Submersible Spectroscopy Device with Motorized Filter Wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water quality monitoring systems lack sufficient variability and flexibility to distinguish between overlapping spectral peaks from different water components, and they are often limited in their ability to measure a wide variety of parameters, including absorption and phosphorescence.
Innovation Solution
A submersible optical spectroscopy device equipped with an optical microspectrometer, a waterproof casing, and controllable optical filters and lenses, allowing for remote operation and wireless communication, enabling precise measurement of spectral signals from water samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration of optical system with VIS photometers is used, then the device structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot measure a wide variety of parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a motorized filter wheel that can rotate to position different optical filters in the light path, transforming a static optical system into a dynamic one. This allows the system to switch between different wavelength ranges and measurement modes (absorption, phosphorescence) on demand, achieving versatility without permanently increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with a universal platform that can perform multiple measurement functions. By combining a broadband light source, interchangeable filters, and a photodetector, the system can measure both absorption and phosphorescence spectra across different wavelength ranges, making one device capable of multiple analytical tasks
2Measurement precision
If single wavelength configuration is used, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot distinguish between overlapping spectral peaks from different water components
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized filter wheel enables dynamic selection of different spectral bands, allowing the system to scan across wavelengths and resolve overlapping spectral peaks by measuring at multiple discrete wavelength points rather than being limited to a single fixed wavelength
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system segments the spectrum into multiple wavelength ranges using separate filters. This segmentation allows the system to isolate and measure specific spectral features independently, improving the ability to distinguish between different water components with overlapping spectra
3Productivity
If invasive optical sensors are used for real-time monitoring, then the sampling rate is high, but the system lacks precision compared to laboratory analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sample handling and transportation process with an in-situ optical measurement system. By using non-contact optical methods (absorption and phosphorescence spectroscopy) directly in the water body, the system achieves both real-time monitoring capability and laboratory-grade precision without the time delay associated with physical sample transport
4Reliability
If the detector is positioned inside the waterproof casing, then the device is protected from water, but the detector cannot be exposed to spectral signals from water samples
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof transparent window serves as an intermediary element that transmits optical signals between the aquatic environment and the protected detector interior. This window allows photons to pass through while maintaining the waterproof seal, enabling the detector to remain protected inside the casing while still receiving spectral signals from the water sample
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 device achieves precise and flexible water analysis by effectively distinguishing between different water components, measuring a wide range of parameters, and enabling real-time monitoring and control, thereby improving data precision and system flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The optical filters comprise a 390-410 nm high pass filter, a 490-510 nm high pass filter, and a 590-610 nm high pass filter
Implementation Method 2
the light source is a light source or a set of light sources, designed to emit light in the ranges 360-380 nm, 440-460 nm, and 570-590 nm
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect and measure a spectral signal emitted, transmitted, or reflected by a sample
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
An optical spectroscopy device for in-situ water analysis comprises an optical microspectrometer; and a waterproof casing designed to withstand underwater environment; the casing having at least one portion that is transparent to the wavelengths of light being measured; the microspectrometer comprising a light source; a detector configured to detect and measure a spectral signal emitted, transmitted, or reflected by a water sample; optical components comprising optical lenses and optical filters; and means for controllable positioning of the optical lenses and the optical filters in front of the microspectrometer's detector; wherein the optical filters comprise a 390-410 nm high pass filter, a 490-510 nm high pass filter, and a 590-610 nm high pass filter; wherein the light source is a light source or a set of light sources designed to emit light in the ranges 360-380 nm, 440-460 nm, and 570-590 nm; and wherein the microspectrometer is accommodated within the casing, so that the detector is positioned behind the transparent portion of the casing to be capable to be exposed to the spectral signal being measured.