Particle Sensor Thermophoresis Flow Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle sensors for measuring gas-phase particle concentrations suffer from particle accumulation, requiring complex regeneration and shortening their lifespan, often necessitate expensive setups, and are influenced by larger particles disproportionately.
Innovation Solution
A compact, miniaturized device with a flow channel guiding gas past a particle sensor arrangement, utilizing heating elements and temperature sensors, and a deflection mechanism to separate particles by size using thermophoresis, with a non-stick coating to minimize deposition and a control unit for maintaining sensor temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If particles are allowed to adhere to sensors for measurement, then particle concentration can be detected, but particle accumulation occurs requiring complex regeneration and shortening sensor lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful effect of particle accumulation by introducing a flow channel that guides the gas phase past the sensor, preventing particles from adhering to the sensor surface while still enabling concentration measurement through other means
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel acts as an intermediary element between the gas phase and sensor, allowing the gas to be directed past the sensor without direct particle-sensor contact, thus enabling measurement while preventing accumulation
2Measurement precision
If optical measuring systems are used for particle detection, then particle concentration can be measured, but the setup becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical measurement systems with a simpler sensor-based approach using flow channels and temperature sensors, achieving particle concentration measurement without requiring light sources or optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from optical properties to temperature-based detection, using heating elements and temperature sensors to detect particle concentration through thermal effects rather than light scattering
3Measurement precision
If larger particles are present in the gas phase, then they can be detected, but they have greater impact on measurement results compared to smaller particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a non-stick coating on specific portions of the sensor or flow channel, creating regions with different surface properties that prevent preferential accumulation of larger particles while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic cleaning cycles where the sensor is heated to high temperatures to burn off accumulated particles, resetting the sensor surface periodically to maintain measurement accuracy across different particle sizes
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 sensitive, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free particle concentration measurement with reduced cleaning effort, allowing size-specific detection without particle deposition and enhanced precision.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection mechanism to separate particles by size using thermophoresis
Implementation Method 2
Sensors from at least one particle sensor arrangement are designed as heating elements with at least one temperature sensor
Implementation Method 3
The temperature sensor is integrated directly into the heating element
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for measuring particles, particularly concentrations thereof, in a gas phase, wherein there is at least one particle sensor arrangement (4), wherein there is a flow channel (2) through which the gas phase can be conducted, wherein the particle sensor arrangement (4) has at least one sensor, which is positioned to measure a gas phase flowing through the flow channel (2). The invention further relates to a use of such a device (1) for measuring particle concentrations in a gas phase. The invention furthermore relates to a method for measuring particles, particularly concentrations thereof, in a gas phase, by means of such a device (1), wherein the gas phase, particularly bearing particles, is conducted through a flow channel (2), the particles in the gas phase are conducted at least in part, particularly specifically to at least one particle sensor arrangement (4) having at least one sensor and at least one physical parameter, such as a change in at least one temperature and/or a vibration is measured by means of the at least one sensor.