Regulated Filtered Sample Flow for Sensor Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle filtering methods are inadequate for regulating sample flows to sensor elements, particularly when the sample composition is unknown or unpredictable, leading to sensor saturation and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an auxiliary particle-free flow to regulate the concentration of particles in the sample flow, employing a corona discharge and electric field to separate charged particles by size, with a feedback-controlled mechanism to maintain a constant particle concentration, and a closed-loop controller to adjust the auxiliary flow based on real-time measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If known filtering methods are used to remove particles from sample flow, then particle removal is achieved, but sensor saturation and contamination occur due to unregulated particle concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback-controlled mechanism where a sensor element continuously monitors the particle concentration in the sample flow and provides real-time feedback to the flow regulating system. This enables dynamic adjustment of the auxiliary flow rate to maintain optimal particle concentration at the sensor, preventing both saturation and contamination while ensuring reliable measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow rate parameter of the auxiliary gas flow dynamically based on real-time particle concentration measurements. By adjusting this parameter through feedback control, the system maintains optimal conditions at the sensor element, resolving the contradiction between particle removal and preventing sensor saturation
2Productivity
If high particle concentration is provided to sensor element for feasible measurement, then measurement feasibility is improved, but sensor saturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors particle concentration at the sensor and dynamically adjusts the auxiliary flow rate to maintain the concentration within an optimal range. This ensures sufficient particles for feasible measurement while preventing saturation by reducing flow when concentration becomes too high
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static filtering to dynamic flow regulation, where the auxiliary flow rate is continuously adjusted based on real-time particle concentration feedback. This dynamic approach maintains optimal particle delivery to the sensor, balancing measurement feasibility with prevention of saturation
3Device complexity
If particle concentration in sample flow is not regulated, then system simplicity is maintained, but sensor performance becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback-controlled flow regulation system uses a sensor element to monitor particle concentration and automatically adjusts the auxiliary flow rate accordingly. This adds complexity to the system but significantly improves sensor performance predictability by maintaining consistent operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-regulating feedback control where the sensor element itself provides the information needed to control the flow regulation. The sensor monitors particle concentration and this information is used to automatically adjust the auxiliary flow, creating a self-service control mechanism that improves predictability
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 ensures a predictable and efficient measurement process by maintaining a stable particle concentration, preventing sensor saturation and reducing memory effects, while dynamically adjusting to changes in the sample flow composition.
Implementation Method 1
employing a corona discharge and electric field to separate charged particles by size
Implementation Method 2
The corona discharge and electric field to separate charged particles by size
Implementation Method 3
employing a corona discharge and electric field to separate charged particles by size
Implementation Method 4
The corona discharge and electric field to separate charged particles by size
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for providing a regulated filtered sample flow to a sensor element (308), wherein the apparatus is configured to receive a sample flow. The apparatus comprises an auxiliary flow element (106) for providing the sample flow with an auxiliary flow to obtain a mixed sample flow, a filter element (108) configured to receive the mixed sample flow, charge a portion of particles comprised in the mixed sample flow, determine a current that is induced via the charged particles, and provide a filtered sample flow by removing a portion of particles comprised in the mixed sample flow, and a regulating arrangement (110). The regulating arrangement is configured to regulate a flow rate of the auxiliary flow based on the current so that the current is maintained at or near a predetermined value or within a selected range, thereby regulating the concentration of particles in the provided filtered sample flow.