Optical Sensor for Chemical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting chemicals in fluids, such as dip strips and Ion-specific electrode probes, are either costly, require user interpretation, or suffer from calibration issues and biological growth, while optical sensors are expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor with multiple light sources and sensors that emit or reflect light in response to chemical presence, using a single light detector and controller to monitor chemical parameters, with a removable substrate and fluid sensor for continuous monitoring, capable of detecting chemicals in gases or liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Ion-specific electrode probes (ISE) are used to detect chemicals in fluids, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost and operational complexity increase, and calibration is required frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical measurement system (ISE probes with electrodes) with an optical measurement system. Chemical sensors that change color in response to chemical presence are illuminated by light sources, and the reflected light is detected by photodetectors. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical calibration and reduces susceptibility to biological fouling while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copies (light reflection) to represent chemical presence rather than direct electrical measurement. The colorimetric sensors create optical signals that are detected and converted into electrical readings, providing a indirect but more robust measurement method that avoids the pitfalls of direct electrical contact with the fluid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light detectors are used to monitor multiple chemical parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple chemical sensors and their corresponding light sources onto a single substrate, allowing multiple chemical parameters to be monitored simultaneously. The system integrates multiple sensor-light source pairs in close proximity, enabling multiparameter detection without requiring separate detector assemblies for each parameter, thus reducing overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sensing platform where a single device can monitor multiple chemical parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) through an array of specialized sensors on one substrate. This multi-functional approach allows the device to perform various chemical analyses without requiring separate specialized detectors for each parameter type.
3Ease of manufacture
If reversible colorimetric sensor pads are used for chemical detection, then device cost is reduced, but user interpretation becomes difficult and subjective under varying light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual interpretation with an automated optical detection system. Photodetectors measure the intensity and wavelength of light reflected from the colorimetric sensors, and a processor automatically analyzes these signals to determine chemical concentrations. This eliminates the need for users to visually compare colors under varying light conditions, providing objective and consistent readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through electronic processing of optical signals. The photodetectors continuously monitor the reflected light from sensors, and the processor compares these readings against reference values to provide accurate chemical concentration measurements. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent interpretation regardless of ambient lighting conditions.
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 cost-effective, accurate, and robust monitoring of multiple chemical parameters without user calibration or interpretation, with reduced size and complexity, and the ability to detect fluid presence and level, suitable for various environments.
Implementation Method 1
two or more light sources; two or more sensors, each sensor for sensing a chemical in the fluid, each of the sensors being arranged to receive light from a respective one of the two or more light sources
Implementation Method 2
each of the sensors being configured to emit or reflect light in response to the received light, wherein a colour and/or intensity of the light emitted or reflected from a sensor is dependent upon a presence of one or more chemicals to be detected in the fluid
Implementation Method 3
a collimator arranged to guide light emitted by each of the two or more light sources to the respective two or more sensors, and configured to guide light emitted or reflected by each of the two or more sensors to the light detector
Implementation Method 4
a light detector arranged to receive the light emitted or reflected by each of the two or more sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates an optical sensor. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical sensor for detecting chemical components in a fluid. The present invention comprises two or more sensors, each being configured to detect one or more chemicals in a fluid, or one or more properties of the fluid, and two or more light sources. Each sensor is associated with one light source, and each sensor is configured to emit or reflect light in response to light from the light source incident on the sensor. The emitted or reflected light is dependent upon the presence of a chemical or a property of the fluid. The two or more light sources and two or more sensors are arranged around a single light detector, which detects the colour and/or intensity of the light being emitted or reflected by the sensor. Data from the light detector is passed to a remote processor for processing.