Explosive Spark Estimation via Light Intensity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for confirming the existence of explosive sparks in aircraft development are inefficient, often requiring excessive countermeasures and are prone to errors due to the photographic method's limitations and the gas ignition confirmation method's safety and reliability issues, leading to increased development time and costs.
Innovation Solution
An explosive spark estimation system that uses a measuring system with a spectroscope, photodetector, and processing system to determine the explosiveness of a spark by measuring light intensity in specific wavelength bands and analyzing the light wavelength spectrum, allowing for accurate and safe confirmation of spark existence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the photographic method is used to confirm spark existence, then a spark can be photographed and recorded, but even small non-explosive sparks are treated as rejection grounds requiring excessive countermeasures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple spark presence to spark energy quantification by measuring light intensity in specific wavelength bands. This allows distinguishing between explosive and non-explosive sparks based on energy thresholds, preventing excessive countermeasures for minor sparks while maintaining reliable detection of dangerous ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the subjective photographic assessment method with an objective optical measurement system using photodetectors and spectrometers. This substitution enables quantitative energy measurement rather than qualitative visual recording, allowing precise differentiation between explosive and non-explosive sparks.
2Device complexity
If the photographic method is used with fixed camera direction, then the setup is simple, but it cannot confirm spark existence in test pieces with complicated structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can handle various test piece structures through multiple detection units positioned at different locations. Each unit measures light intensity independently, and the system integrates results from all units to comprehensively assess spark explosiveness regardless of test piece geometry or spark location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent detection units, each capable of measuring sparks from different directions and locations. This segmentation allows the system to effectively detect sparks on complicated structures by combining results from multiple viewpoints without requiring a single complex camera setup.
3Reliability
If the gas ignition confirmation method is used, then spark explosiveness can be confirmed, but the test takes long time and requires safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming gas ignition method with rapid optical measurement using photodetectors and spectrometers. The system measures light intensity in specific wavelength bands during spark occurrence and immediately calculates energy values, providing instant results without requiring actual ignition tests or lengthy safety procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light intensity measurement as an intermediary parameter to indirectly assess spark explosiveness. Instead of directly testing whether a spark ignites gas (which is time-consuming and dangerous), the system measures light emission characteristics and correlates them with explosive potential, providing rapid and safe assessment.
4Reliability
If conventional spark confirmation tests are conducted, then spark existence can be detected, but development period and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from qualitative spark detection to quantitative energy measurement by analyzing light intensity in specific wavelength bands. This enables automated assessment of spark explosiveness against predefined thresholds, dramatically reducing test interpretation time and enabling faster development iterations while maintaining reliable detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where measured light intensity data is immediately processed to determine spark explosiveness. The system provides rapid feedback on whether sparks are explosive or non-explosive, allowing immediate design adjustments and reducing the iterative testing cycle time, thereby improving overall development 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
The system enables simple and quantitative estimation of spark explosiveness, reducing test time and costs by accurately distinguishing between explosive and non-explosive sparks, and can be performed in various environments, including those with flammable gases.
Implementation Method 1
a spectroscope for dispersing the spark
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector for detecting an intensity of light
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, an explosive spark estimation system (1) includes a measuring system (3) and a processing system (4). The measuring system (3) is adapted to measure intensity of light, included in a spark (S) occurred from an object (O) to be tested. The light is within at least one specific wavelength band. The processing system (4) is adapted to determine whether the spark (S) is explosiveness based on the intensity of the light. Further, according to one embodiment, an explosive spark estimation method includes: measuring intensity of light, included in a spark (S) occurred from an object (O) to be tested, within at least one specific wavelength band; and determining whether the spark (S) is explosive, based on the intensity of the light.