Robotic Probe Scanning for Engine Exhaust Pollutant Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring pollutants in engine exhaust streams are inefficient, requiring lengthy mapping processes, specific device design for each engine, and are not adaptable to varying conditions, leading to unreliable and time-consuming measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a single-orifice probe mounted on a robot with a jointed arm, allowing continuous sampling and data acquisition along a specific trajectory, such as concentric circles, to cover the entire sampling surface without prior mapping, enabling rapid and representative pollutant measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cross-shaped probe with multiple orifices is used for sampling, then sampling can be performed at multiple points simultaneously, but the device requires lengthy mapping processes and cannot measure pollutants at any point of the sampling plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a robot with a jointed arm to dynamically position a single-orifice probe throughout the exhaust stream, replacing the static multi-orifice cross-shaped probe. This dynamic positioning system allows the probe to access any point on the sampling plane, eliminating the need for preliminary mapping while maintaining comprehensive coverage through programmed trajectories.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-orifice probe mounted on a robot serves multiple functions: it can sample at any position on the sampling plane, adapt to different engine configurations, and eliminate the need for separate mapping operations. This universal system replaces the specialized cross-shaped probe design that required engine-specific customization.
2Measurement precision
If detailed mapping of the outlet section is performed before each measurement, then reliable measurement points can be identified, but measurement time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is pre-programmed with trajectories that cover the entire sampling plane, eliminating the need for preliminary mapping operations. The system performs comprehensive sampling along predefined paths that ensure complete coverage of the exhaust stream cross-section without requiring advance knowledge of pollutant distribution patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot continuously samples the exhaust stream along its trajectory without interruption or停顿, maintaining continuous measurement action throughout the sampling process. This eliminates the time-consuming stop-and-plan cycles inherent in mapping-based approaches, where the system must pause to identify measurement points before executing sampling.
3Ease of manufacture
If a cross-shaped probe with fixed geometry is used, then sampling at specific points is enabled, but the device must be redesigned for each new engine type
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system provides dynamic adaptability to different engine types through programmable motion trajectories rather than fixed geometric configurations. The same single-orifice probe can sample any exhaust stream by following robot-controlled paths, eliminating the need to redesign the probe geometry for each engine model.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic sampling system serves as a universal platform that can accommodate various engine configurations and exhaust geometries through software programming. The single-orifice probe combined with robot positioning creates a multi-functional system that replaces multiple engine-specific probe designs with one adaptable system.
4Productivity
If a single-orifice probe with robot positioning is used, then rapid and adaptable measurements are achieved, but continuous sampling along a trajectory must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous sampling action as the robot moves the probe along its trajectory through the exhaust stream. The continuous motion and continuous sampling approach ensures that pollutant distribution is captured throughout the entire sampling plane without interruption, transforming the requirement for continuity into a productivity-enhancing feature rather than a constraint.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for measuring pollutants contained in an exhaust stream exiting an engine, comprising the steps consisting of: Positioning a probe such that a sampling opening of said probe is positioned on a sampling surface provided at the outlet of the engine in the exhaust stream, and sampling the exhaust stream with said probe; Activating an analysis unit coupled with the probe in order to acquire characteristic data of the exhaust stream sampled by the probe; Controlling a movement of the probe to impart a continuous movement of the sampling opening along a specific trajectory on the sampling surface with constant surface scanning per unit of time, while continuing the sampling and the acquisition of characteristic data of the exhaust stream sampled by the probe; —Processing the data acquired by the analysis unit to measure the pollutants present in the exhaust stream. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this measuring method.