Optical Fluid Sensor Using Solid-State Emitters for Harsh Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid monitoring systems in industries like automotive and transportation face challenges with high costs, complexity, and environmental robustness, particularly in measuring fluid quality and properties using infrared spectroscopy, which requires expensive optics and is difficult to scale for mass production and harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of low-cost, compact fluid monitoring systems using solid-state light emitters, low-cost optics, and integrated opto-electronics that can operate in harsh conditions, incorporating thermal modeling and compensation algorithms to handle temperature effects, and featuring sensors that can be integrated into vehicles or heavy equipment for real-time fluid quality assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional infrared spectroscopy systems are used for fluid monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex infrared spectroscopy components with inexpensive LED light sources and simple photodetectors. The system uses readily available, low-cost optical components that can be easily manufactured and replaced, eliminating the need for sophisticated infrared optics while maintaining adequate measurement capability for fluid quality monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical infrared spectroscopy systems with a simplified optoelectronic system using LEDs and photodetectors. This replacement eliminates moving parts, complex optical alignment mechanisms, and expensive infrared components, resulting in a more robust and easier-to-manufacture device while preserving the core measurement function
2Measurement precision
If traditional infrared spectroscopy systems are used for fluid monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive LED light sources and photodetectors that are readily available from standard electronic component suppliers. These components are designed for easy assembly using conventional manufacturing techniques, enabling large-scale production without requiring specialized facilities or processes needed for traditional infrared spectroscopy systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts from infrared wavelength operation to visible/near-infrared LED wavelengths, allowing the use of standard semiconductor manufacturing processes and conventional optical components. This parameter change enables integration with existing manufacturing infrastructure and simplifies the production workflow while achieving the required measurement precision for fluid quality monitoring
3Measurement precision
If traditional optical sensors are used in harsh environments, then measurement capability is maintained, but temperature sensitivity and vibration immunity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses robust, commercially available LED and photodetector components that are inherently more resistant to environmental stressors than traditional infrared sensors. These standard electronic components are designed to operate in a wide temperature range and can withstand vibration, providing reliable measurement capability in harsh automotive and industrial environments without requiring specialized protection
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into a monitoring system, then measurement capability is improved, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated sensor package. The LED array and photodetector array are housed together in one compact unit with integrated optics and electronics, allowing multiple fluid quality parameters to be measured simultaneously without requiring separate sensor assemblies. This merging reduces the overall system volume and simplifies installation while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability
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
These systems provide reliable, cost-effective, and compact solutions for monitoring fluid quality and properties in harsh environments, enabling real-time data collection and reducing the complexity and expense associated with traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitter is configured to transmit light through a sample and a detector is configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted through the sample
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An optical spectral sensing device for determining at least one property of a fluid. The device has an elongated porous body, a first end and a second end, a solid-state optical emitter at the first end of the body oriented to emit radiation toward the second end of the body, and a solid-state optical detector at the second end of the body oriented to detect radiation emitted by the optical emitter. A package for detecting properties of a fluid includes a body defining a cavity, with a movable and biased carrier for an optical detector or emitter mounted in the cavity for increased reliability. A system for determining relative concentrations of fluids in a sample includes emitter/detector pairs operating at reference wavelength and wavelengths corresponding to absorption peaks of at least two fluids, and a processor for determining concentration based on measured data and calibration data.