Surface Scatter Turbidimeter with Adjustable Optical Path

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional turbidimeters face challenges in precisely measuring turbidity due to fixed positional relations between the light source, measurement tank, and light receiving element, making it difficult to adjust optical path lengths and account for the liquid's state.

Innovation Solution

A surface scatter turbidimeter with a change mechanism that adjusts the relative position between the light irradiation point on the liquid surface and the light receiving element, allowing for precise turbidity calculation using scattered light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed positional relations between light source, measurement tank, and light receiving element are used, then device structure is simple, but optical path length cannot be adjusted and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidturbidity measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable measurement tank that can change its position relative to the light source and light receiving element along the optical path. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the optical path length to be varied, enabling precise turbidity measurements for different liquid states while maintaining relatively simple device structure through a single degree of freedom movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If optical path length is fixed, then device structure is simple, but adaptability to different liquid states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical path adjustment mechanismVSAvoidadaptability to liquid state
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement tank is designed to be movable along the optical path, allowing dynamic adjustment of the optical path length according to different liquid states. This provides adaptability to various measurement conditions without requiring complex multiple measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical path length parameter by adjusting the position of the measurement tank. This parameter adjustment enables the device to adapt to different liquid states and turbidity levels, improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Improves the precision of turbidity measurement by optimizing the optical path length based on the liquid's turbidity level, enhancing linearity and accuracy in turbidity estimation.

Implementation Method 1

surface scattered light methods are measurement methods that utilize a proportional relation between intensity of scattered light and concentration of suspended matter in a liquid. In a surface scattered light method, light emitted from a light source is reflected by suspended matter in a liquid to be measured stored in a measurement tank, scattered light is thereby generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattered light: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4621388B1Surface scatter turbidimeter and turbidity measurement method
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP4621388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4621388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4621388B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A measurement tank stores a liquid to be measured. A light source emits light to a liquid surface of the liquid to be measured stored in the measurement tank. A light receiving element receives scattered light generated at the measurement tank from the light from the light source. A change mechanism changes a relative position in relation to a component horizontal to the liquid surface in a direction of travel of the light, the relative position being between: an irradiation position where the light from the light source is emitted to on the liquid surface; and the light receiving element. A turbidity value calculation unit calculates a turbidity value of the liquid to be measured, on the basis of the scattered light received by the light receiving element.