Spectroscopic Sensor Assembly with Temperature-Resistant Reflector Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectroscopic sensor arrangements face issues with maintaining consistent detection characteristics after thermal loads, particularly during sterilization processes, due to thermal softening of the polymer matrix affecting the position of the reflector array relative to the radiation source and detector device.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a distance securing means, such as temperature-resistant materials like stainless steel or polyphenylsulfone, to prevent the reflector arrangement from approaching the barrier arrangement, ensuring a constant detection characteristic by preventing relative movement and maintaining the reflector's position during thermal exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reflector arrangement is positioned close to the polymer matrix to maximize detection efficiency, then the detection precision is improved, but during thermal loads the polymer matrix softens causing the reflector arrangement to shift position and deteriorate measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
A distance securing means made of temperature-resistant material is introduced as an intermediary element between the reflector arrangement and the barrier arrangement. This mediator maintains a constant distance and prevents the reflector arrangement from shifting during thermal loads, thereby preserving measurement consistency while allowing close positioning for optimal detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameter resistance of the system by introducing materials with high thermal stability (such as stainless steel or polyphenylsulfone) in the distance securing means. This parameter change ensures that the structural dimensions remain stable during thermal processing like SIP sterilization, preventing position shifts that would otherwise occur with thermally sensitive materials.
2Reliability
If temperature-resistant materials like stainless steel or polyphenylsulfone are used for distance securing, then reliability under thermal load is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The distance securing means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the precise distance between the reflector arrangement and barrier arrangement, provides thermal stability during sterilization processes, and prevents position shifts during operation. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the component by eliminating the need for separate elements for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than making the entire sensor assembly thermally resistant, the invention applies temperature-resistant material locally only where needed - in the distance securing means that supports the reflector arrangement. This localized application of special material properties maintains reliability under thermal load while minimizing the overall device complexity and cost.
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 ensures that the sensor arrangement maintains consistent detection performance even after thermal loads, such as SIP sterilization processes, by preventing the reflector from shifting and maintaining optimal alignment with the radiation source and detector device.
Implementation Method 1
The analyte component, which is usually physically dissolved in the measurement fluid, can diffuse from the measurement environment into the polymer matrix via diffusion processes
Implementation Method 2
it absorbs electromagnetic measurement radiation of a specific wavelength, while electromagnetic reference radiation of a different wavelength than the reference wavelength passes through the polymer matrix enriched with the analyte component without absorption
Implementation Method 3
the reflector arrangement is designed and arranged to pass from the device section through the polymer matrix to reflect measuring radiation radiating onto its signal side back towards the device section
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a spectroscopic sensor assembly (10) for detecting at least one predefined analyte constituent of a measurement fluid, the sensor assembly (10) comprising: - a sensor housing (12); - a radiation source (64); - a detector device (66); - a barrier assembly (28), which is transmissive for measurement radiation and is impermeable to the analyte constituent; - a polymer matrix (40), which absorbs and releases the analyte constituent; - a reflector assembly (36, 136), which has a signal side (36b; 136b) facing the polymer matrix (40) and facing the barrier assembly (28); wherein the reflector assembly (36; 136) has at least one passage (54; 154) extending through the reflector assembly, through which passage the analyte constituent is exchanged between a measurement environment (M) and the polymer matrix (40), which polymer matrix is located on the signal side (36b; 136b) of the reflector assembly (10); and wherein the reflector assembly (10) reflects incident measurement radiation back toward the apparatus portion (18). According to the invention, the sensor assembly (10) has a spacing means (48) different from the polymer matrix (40), the spacing means being designed to prevent the reflector assembly (36; 136) from approaching the barrier assembly (28).