Integrated Turbidimeter Sensor Head Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbidimeters face issues with complex assembly, susceptibility to external impacts, and degradation of sealing due to multiple sealing positions and material differences, leading to potential infiltration of liquid samples and reduced measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A turbidimeter design featuring a cylindrical sensor head made of optically-transparent material with integrated accommodating spaces for light sources and detectors, reducing the number of sealing positions and incorporating a light-absorbing portion to minimize stray light, along with a cleaning unit for maintaining optical window clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the light source and detectors are accommodated in a space between the sensor accommodating part and the measuring cell, then the components can be assembled, but the liquid sample infiltrates into the space due to sealing member deterioration, causing component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor accommodating part and the measuring cell are merged into a single integrated structure. The sensor accommodating part forms the measurement space directly, eliminating the need for separate components and sealing members between them. This integration prevents liquid sample infiltration while maintaining assembly simplicity.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing members are used to seal the measuring cell and sensor accommodating part, then sealing is ensured, but the assembly becomes complicated and the turbidimeter is easily damaged by external impact
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sensor accommodating part and measuring cell into a single structure, the number of sealing members is reduced to zero. This eliminates assembly complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through the inherent integrity of the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure provides inherent protection against external impacts before they can cause damage. The unified design eliminates weak points at sealing interfaces, making the turbidimeter more resistant to external impact damage.
3Illumination intensity
If transparent windows and main body portions are composed of different materials, then optical transparency is achieved, but sufficient sealing becomes difficult and sealing degrades during long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the sensor accommodating part and measuring cell eliminates the need for separate transparent windows and main body portions made of different materials. This unified structure removes the sealing challenges associated with material differences while maintaining optical transparency through the integrated design.
4Reliability
If transparent windows are fitted to the main body portion, then sealing is ensured, but assembly becomes complicated and transparent windows may be shifted by external impact
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the sensor accommodating part and measuring cell eliminates the separate transparent window fitting process. The unified structure provides inherent sealing without requiring additional fitting operations, making assembly simpler while preventing window shifting through the integrated design.
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 design results in a simple, sturdy, and long-term stable turbidimeter with improved measurement accuracy and reduced risk of damage from external impacts, while maintaining effective sealing and facilitating easy assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor head is formed of a material having an optical transparency
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a light-absorbing portion to minimize stray light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is intended to provide a turbidimeter having a simple and sturdy structure which is hard to break and exhibits excellent long-term stability by reducing a number of sealing positions, wherein a cylindrical sensor head forming a measurement space is formed of an optically-transparent material. A side wall of the sensor head has accommodating spaces for accommodating a light source, transmitted light detector, and scattered light detector. An inner surface of the side wall of the sensor head is configured to serve as: an optical window for guiding inspection light to the measurement space; an optical window for guiding transmitted light to the transmitted light detector; and an optical window for guiding scattered light to the scattered light detector.