Rotating Optical Sensor Housing for Condensation-Free Reference Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensors in measuring apparatuses face issues with condensation due to moisture in the ambient air, which can impair measurement accuracy, particularly in environments with high humidity and temperature differences, and require hazardous reference media for calibration, posing risks to personnel and the environment.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus with a rotatable carrier-mounted optical sensor and separate measuring and reference chambers within a closed housing, allowing for measurements and reference checks without exposing the sensor to external moisture, using a carrier that rotates between positions to access the medium and reference medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical sensor is exposed to the ambient air for measurements, then the measurement operation can be performed, but condensation may form on the sensor components impairing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a sealed housing containing the optical sensor and measurement chamber, separated from the ambient environment. The carrier with optical components rotates within this sealed space, allowing measurements on the medium without exposing sensitive components to external moisture and condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed housing creates a protected environment isolated from ambient air moisture. By maintaining a controlled internal atmosphere separate from the external humid environment, condensation on optical windows and sensor components is prevented while measurements are performed.
2Measurement precision
If hazardous reference media like formazin are used for calibration, then measurement accuracy verification can be ensured, but health and environmental risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a disposable or replaceable reference medium container that can be safely disposed of after use. This eliminates the need for repeated handling of hazardous reference media like formazin, reducing health and environmental risks while still enabling calibration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference medium is extracted and contained in a separate, isolated chamber within the sealed housing. This separation allows calibration measurements to be performed without exposing operators to hazardous substances, as the reference medium is confined to a dedicated compartment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the carrier region extends into the cavity between measuring and reference chambers, then rotation between measuring and reference positions is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed to rotate dynamically between fixed positions rather than requiring separate fixed mounting structures for each position. This rotational mechanism allows the same optical components to serve both measurement and reference functions, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The same optical sensor and carrier assembly perform both measurement and reference calibration functions by rotating to different positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated structures for each operation, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining adaptability.
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 solution provides enhanced protection against condensation and reduces the need for hazardous reference media, ensuring reliable and accurate measurements while minimizing environmental and safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
a detector that receives the measuring radiation resulting from an interaction, such as absorption, reflection, fluorescence and/or scattering, of the transmitted light with the medium
Implementation Method 2
a detector that receives the measuring radiation resulting from an interaction, such as absorption, reflection, fluorescence and/or scattering, of the transmitted light with the medium
Implementation Method 3
a detector that receives the measuring radiation resulting from an interaction, such as absorption, reflection, fluorescence and/or scattering, of the transmitted light with the medium
Implementation Method 4
a detector that receives the measuring radiation resulting from an interaction, such as absorption, reflection, fluorescence and/or scattering, of the transmitted light with the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring apparatus with an optical sensor for optically measuring at least one measured variable of a medium includes a closed housing, a flow cell with a measuring chamber arranged in the housing, a reference chamber arranged in the housing and a carrier rotatably mounted in the housing. The optical sensor comprises at least one light source and at least one detector, which are arranged on the carrier in such a way that measurements of the at least one measured variable can be performed on a medium located in the measuring chamber using the optical sensor when the carrier is in a measuring position that can be accessed by rotating the carrier, and reference measurements can be carried out on a reference medium located in the reference chamber using the optical sensor when the carrier is in a reference position that can be accessed by rotating the carrier.