Spectrometer Dewar Vessel Gas Path for Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometers face issues with dew condensation on samples cooled within integrating spheres, leading to inadequate light measurement due to water condensation and potential dissolution of diffuse reflective materials, which impede accurate data collection.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer design incorporating a Dewar vessel to retain a refrigerant and introduce the evaporated gas into the integrating sphere, maintaining a cool and dry environment to prevent dew condensation, while a cover and gas introduction path ensure efficient gas circulation and secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the sample is cooled by bringing the sample into contact with the refrigerant, then the sample can be cooled to the desired temperature, but water condenses on the exposed portion of the sample, impeding appropriate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas introduction path that supplies dry gas (such as nitrogen or air) to the integrating sphere. This dry gas acts as an intermediary substance that prevents water condensation on the sample and Dewar vessel surfaces by maintaining a low-humidity atmosphere, thereby allowing accurate light measurements without direct contact between the sample and refrigerant
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert or dry atmosphere within the integrating sphere by introducing dry gas through the gas introduction path. This inert environment prevents moisture condensation on cooled surfaces, enabling precise optical measurements while maintaining low sample temperatures through non-contact cooling
2Temperature
If the sample is cooled by bringing the sample into contact with the refrigerant, then the sample can be cooled to the desired temperature, but the condensed water dissolves the diffuse reflective material, making diffuse reflection insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dry gas introduced through the gas introduction path serves as a protective intermediary that prevents moisture from contacting the diffuse reflective material on the integrating sphere's inner surface. This maintains the material's reflective properties and ensures reliable diffuse reflection for accurate measurements
Solution Approach 2:
By maintaining a dry, inert atmosphere within the integrating sphere through continuous introduction of dry gas, the patent prevents water condensation that would otherwise dissolve or degrade the diffuse reflective material, thereby preserving its optical performance and measurement reliability
3Productivity
If a Dewar vessel is used to cool the sample, then the sample can be cooled efficiently, but dew condensation occurs on the portion of the Dewar vessel exposed in the integrating sphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dry, inert atmosphere throughout the integrating sphere by introducing dry gas through the gas introduction path. This environment prevents dew condensation on the exposed portions of the Dewar vessel while maintaining efficient cooling of the sample through the refrigerant in the Dewar vessel
Solution Approach 2:
The introduced dry gas acts as a protective intermediary atmosphere that surrounds the exposed Dewar vessel surfaces, preventing moisture condensation while allowing the Dewar vessel to maintain its cooling function efficiently
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
Effectively prevents dew condensation on the spectrometer components, allowing for accurate measurement of samples at desired cooled temperatures without interfering with light incidence or reflective properties.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant retained in the Dewar vessel evaporates to generate dry gas at a relatively low temperature
Implementation Method 2
the interior of the integrating sphere is kept in a relatively cool and dry ambience by the gas generated from the refrigerant, so as to prevent occurrence of dew condensation
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrometer is provided with an integrating sphere 20, inside which a sample S of a measurement target is disposed and which is adapted for observing measured light emitted from the sample S, and a Dewar vessel 50 which retains a refrigerant R for cooling the sample S and at least a portion of which is located so as to face the interior of the integrating sphere 20. Gas generated from the refrigerant R is introduced through predetermined gaps G1-G6 functioning as a gas introduction path and through a plurality of communicating passages 64 formed in a support pedestal 61, into the integrating sphere 20. The gas introduced into the integrating sphere 20 absorbs water in the integrating sphere 20 to decrease the temperature in the integrating sphere 20, so as to prevent dew condensation from occurring on a portion of a second container portion 50b of the Dewar vessel 50 exposed in the integrating sphere 20. This can prevent occurrence of dew condensation even in the case where the sample S is measured in a cooled state at a desired temperature.