Remote Optical Sensor for Multi-Component Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical sensors for fluid analysis are limited by their size, spectral range, cost, and environmental robustness, making them unsuitable for harsh environments and scalable industrial applications, and existing methods like GC and mass spectrometry are expensive and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical sensor system with a broadband light source, integrated detector system, and processor for calculating component concentrations using pre-determined wavelengths, designed to operate within a broader spectral range and withstand harsh conditions, featuring low-cost optics and electronics for mass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional dispersive spectrometers or FTIR instruments are used for fluid analysis, then spectral measurement capability is achieved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential spectral measurement functionality needed for fluid analysis, eliminating the need for complex dispersive elements like prisms or gratings. By using a broadband light source with a detector that can resolve spectral information directly, the system achieves spectral measurement capability without the bulky components of traditional spectrometers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an imaging detector array that captures the spectral distribution of light across multiple wavelengths simultaneously. This creates a digital copy of the spectrum that can be processed computationally, replacing the need for physical dispersive optics and enabling compact spectral analysis.
2Measurement precision
If gas chromatography or mass spectrometry is used for multi-component gas and vapor analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation systems (chromatography columns, vacuum systems) with an optical-based detection system. By using a broadband light source that emits across multiple wavelengths and a detector array that simultaneously measures absorption at each wavelength, the system achieves multi-component analysis without mechanical separation or vacuum requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a broadband light source that provides continuous spectral coverage across multiple wavelengths simultaneously. This allows parallel measurement of multiple components at once, replacing the sequential analysis required by chromatography and significantly reducing operational complexity and measurement time.
3Measurement precision
If wavelength-specific LEDs are used for targeted measurements, then measurement precision at specific wavelengths is achieved, but spectral range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single broadband light source that emits across a wide spectral range simultaneously, making the system universally applicable to multiple analytes with different spectral characteristics. The imaging detector array captures information across all wavelengths at once, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light emission from narrowband (wavelength-specific LEDs) to broadband, enabling the system to cover a wide spectral range. By combining this with an imaging detector that resolves spectral information spatially, the system maintains wavelength-specific measurement precision while achieving broad spectral coverage.
4Measurement precision
If longer path lengths are used to improve measurement sensitivity, then detection precision is improved, but device size and environmental vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-path measurement geometry to a two-dimensional imaging detection approach. The imaging detector array captures spectral information across multiple wavelengths simultaneously in a compact optical path, achieving high detection sensitivity without requiring long physical path lengths that would increase device size and environmental vulnerability.
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 system provides a cost-effective, compact, and robust solution for fluid analysis in various environments, capable of multi-component chemical sensing and scalable for industrial applications, reducing size, thermal sensitivity, and vibration immunity while maintaining reliability.
Implementation Method 1
capable of multi-component chemical sensing and scalable for industrial applications
Implementation Method 2
a detector system, wherein said detector system comprises at least one detector element having an optical filter configured to detect a pre-determined wavelength intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A remote sampling sensor for determining characteristics of a sample includes measurement optics and an insertion probe. The measurement optics are configured to emit light and detect returned light. The insertion probe includes a chamber, the chamber being configured to permit the sample to enter the chamber, an insertion tip at a distal end of the insertion probe, and a retro-reflective optic adjacent the insertion tip. The retro-reflective optic is configured to return the light from the measurement optics through the chamber to the measurement optics. The insertion probe is configured to be remotely located from the measurement optics.