Solid Probe Shaft Ultrasonic Cleaning for Oil Analyzers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil in water analyzers face inefficiencies in ultrasonic energy transmission due to hollow probe shafts and central channel inefficiencies, leading to poor cleaning of the measurement window and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A solid cylindrical probe shaft couples the ultrasonic transducer directly to the optical window, with light guides positioned alongside to minimize energy loss and reduce erosion, allowing efficient ultrasonic cleaning and extending the window's useful life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a hollow probe shaft with central channel is used to pass optical fibres and electrical leads, then the probe structure is complete and functional, but ultrasonic energy transmission efficiency deteriorates due to impedance and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hollow central channel from the probe shaft, extracting the pathway that caused ultrasonic energy loss. Optical fibres and electrical leads are rerouted through alternative paths (entry slots in the side of the probe shaft), allowing the shaft to be solid and transmit ultrasonic energy efficiently while still providing necessary conduits for optical and electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces entry slots as intermediary structures that allow optical fibres and electrical leads to pass through the probe shaft side wall without creating a hollow central channel. This mediator approach maintains the solid shaft structure for efficient ultrasonic transmission while still accommodating the necessary optical and electrical components.
2Reliability
If greater ultrasonic energy is applied to overcome transmission losses, then the measurement window cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of ultrasonic energy loss into benefit by eliminating the source of loss (hollow shaft with central channel). The solid shaft structure that was previously causing energy impedance is replaced, allowing ultrasonic energy to transmit efficiently to the measurement window, thereby reducing the total energy required while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If entry slots are cut in the side of the probe shaft to pass optical fibres, then optical transmission is enabled, but additional impedance to ultrasonic energy transmission is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating small, localized entry slots in the side of the probe shaft rather than a large hollow central channel. These localized openings provide just enough space for optical fibres and electrical leads while minimizing the impact on ultrasonic energy transmission, preserving the overall solid shaft structure for efficient energy conduction.
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 enhances ultrasonic energy transmission, reduces energy consumption, and prolongs the measurement window's lifespan by focusing energy on the central region while minimizing erosion on the sides where light guides interact.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer for applying ultrasonic vibrations to the optical window for cleaning the optical window
Implementation Method 2
the measurement window can be cleaned by ultrasonic cavitation created by the ultrasonic energy transmitted to the measurement window from the ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 3
one or more light guides for transmitting light through the optical window to a measurement region and/or for receiving light transmitted through the optical window from the measurement region
Implementation Method 4
Oil has a natural fluorescence. Therefore oil in water analysers typically measure the quantity of oil present in water by the detection of fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
An optical probe includes an optical window for transmitting light therethrough, an ultrasonic transducer for applying ultrasonic vibrations to the optical window for cleaning the optical window, and one or more light guides for transmitting light through the optical window to a measurement region and/or receiving light transmitted through the optical window from the measurement region. The ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the optical window via an elongate body adapted to transmit ultrasonic vibrations from the ultrasonic transducer to the window. The light guides communicate with the optical window adjacent the elongate body. An additional lens or light filter may be mounted adjacent the measurement window and/or the window itself may be adapted to incorporate a lens and/or light filter.