Optical Sensor Adjustment Component for Sealed Measurement Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems require manual entry of adjustment codes for sensor cap replacements, leading to potential errors and inconvenience, especially in sealed sensors used in aqueous environments, where consistent measurements across different lots of sensor caps are challenging to maintain.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment component that transmits adjustment information via a measurement channel of the sensor, utilizing a light engine to produce a predetermined light pattern detectable by the sensor, allowing for automated or semi-automated configuration of the sensor without manual entry, even in sealed sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of adjustment codes is used for sensor cap replacements, then adjustment information can be input, but potential errors and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cap automatically provides adjustment information to the sensor housing without requiring manual user input. The system uses the sensor cap itself to convey calibration data through its optical properties, eliminating the need for users to manually enter adjustment codes and reducing potential for human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical code entry with an optical communication system. The sensor cap uses optical modulation to encode adjustment information, which is then detected by the sensor housing, substituting the manual mechanical process of code entry with an automated optical signal transmission and detection system.
2Reliability
If sealed sensors are used in aqueous environments, then sensor durability is improved, but adjustment capability becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement channel serves dual functions: it performs the primary sensing function for detecting analyte concentration and simultaneously serves as a communication channel for transmitting adjustment information. This multi-functionality allows the sealed sensor to receive calibration data without compromising its sealed, durable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing optical measurement channel as an intermediary to transmit adjustment information to the sensor housing. This intermediary approach allows calibration data to be communicated through the sealed sensor structure without requiring physical opening or modification of the sealed design, thus maintaining both durability and adjustability.
3Reliability
If consistent measurements across different lots of sensor caps are maintained, then measurement reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cap is pre-calibrated during manufacturing with lot-specific adjustment information encoded in its optical properties. This preliminary action of encoding calibration data in the sensor cap itself eliminates the need for complex post-manufacturing adjustment systems, as the calibration information is already embedded in the component before deployment.
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 convenient and accurate adjustment of measurement systems, ensuring consistent measurements across different lots of sensor caps, reducing the risk of human error and facilitating maintenance in aqueous environments.
Implementation Method 1
light engine capable of producing a signal detectable by a light detector of an optical sensor to be adjusted
Implementation Method 2
The luminescent properties of the sensor cap are dependent on oxygen levels, forming the basis of operation. For example, in one example sensor, blue light from an LED illuminates a luminescent chemical in the luminescent material on the surface of the sensor cap. The luminescent chemical excites and then relaxes, releasing red light.
Implementation Method 3
blue light from an LED illuminates a luminescent chemical in the luminescent material on the surface of the sensor cap. The luminescent chemical excites and then relaxes, releasing red light.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect provides a system, including: a sensor adjustment component having: a memory device having adjustment information stored therein; a light engine capable of producing a signal detectable by a light detector of an optical sensor to be adjusted; and one or more processors; where the one or more processors are configured to execute program instructions to operate the light engine to produce a predetermined light pattern detectable by the light detector of the optical sensor to be adjusted; where the predetermined signal pattern comprises the adjustment information; and where the adjustment information configures said light detector that receives said predetermined signal pattern carrying the adjustment information. Other aspects are disclosed.