Particle Stream Detection Using Offset Receivers and Pulse Droop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining particles in a particle stream are complex and fail to accurately detect coincidences between particles, leading to incorrect measurements, especially when particle speeds and sizes vary widely, and do not account for contamination of measurement equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a radiation source and two offset receivers generates electrical signals based on radiation intensity, allowing for coincidence detection and correction, and includes a cross-correlation to determine time shifts and evaluate pulse widths, with display units indicating operational status and contamination levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and detectors are used simultaneously for particle detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex coincidence detection and correction systems from conventional multi-source particle detection devices. By using a single light source and detector with optimized optical path and timing, the system achieves accurate particle size measurement without requiring multiple simultaneous light sources and detectors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical measurement model that replicates the essential measurement function of complex multi-source systems. By using a single light source and detector configuration with proper timing and signal processing, it copies the particle detection capability without needing multiple physical sources and detectors, thus reducing device complexity
2Device complexity
If conventional particle detection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but coincidence detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms through precise timing signals and signal processing that enable coincidence detection in a simplified single-source system. The system uses timing feedback from the detector to identify when multiple particles pass through the measurement volume simultaneously, maintaining reliability while keeping device complexity low
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or multi-component coincidence detection systems with a simplified optical-timing-based detection method. By using precise timing measurements and signal analysis from a single detector, it substitutes elaborate mechanical coincidence detection arrangements, achieving reliable coincidence detection with minimal device complexity
3Measurement precision
If constant flow rate is maintained for particle measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to varying particle streams is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static constant flow rate requirements to dynamic flow rate adaptation. The system uses real-time timing measurements and signal analysis to accurately determine particle size and speed regardless of flow rate variations, enabling the measurement system to adapt dynamically to different particle stream conditions while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from relying on constant flow rate parameters to using timing-based parameters that are independent of flow rate. By measuring the time interval between particles passing the detector and using this timing information for size and speed calculation, the system becomes adaptable to varying flow rates while preserving measurement precision
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 approach simplifies particle size and speed measurement, corrects for coincidences, and detects contamination, ensuring accurate and reliable particle measurement by recognizing and evaluating coincidences and signaling errors, thereby preventing incorrect measurements.
Implementation Method 1
depending on the radiation intensity received when the particle stream passes through, make an electrical signal available
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining the particle contained in a particle stream using a light source and two receivers which are arranged such that they are offset with respect to one another in the direction of flow and provide an evaluation unit with an electrical signal on the basis of the radiation intensity received, wherein the signal makes it possible to determine the flow velocity and particle size, and a pulse which occurs in the signal and is caused by an attenuation of the radiation intensity when the particle passes through a receiver indicates coincidence by virtue of a 'pulse droop' in this pulse.