Side Window Soiling Detection via Particle Scattered Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing fluidic samples with dispersed particles fail to accurately account for soiling of the side window, leading to degraded spectroscopic data quality over time.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that irradiate particles with light through an inlet window, measure particle movement via a camera outside the chamber, calculate a target scattered light intensity based on particle size and known light intensity, and compare it with actual scattered light intensity to determine side window soiling, allowing for correction of measurement results or cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If particles are analyzed through a side window using spectroscopy, then particle properties can be detected, but the side window becomes soiled over time causing degraded data quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the side window soiling level by comparing target scattered light intensity (calculated from particle properties and incident light intensity) with actual scattered light intensity (measured through the side window). This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of soiling and triggers corrective actions such as cleaning or data correction, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the harmful effect of soiling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the target scattered light intensity based on known particle properties and incident light intensity before actual measurement. This allows the system to anticipate the expected signal and compare it with actual measurements to detect soiling early, enabling preventive maintenance before significant data degradation occurs.
2Measurement precision
If the side window is cleaned frequently to maintain data quality, then measurement precision is maintained, but device operation time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors scattered light intensity and compares it with the target value calculated from particle properties. When soiling reaches a threshold that affects measurement precision, the system automatically triggers cleaning or data correction, optimizing the balance between maintaining data quality and minimizing interruption of device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter by adjusting the cleaning threshold based on the degree of soiling detected. Instead of fixed-frequency cleaning, the system dynamically adjusts maintenance timing based on real-time soiling monitoring, allowing extended operation periods when soiling is minimal and triggering cleaning only when necessary to maintain measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If scattered light intensity is used to detect particle movement, then particle size can be determined, but soiling of the side window attenuates the light signal
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback to monitor the attenuation of scattered light intensity through the side window by comparing actual measured intensity with target intensity calculated from particle properties and incident light intensity. This feedback loop enables the system to compensate for soiling-induced attenuation, maintaining accurate particle size determination even as the side window becomes soiled.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement approach by calculating the target scattered light intensity as a function of particle properties and incident light intensity, then comparing it with actual measurements. This parameter transformation allows the system to separate the signal from soiling attenuation, maintaining measurement precision despite changes in illumination intensity caused by window contamination.
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
Enables precise determination of side window soiling, enabling high-quality analysis by correcting measurement results and ensuring consistent data quality despite window contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a force is applied to particles of a fluidic sample using a light source, typically using a laser
Implementation Method 2
a camera with which scattered light passing through the side window can be detected
Data Source
AI summary
Method determining soiling of a side window of a chamber containing a sample with dispersed particles, which are irradiated with light through the chamber's inlet window. A force is exerted on the particles using the light, which influences movement of the particles dependent on particle size. Movement of the particles is detected by a camera based on a scattered light of the particles which passes through the side window. A size of the particles is ascertained via speed of the particles, after which a target scattered light intensity is calculated based on an intensity of light acting on the particles and ascertained size of the particles, and after which the target scattered light intensity is compared with a measured actual scattered light intensity and, based on a difference of the target scattered light intensity from the actual scattered light intensity, soiling of the side window is determined.