Fine Particle Concentration Measurement via Electrical Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring fine particle concentration, such as Hemacytometer and Coulter Counter, face challenges in precision and efficiency due to the need for manual counting and expensive precision flow control pumps, respectively.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a control volume with inlet and outlet paths and measuring instruments to emit electrical signals when fine particles pass through, allowing for real-time concentration calculation without quantitative fluid measurement, using electrical or optical methods to count particles and calculate concentration within a known volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Hemacytometer is used to measure fine particle concentration, then the device cost is low and size is small, but measurement precision and efficiency are poor due to manual counting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical counting method of the Hemacytometer with an automated electrical measurement system. The Coulter counter uses electrical resistance changes to automatically detect and count particles, eliminating manual observation and counting through a microscope, thereby significantly improving both measurement precision and counting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical measurement intermediary (the measuring instrument that detects electrical resistance changes) between the particles and the counting process. This intermediary enables automatic detection and counting of particles based on their electrical properties, resolving the contradiction between manual counting inefficiency and measurement precision requirements.
2Measurement precision
If a Coulter Counter is used to measure fine particle concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases due to expensive precision flow control pumps and accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex precision flow control pump system from the measurement device. By focusing measurement on a fixed control volume and using electrical resistance changes to detect particles, the invention removes the need for expensive mechanical pumping components while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump-based fluid control system with an electrical measurement approach. Instead of using mechanical means to control and measure fluid flow, the invention uses electrical resistance changes across a control volume to detect particles, significantly simplifying the device structure and reducing costs.
3Measurement precision
If quantitative measurement of fluid containing fine particles is performed, then concentration calculation is possible, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the fluid quantitative measurement system from the concentration measurement process. By defining a fixed control volume and measuring only the electrical resistance changes within that volume, the invention eliminates the need for complex fluid flow measurement components while maintaining concentration measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical fluid measurement methods with electrical measurement techniques. Instead of using flow meters or volumetric measurement devices, the invention uses electrical resistance changes across a defined control volume to detect particles and calculate concentration, significantly reducing 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 precise and rapid measurement of fine particle concentration with reduced device size and cost, facilitating integration into microsystems and minimizing errors, especially for low concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
measuring instruments provided at the inlet path and the outlet path to emit electrical signals when the fine particles pass through the inlet path and the outlet path
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for measuring the concentration of the particles contained in a fluid. The device comprises a control volume body having a predetermined effective volume. An inlet path is formed at an end of the control volume body to feed the fluid into the control volume body therethrough. An outlet path is formed at another end of the control volume body to discharge the fluid from the control volume body therethrough. Measuring instruments are provided at the inlet path and the outlet path to emit electrical signals when the fine particles pass through the inlet path and the outlet path. A computing machine receives the electrical signals transmitted from the measuring instruments, and then computes the number and the concentration of fine particles contained in the control volume body. The device is easily integrated with Micro-TAS (Total analysis System).