine flow rate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated flow detection devices, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a float switch or turbine/thermal flow meter is used for sample flow detection, then flow rate detection is achieved, but space within the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow detection capability is merged into the existing optical measurement arrangement, which occupies minimal space within the measuring chamber. By using the same optical path and components for both sample analysis and flow detection, the system avoids adding separate space-consuming flow meters while maintaining accurate flow rate detection capability.
3Device complexity
If an optical measurement arrangement is used to detect agitating element position, then flow rate detection is enabled without additional devices, but the system requires integration of additional circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor acts as an intermediary element that translates the physical position of the agitating element into an optical signal that can be processed by the existing measurement arrangement. This intermediary approach allows flow detection to be integrated through minimal additional circuitry while maintaining compatibility with the existing system architecture.
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 efficient flow rate detection and sample analysis with reduced cost and space requirements by integrating flow detection into existing optical arrangements, facilitating flexible and precise monitoring of sample fluids.
Implementation Method 1
an optical measurement arrangement with an optical measurement path for determining the position of the agitating element, wherein the measuring system is configured to determine the position of the agitating element based on a measurement signal from the optical measurement arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring system (1), comprising: a measuring chamber (10) for receiving a sample fluid; an agitating element (30) provided within the measuring chamber (10) for agitating the sample fluid, wherein a position of the agitating element (30) is variable between a first position (A) and a second position (B) inside the measuring chamber (100) depending on a flow rate of the sample fluid; and an optical measurement arrangement (20) with an optical measurement path (X) for determining the position of the agitating element (30); wherein the measuring system (1) is configured to determine the position of the agitating element (30) based on a measurement signal from the optical measurement arrangement (20), the measurement signal being indicative of the agitating element (30) being inside or outside of the optical measurement path (λ).