Optochemical Sensor with Rotatable Cap for Bubble Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optochemical sensors face challenges in measuring multiple parameters with a single device due to the difficulty in arranging light sources and receivers at high-temperature measurement points, leading to interference and the need for multiple sensors, especially when measuring media with gas bubbles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-parameter optochemical sensor design featuring a cylindrical housing with a removable cap containing a sensor spot on its circumferential face, a deflection module to direct excitation radiation, and a radiation receiver within the housing, allowing for multiple parameter measurement with a single sensor by rotating the cap to change the light path and prevent bubble interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light source and light receiver are arranged directly on the optical sensor element, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity and interference susceptibility increase due to long connecting lines from remote data processing units
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into modular components: a sensor head containing the optical sensor element, and a separate housing containing the light source, light receiver, and data processing unit. This segmentation allows the optical components to be positioned optimally for measurement while keeping electronic components separate to reduce interference and connecting line complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide acts as an intermediary component, transmitting light between the light source/light receiver in the housing and the optical sensor element in the sensor head. This mediator enables separation of components while maintaining optical coupling, reducing direct electrical connections and interference.
2Reliability
If the light source and light receiver are placed far away from the measuring point, then the interference is reduced, but the light transmission efficiency decreases due to long light paths
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is arranged in a compact three-dimensional configuration within the sensor head, allowing the light source and sensor element to be positioned close together spatially while the light receiver remains in the separate housing. This dimensional arrangement minimizes light path length and energy loss while maintaining component separation for interference reduction.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor spot is used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the multi-parameter measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor head can be rotated to different angular positions, dynamically changing which sensor spot on the circumferential face is illuminated by the light source. This dynamic repositioning allows a single physical sensor to measure multiple parameters (such as different gas concentrations at different locations) without requiring multiple fixed sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
A single optical sensor element serves multiple functions by measuring different parameters at different angular positions. The circumferential arrangement of sensor spots on the sensor head allows one sensor to perform what would otherwise require multiple separate sensors, achieving multi-functionality without increasing device complexity.
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 simple and effective measurement of multiple parameters with a single sensor, including in media prone to gas bubbles, by directing excitation radiation at various angles and using switchable layers to activate different measurement regions, enhancing measurement reliability and reducing the need for multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The light is reflected by the optical sensor element in a specific light characteristic, possibly after conversion, is detected by a light receiver
Implementation Method 2
a deflection module is arranged in the removable cap and deflects, in the direction of the sensor spots, excitation radiation radiated into the removable cap on the front side
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an optochemical sensor for determining a measurand correlating with a concentration of an analyte in a measuring fluid, comprising: a housing having an immersion region configured for immersing in the measuring fluid; a removable cap having a sensor spot, the removable cap removably arranged at the immersion region of the housing, wherein the sensor spot is disposed on a circumferential face; a radiation source disposed in the housing for radiating excitation radiation into the removable cap, wherein a deflection module is disposed in the removable cap as to deflect excitation radiation radiated into the removable cap; a radiation receiver disposed in the housing for receiving received radiation emitted by the sensor spot; and a sensor circuit disposed in the housing and configured to control the radiation source, receive signals of the radiation receiver, and generate output signals based on the signals of the radiation receiver.