Optical Alcohol and Carbohydrate Concentration Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for determining alcohol and carbohydrate concentrations in liquid samples require complex diffraction elements to distinguish between light sources at different wavelengths, limiting simultaneous measurements and increasing device complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device using polarization filters to filter and distinguish between light sources at specific angles, allowing for accurate determination of alcohol and carbohydrate concentrations using light intensity measurements at wavelengths between 750 nm and 1000 nm, with a processing unit calculating concentrations through linear equations based on absorption values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a monochromator or diffraction element is used to distinguish between light sources at different wavelengths, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength discrimination function from complex diffraction elements (monochromators) and implements it through a simpler interference filter system. The interference filter selectively transmits only the specific wavelength range (900-920 nm) needed for alcohol measurement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical monochromators while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical monochromator system with an optical interference filter system. Instead of using mechanical moving parts and complex diffraction gratings, the invention uses stationary interference filters with specific optical properties to achieve wavelength selection, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Device complexity
If measurements are carried out in succession at different wavelengths using one sensor, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical measurement system into multiple parallel measurement channels, each with its own sensor and interference filter combination. This allows simultaneous measurement of different wavelength components (alcohol at 900-920 nm and carbohydrates at other wavelengths) without requiring sequential measurements, thereby improving productivity while keeping each channel relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated optical system. By combining multiple sensors with specific interference filters and processing units that handle multiple wavelength channels simultaneously, the system achieves both simple device architecture and high measurement throughput.
3Productivity
If multiple sensors are used to measure at different wavelengths simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific functional characteristics to different parts of the optical system. Each sensor is paired with a dedicated interference filter that has specific optical transmission properties tailored to detect particular wavelength ranges. This localized optimization allows simultaneous multi-wavelength measurement while keeping each component relatively simple and modular.
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 precise and simple measurement of alcohol and carbohydrate concentrations without the need for complex diffraction elements, providing accurate results by filtering light with polarization filters and calculating concentrations through absorption values.
Implementation Method 1
a spectrometer (11) for determining a first and a second light intensity emitted through the liquid sample by the first and the second light source
Implementation Method 2
the received light intensity is determined by means of a sensor. Because different components of the liquids to be tested exhibit different levels of absorption at different wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
The device according to a first embodiment to that end comprises polarization filters disposed in the path of one of the light beams
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention provides a device for optically determining a concentration of alcohol and carbohydrates in a liquid sample (3). The device comprises at least a first and a second light source (7, 10) arranged for exposing the liquid sample (3) in a wavelength range between 750 nm and 1000 nm, a spectrometer (11) arranged to determine a first and a second light intensity by measuring the light from the first and the second light source (7, 10), a processing unit (13) which is connected to the spectrometer (11) and which is arranged to determine an absorption value of the liquid sample (3) from a comparison of the first and the second light intensity with a reference value. The processing unit (13) is further arranged to calculate the concentration of alcohol from the proportion of the absorption at a wavelength of less than 900 nm and the wavelength range between 900 nm and 920 nm, and to calculate the concentration of carbohydrates alcohol from the proportion of the absorption in the wavelength range between 750 nm and 900 nm and at a wavelength of 900 nm. The device in particular further comprises at least two polarization filters (5, 8) for filtering the light from the first light source (7), wherein the first polarization filter (5) is disposed between the first light source (7) and the liquid sample (3) and the second polarization filter (8) is disposed between the liquid sample (3) and the spectrometer (11).