Spiral Capillary Gas Sensor for Simultaneous Multi-Component and Temperature Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current gas measurement technologies in mobile applications, such as vehicle exhaust systems, require multiple individual sensors for gas composition and temperature measurement, leading to increased economic and logistical efforts, susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, and high energy consumption, with existing sensors being expensive and limited in their ability to measure multiple gas components.

Innovation Solution

A dual measuring device featuring a spiral capillary gas sensor that suppresses electromagnetic radiation and incorporates a temperature sensor, allowing for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative measurement of gas components and temperature, with a compact and cost-effective design suitable for aggressive environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual sensors are used for gas composition and temperature measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple gas component measurements (O2, CO, CO2, NO, NO2, HC) and temperature measurement into a single integrated sensor device. The sensor housing contains multiple sensing elements that can simultaneously detect different gas components and temperature, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each measurement parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sensor device performs multiple functions within a single unit: it measures various gas compositions (oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons) and temperature simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows one sensor to replace multiple individual sensors, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual sensors are used for gas composition and temperature measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing and installation effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing and installation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sensing functions into a single manufactured unit, which simplifies both production and installation processes. Instead of manufacturing and installing multiple separate sensors, the integrated device can be produced as one unit and installed in a single location, reducing labor and logistical efforts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual sensors are used for gas measurement, then measurement coverage is improved, but susceptibility to electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated sensor design consolidates multiple measurement functions into a single housing with shared electronics and signal processing. This reduces the number of separate electronic circuits exposed to electromagnetic interference, thereby decreasing overall susceptibility while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual sensors are used for gas measurement, then measurement coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated sensor shares power supply, signal processing electronics, and data transmission interfaces across all sensing functions. This consolidation reduces redundant energy consumption that would occur with multiple separate sensors, while still providing comprehensive measurement coverage for multiple gas components and temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 dual measuring device provides high measurement accuracy for multiple gas components and temperature, reducing the need for multiple sensors, enhancing reliability, and lowering costs while maintaining sensitivity and robustness in challenging environments.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor is designed as an optical sensor and has the ability to detect a gas by way of the absorption of radiation at a specific wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

The dual measuring device also comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4127660B1Dual measuring device for determining the quality of a gas, use thereof, and means of transportation comprising such a measuring device
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4127660B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4127660B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4127660B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dual measuring device (1) for determining the quality of a gas. The dual measuring device (1) has an optical gas sensor with a spiral-shaped (helical) capillary (21) with a cavity (21.2) into which both the measured gas as well as an electromagnetic radiation are coupled. A gas component is detected by detecting the absorption. The dual measuring device (1) additionally has a temperature sensor (28) for measuring the temperature of the gas, said measurement being carried out both in a spatially matching manner and simultaneously. The dual measuring device (1) is suitable in particular for use in the exhaust tracts or in the interior of vehicles.