Optical Backscatter Probe for Combustion Gas Particulate Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emissions measurement equipment is not easily integratable into multi-cylinder engines, lacks individual cylinder emission data, and is often fragile and expensive, making it unsuitable for production use.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a light transmission and collection system to measure particulate matter in engine emissions by transmitting light into the combustion gas stream and detecting scattered light, with a controller to record signals over time, and incorporates a purge gas system to prevent soot buildup, allowing for compact and durable installation in hard-to-reach engine areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional emissions measurement equipment is used, then measurement capability is provided, but the equipment is too fragile and expensive for production engines and cannot be easily incorporated into hard to access portions of multi-cylinder engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical measurement systems with a backscatter-based optical system that uses light transmission through fiber optic cables. The system uses a light source and photodetector to measure backscattered light from particulate matter, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sampling systems and making the equipment more durable and suitable for production engine applications
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to be universally applicable to multiple cylinder configurations and engine types. The probe can be positioned to measure emissions from individual cylinders or multiple cylinders simultaneously, and the system can be adapted to various engine layouts including hard-to-reach portions, providing multi-functional capability across different application scenarios
2Loss of information
If conventional emissions measurement equipment is used, then general emission data is obtained, but the equipment does not provide suitable information of the emissions of the individual cylinders of a multi-cylinder engine
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented to enable individual cylinder measurement. The probe can be positioned to target specific cylinders, and the system provides separate measurement channels or timing synchronization to distinguish emissions from each cylinder. This segmentation allows individual cylinder emission data to be obtained while maintaining a relatively simple probe structure that can be easily incorporated into the engine
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional emissions measurement equipment is used, then measurement function is provided, but the equipment is not easily integratable into multi-cylinder engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and sampling systems with a flexible optical fiber-based probe that can be easily routed to hard-to-reach engine locations. The probe uses optical fibers to transmit light and collect backscattered signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and making the system highly adaptable to various engine configurations and access points
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 accurate, economical, and durable measurement of particulate emissions from individual cylinders, facilitating engine diagnostics and emissions reduction, and supports active control of emission control devices for improved engine efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
Transmitted light is scattered by the particulate matter
Implementation Method 2
A light collection system collects and detects the scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sensing particulate in a combustion gas stream is disclosed. The system transmits light into a combustion gas stream, and thereafter detects a portion of the transmitted light as scattered light in an amount corresponding to the amount of particulates in the emissions. Purge gas may be supplied adjacent the light supply and the detector to reduce particles in the emissions from coating or otherwise compromising the transmission of light into the emissions and recovery of scattered light from the emissions.