Underwater Optical Probe Cap With Air Layer Against Window Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical probes used for underwater analysis face contamination issues due to suspended substances adhering to the optical system or glass window, which is difficult to clean, especially in highly contaminated environments and for unmanned systems.
Innovation Solution
The optical probe device includes a cap with an air layer that separates the sensing unit from the underwater environment, using moisture and water pressure sensors to maintain an air layer, and an air injection system to prevent contamination, along with a shutter to control the opening and closing of the cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical probe is used directly in underwater environment, then the sensing capability is improved, but the glass window gets contaminated by suspended substances
Solution Approach 1:
The optical probe is divided into two separate parts: a contamination-resistant sensing unit that remains in the underwater environment and a clean analysis unit that stays in air. The sensing unit includes only the glass window and light guide for light collection, while the spectroscopy unit for analysis remains outside water, connected via optical fibers. This segmentation prevents contamination of the analysis unit while maintaining sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers serve as an intermediary medium to transmit light between the underwater sensing unit and the air-based spectroscopy unit. This allows the sensing unit to be separated from the analysis unit, enabling the analysis unit to remain contamination-free while the sensing unit operates in the harsh underwater environment.
2Ease of operation
If mini-wipers are used to clean the glass window, then some contamination is removed, but highly contaminated materials cannot be cleaned accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The glass window is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. Instead of attempting to clean highly contaminated windows with mini-wipers, the entire sensing unit with the contaminated glass window can be quickly replaced with a new one, ensuring optimal sensing performance without complex cleaning mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If manual cleaning is performed, then the glass window can be cleaned, but it is not possible for unmanned and remotely operated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a removable sensing unit that can be pre-cleaned or replaced manually on land, and an automated underwater deployment system. The sensing unit with its glass window is handled manually during maintenance, while the underwater operation remains fully automated without requiring manual cleaning intervention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensing unit is separated from underwater environment using a cap with air layer, then contamination is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sensing function (in water) from the analysis function (in air), with each unit optimized for its environment. The sensing unit is a simple, robust structure designed to withstand underwater pressure and minimize contamination, while the spectroscopy unit operates in cleaner air conditions, reducing overall system complexity compared to attempting to protect the entire system from water.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers act as an intermediary that allows physical separation of the sensing unit from the analysis unit. This enables the sensing unit to be a simple, contamination-resistant structure while the complex spectroscopy equipment remains protected in air, reducing the complexity of waterproofing and contamination protection mechanisms.
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
This design prevents contamination of the sensing unit, allowing for precise and convenient analysis of underwater components by maintaining a separation between the sensing unit and the underwater environment.
Implementation Method 1
configured to allow an air layer inside the opening to separate the sensing unit from an underwater environment
Implementation Method 2
a light source unit for emitting excitation light
Implementation Method 3
a sensing unit for emitting the excitation light into underwater and collecting scattered light scattered from the underwater
Implementation Method 4
a spectroscopy unit for analyzing the scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical probe device for analyzing a component of an underwater substance, the optical probe device including: a light source unit for emitting excitation light; a sensing unit for emitting the excitation light into underwater and collecting scattered light scattered from the underwater; a spectroscopy unit for analyzing the scattered light; a light transmitting unit for connecting the light source unit and the sensing unit, and the sensing unit and the spectroscopy unit; and a cap having an opening on one side, configured to receive the sensing unit therein, and configured to allow an air layer inside the opening to separate the sensing unit from an underwater environment when the opening is lowered and submerged in the underwater in the state where the opening is disposed to cover a water surface.