Optical Particle Detection Chamber for Non-Metallic Debris Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing debris monitoring techniques struggle to effectively detect and characterize non-metallic particles in hybrid bearings, which are crucial for maintaining the performance and reliability of aerospace systems.

Innovation Solution

A particle detection system utilizing optical techniques to measure the velocity and size of particles by analyzing light attenuation through a chamber with transparent and opaque sidewalls, and employing multiple pairs of openings to determine particle properties without material composition dependence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional debris monitoring techniques are used, then the system can detect metallic particles, but it fails to effectively detect and characterize non-metallic particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy for non-metallic particlesVSAvoidmaterial composition coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or magnetic debris monitoring techniques with an optical detection system. The optical system uses light sources and photodetectors to detect particles through light scattering and attenuation, enabling detection of both metallic and non-metallic particles without relying on material-specific properties like magnetism or conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the detection parameter from material-composition-dependent properties (magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity) to optical properties (light scattering, light attenuation). By measuring how particles interact with light rather than how they respond to magnetic or electrical fields, the system achieves universal detection across different material compositions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If optical detection is implemented, then both metallic and non-metallic particles can be detected, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capability across material typesVSAvoidoptical system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting particle presence, characterizing particle size, and determining particle velocity, all through a single integrated optical pathway. The same light source and photodetector configuration serves for detecting both metallic and non-metallic particles, eliminating the need for separate detection systems for different material types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a chamber with transparent sidewalls as an intermediary structure that facilitates optical detection. This chamber allows light to pass through while containing the fluid and particles, creating a controlled detection environment without requiring complex direct coupling between the optical components and the particle-laden fluid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If a chamber with transparent sidewalls is used for optical detection, then light transmission is improved, but the chamber design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmission through chamberVSAvoidchamber structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber is designed with different properties for different sidewalls: transparent sidewalls in the optical path to maximize light transmission, and opaque sidewalls elsewhere to block ambient light and reduce noise. This localized optimization of material properties allows the chamber to simultaneously achieve high light transmission where needed while maintaining structural integrity and light isolation where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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, real-time detection and characterization of both metallic and non-metallic particles, supporting 'on-condition' maintenance and enhancing the reliability of hybrid bearing systems.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a characteristic of the light beam as it passes through the chamber to determine one or more properties of the particle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12535400B2Systems and methods for optical particle detection

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A particle detection system includes a light source configured to generate a light beam, a first collimator lens configured to channel the light beam into the chamber through a first sidewall, the chamber including openings on a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a second collimator lens configured to channel light received from the openings to a light detector. A method for detecting particles flowing through a chamber includes generating a light beam, channeling the light beam into the chamber via a first collimator lens, detecting light escaped from the chamber via a plurality of openings formed at a second sidewall of the chamber opposite the first sidewall, at a light detector via a second collimator lens located outside the second sidewall, and determining parameters of the one or more particles flowing through the chamber based on the received escaped light.