Sensor Module Miniaturization via Direct Infrared Gas Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor modules for measuring gas concentrations, such as carbon dioxide in breath, face challenges in size reduction due to the need to converge infrared light using mirrors and lenses, which complicates miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module design featuring a light emitting device and a light receiving device positioned to face each other across a gap of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, forming part of the gas flow pathway, eliminating the need for optical components like mirrors and lenses, thereby reducing size and improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mirrors and lenses are used to converge infrared light, then light convergence capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mirrors and lenses from the optical system, extracting the light convergence function to achieve miniaturization while maintaining measurement capability through direct infrared detection of gas absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical optical components (mirrors and lenses) with a simplified optical path that uses the natural propagation of infrared light through the gas sample, eliminating the need for physical light convergence mechanisms
2Volume of moving object
If the gap between light emitting device and light receiving device is reduced, then device size is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the gap distance parameter to a specific range (0.2-1.0 mm) that balances miniaturization with sufficient light transmission and gas absorption detection, achieving both small size and accurate measurement
3Device complexity
If optical components are eliminated, then device complexity is reduced, but light utilization efficiency may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows infrared light to naturally propagate through the gas sample without requiring external optical components for convergence, using the inherent properties of infrared radiation and gas absorption to achieve measurement while maintaining light utilization efficiency
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 configuration allows for a compact sensor module that effectively measures gas concentrations with improved accuracy by minimizing external noise interference and enabling efficient light utilization, enhancing detection precision for gases like carbon dioxide.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor module for measuring a concentration of a gas by utilizing changes in an amount of absorbed light
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor module for measuring a concentration of a gas by utilizing changes in an amount of absorbed light includes a light emitting device and a light receiving device configured to receive light emitted by the light emitting device, wherein the light emitting device and the light receiving device are disposed to face each other across a gap, wherein the light emitting device and the light receiving device are positioned such as to be exposed to the gas, and the gap forms part of a flow pathway of the gas, and wherein the gap is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm.