Radiation Absorption Device with Fluid Calibration Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement devices for radiation absorption, used in air pollution monitoring, face challenges in maintaining accuracy due to environmental factors like dirt and aging of components, making regular calibration difficult and costly, especially when located in hazardous outdoor settings.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a movable fluid calibration cell and reflective element in the device's optical path, allowing for automatic spectral and sensitivity recalibration using a known substance, enabling remote and safer maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device is placed in outdoor environments for air pollution monitoring, then the device can perform real-world measurements, but the components (mirrors, detectors, light sources) are exposed to dirt and aging which decreases measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a calibration system that performs preliminary calibration actions automatically. A calibration gas with known concentration is introduced into the measurement path, and the system automatically adjusts its sensitivity parameters before actual measurements, preventing accuracy degradation from accumulating without correction
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-calibration using an integrated calibration gas cylinder and automated control system. The system independently introduces calibration gas, measures the known concentration, and adjusts its own sensitivity parameters without requiring external intervention or manual calibration procedures
2Measurement precision
If regular calibration is performed to maintain measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the device requires frequent maintenance which increases operational complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system operates autonomously using integrated components including a calibration gas cylinder, solenoid valve, and microcontroller. The system automatically executes calibration sequences, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or technician intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity despite frequent calibration
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from measuring the known calibration gas concentration to automatically adjust its sensitivity parameters. The microcontroller compares the measured signal against the known concentration and automatically updates calibration factors, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accuracy without manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is located in hazardous outdoor settings for effective air pollution monitoring, then the device can access target environments, but on-site maintenance becomes difficult, dangerous, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated calibration system allows the device to maintain its own accuracy without requiring technician presence at the remote installation site. Calibration gas is stored locally in an integrated cylinder, and the system performs self-calibration automatically, eliminating the need for dangerous on-site maintenance trips to hazardous locations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions automatically using stored calibration gas, preventing accuracy degradation before it affects measurements. This proactive approach eliminates the need for reactive maintenance visits to hazardous locations, as the device maintains itself between deployments
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 solution ensures accurate and precise radiation absorption measurements by allowing for regular recalibration, reducing the need for frequent and costly on-site maintenance, and improving the device's ability to determine gas concentrations accurately.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source (4) emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the interval 0.2 to 20 μm
Implementation Method 2
A fluid calibration cell (8) is provided which can be arranged in the path of the electromagnetic radiation between the radiation source (4) and the detector (2)
Implementation Method 3
when in a measurement mode at least a portion of said radiation has passed through a medium and been reflected by a surface at a distance from said radiation source, before reaching said detector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3c
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device for radiation absorption measurements and a method for calibrating the device are described. The device comprises a radiation source (4, 16) emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the interval 0.2 µm-20 µm, a detector (2) detecting said electromagnetic radiation, when in a measurement mode at least a portion of said radiation has passed through a medium and been reflected by a surface (5) at a distance from said radiation source (4, 16), before reaching said detector. The device is characterised in that said device further comprises a fluid calibration cell (8), which is adapted to be arranged in the path of the electromagnetic radiation between said radiation source (4, 16) and said detector (2). The method for calibrating a device for radiation absorption measurements comprises the steps of: emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the interval 0.2 to 20 µm, directing at least a portion of said electromagnetic radiation through a fluid calibration cell (8), and detecting said electromagnetic radiation.