Photoionization Gas Sensor Compact UV Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photoionization gas sensors require high voltage due to the large distance between electrodes, making them bulky and inefficient for detecting volatile organic compounds.
Innovation Solution
A photoionization gas sensor design with a compact ultraviolet generating module using substrates with closely spaced electrodes to minimize the distance between them, allowing for the generation of ultraviolet with lower voltage and increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between electrodes is large, then the gas can be effectively ionized, but the device volume increases and voltage requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked substrate configuration. Multiple substrates are coupled vertically with electrodes positioned at different heights, creating a multi-dimensional electric field that enhances ionization efficiency within a compact volume. The first substrate has an electrode on its upper surface, the second substrate contains a cavity with electrodes, and the third substrate completes the stacked arrangement, utilizing vertical space to maximize electrode-gas interaction without increasing footprint.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the distance between electrodes is large, then the electric field can be uniformly distributed, but the voltage requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional substrates (first, second, and third substrates) that are coupled together. Each substrate contains specific electrode arrangements that divide the overall electric field into manageable segments. This segmentation allows the electric field to be uniformly distributed across each substrate interface while maintaining a compact overall structure that reduces the total voltage requirement compared to a single large-gap electrode system.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is used, then the device volume decreases, but the electrode spacing becomes insufficient for effective ionization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the second substrate contains a cavity that houses additional electrode elements. The first substrate couples to the second substrate which in turn couples to the third substrate, creating a nested arrangement of functional elements. This nesting allows multiple electrode-gas interaction zones to be packed into a compact volume, maintaining sufficient effective spacing for ionization while minimizing the overall device footprint.
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
The compact design enables the generation of ultraviolet with lower voltage, resulting in a smaller volume and more sensitive detection of ionized gases, improving the detection of volatile organic compounds.
Implementation Method 1
generate ultraviolet by applying an electric field to a noble gas filling a first cavity
Implementation Method 2
ionize the gas, and then measuring an electrical signal generated while ions of the gas divided into positive ions and negative ions move to electrodes
Implementation Method 3
an electric field is applied to a passage, through which gas ionized by ultraviolet passes, so as to allow the ionized gas to come into contact with an electrode
Implementation Method 4
ions of the gas divided into positive ions and negative ions move to electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a photoionization gas sensor including an ultraviolet generating module having a first substrate, a second substrate, and a third substrate sequentially coupled in a vertical direction, and configured to generate ultraviolet by applying an electric field to a noble gas filling a first cavity, the first cavity formed in a central portion of the second substrate, and a measuring module configured to collect an electrical signal, the electrical signal being generated such that an electric field is applied to a passage, through which gas ionized by ultraviolet passes, so as to allow the ionized gas to come into contact with an electrode, thereby having a small volume and being operated at a low voltage.