Photoelectric Sensor Liquid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection systems face challenges in quickly and accurately determining whether a detection sample has been supplied, leading to potential detection errors, resource wastage, and complex firmware logic, especially when dilution is required, and can result in misjudgments due to similar light intensities through air and liquid.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an existing light source and photoelectric sensor to detect changes in electrical signals when the liquid level of the detection sample reaches the optical path, with the light intensity being reduced due to scattering or refraction, allowing for rapid and assured judgment of sample supply without the need for fluid level sensors or reagents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the second method (using spectrometer to compare light intensity) is used to judge sample supply, then the judgment can be performed using existing devices, but the firmware logic becomes complicated and misjudgments may occur when light intensities through air and liquid are similar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in light intensity (optical property) detected by the photoelectric sensor to determine sample supply status. By monitoring the optical path and detecting when liquid enters it (causing light intensity change), the system achieves simple judgment logic without complex firmware, resolving the contradiction between using existing devices and maintaining simple logic.
2Ease of manufacture
If the second method is used to judge sample supply, then existing spectrometer can be utilized, but reagents are wasted and misjudgments may occur due to similar light intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary judgment of sample supply status by detecting light intensity changes in the optical path before reagents are added or reactions occur. This early detection prevents unnecessary reagent consumption when samples are not supplied, resolving the contradiction between using existing spectrometer and preventing reagent waste.
3Ease of manufacture
If the second method is used to judge sample supply, then light intensity comparison can be performed, but the judgment takes time until light intensity becomes stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs sample supply judgment at an earlier stage by detecting light intensity changes in the optical path before the reaction completes and before light intensity stabilizes. This preliminary detection based on liquid level reaching the optical path significantly reduces judgment time while using existing detection system components.
4Measurement precision
If the first method (fluid level sensor) is used to judge sample supply, then accurate detection can be achieved, but hardware redesign and software modification are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing photoelectric sensor serve multiple functions: both detecting light intensity for sample analysis and detecting liquid level for sample supply judgment. By utilizing the optical path as a dual-purpose detection zone, the system achieves accurate sample supply detection without requiring additional fluid level sensors or hardware redesign, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and 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 easy, reliable, and swift determination of sample supply using existing devices, reducing the risk of misjudgment and resource wastage, and allowing for real-time monitoring of sample availability, thereby preventing malfunctions and optimizing system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit a detection light toward an inside of the reaction cell from one side of the reaction cell, and a photoelectric sensor arranged on the other side of the reaction cell so as to face the light source and configured to receive the detection light transmitted through the reaction cell
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectric sensor arranged on the other side of the reaction cell so as to face the light source and configured to receive the detection light transmitted through the reaction cell and convert received detection light into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
when the liquid level of the detection sample reaches an optical path of the detection light, causing an amount of change of the electrical signal output from the photoelectric sensor to exceed a specified threshold
Implementation Method 4
the light intensity being reduced due to scattering or refraction
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system may include a reaction cell which is a container for reacting the detection sample, a light source configured to emit a detection light toward an inside of the reaction cell from one side of the reaction cell, and a photoelectric sensor arranged on the other side of the reaction cell so as to face the light source and configured to receive the detection light transmitted through the reaction cell and convert a signal of the received detection light into an electrical signal. A judging method may include judging whether or not the detection sample has been supplied based on whether or not the electrical signal output from the photoelectric sensor changes by sending an instruction to supply the detection sample to the reaction cell to the detection system in a state in which the light source and the photoelectric sensor are kept being operated. When the liquid level of the detection sample reaches an optical path of the detection light and an amount of change of the electrical signal output from the photoelectric sensor exceeds a specified threshold, it may be judged that the detection sample has been supplied. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to easily, assuredly and quickly judge whether or not the detection sample has been supplied by existing devices in a detection system.