Optical Sensor Unit with Integrated Calibration Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of optical sensors for determining variables in samples requires significant user effort for calibration and maintenance, including checking sensor lifetime, which can lead to erroneous measurements if neglected.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit with an integrated information module that emits and receives optical signals, storing calibration data and other relevant information, allowing for bidirectional communication and reducing user effort by providing calibration data and ambient parameter measurements directly, and indicating sensor fitness or need for recalibration through optical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for determining variables in samples, then measurement capability is improved, but user effort for calibration and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit autonomously manages its own calibration data and operational status. The integrated memory stores calibration data, and the control unit automatically retrieves and applies this data during measurements, eliminating the need for manual calibration by the user. The system also self-monitors sensor fitness and communicates status information, reducing maintenance effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit provides feedback to the user about its operational status, calibration state, and fitness for measurement. The control unit communicates sensor fitness information and calibration status to the user, enabling informed decisions about when recalibration or replacement is needed, thereby reducing unnecessary user intervention while maintaining measurement quality.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Calibration data is pre-stored in the memory of the sensor unit during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary action allows the sensor to immediately use stored calibration data for accurate measurements without requiring time-consuming manual calibration procedures before each use or during routine operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically retrieves and applies calibration data from memory without user intervention. The system self-manages the calibration process by selecting and applying appropriate calibration data based on sensor identification and measurement conditions, eliminating the time users would otherwise spend performing manual calibration.
3Device complexity
If sensor fitness is not monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors sensor fitness by evaluating measurement signals against predefined criteria and calibration data. It provides feedback to the user about the sensor's operational status and fitness for measurement, enabling timely detection of degraded sensors and preventing erroneous measurements while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 configuration reduces user effort by automating data retrieval and sensor management, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements by accounting for calibration and ambient conditions in real-time, and preventing the use of unfit sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The article the sensors used are luminescence sensors, i.e. a respective sensor responds to an optical excitation with a luminescence phenomenon
Implementation Method 2
photoelectric converters are provided to supply the identification element with electrical energy from the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit is disclosed which includes a sensor and an information module. The sensor exhibits an optical behavior dependent on at least one variable of a sample. Sensor related information can be emitted by the information module as optical radiation. In embodiments the sensor related information includes calibration data for the sensor. The sensor related information may additionally include identification data for the sensor. In embodiments the information module measures at least one ambient parameter, and emits the measurement value in an optical signal. The measurement value is taken into account when determining at least one variable of a sample by means of the sensor unit. In embodiments the information module may also transmit status information of the sensor unit. Furthermore a method for determining a variable of a sample with a sensor unit and a measurement system is disclosed.