Turbidity Sensor with Back-Reflection Optical Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbidity sensors are complex, cost-intensive, and difficult to manufacture, especially when measuring multiple scattered light angles, due to the need for optical windows and active components on both sides of the measuring chamber.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement that uses a reflection element in contact with the medium to back-reflect transmission light, preserving the scattering angle and allowing scattered light to reach the receiver twice, combined with solid angle filters to ensure only light at the measurement angle is detected, improving sensitivity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical windows and active components are placed on both sides of the measuring chamber to enable scattered light measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of transmission light entry and reception light exit through a single optical window. The reflection element is positioned such that both the incident transmission light and the scattered reception light pass through the same window, eliminating the need for separate windows on opposite sides of the measuring chamber. This merging of optical paths reduces structural complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical window serves multiple functions: it transmits the incident light into the measuring chamber and simultaneously transmits the scattered reception light to the receiver. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining the integrity of the optical measurement path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scattered light angles are measured using a single sensor, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable sensor assembly that can dynamically adjust its measurement angle. The entire sensor unit can be rotated to measure scattered light at different angles (e.g., 90°, 135°, 180°) using the same physical components. This dynamic adjustment capability provides multi-angle measurement versatility without requiring multiple fixed sensors, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If optical components are placed on both sides of the measuring chamber, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical entry and exit paths through a single window, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process. Instead of requiring precise alignment and sealing of two separate windows on opposite sides of the chamber, the design requires only one window installation, reducing manufacturing steps and potential leakage points while maintaining optical measurement sensitivity.
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 solution results in a more sensitive, flexible, and cost-effective turbidity sensor that can measure multiple angles effectively, with improved light yield and simpler construction, suitable for various applications including drinking water and waste water monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Any light striking particles suspended in a liquid is scattered. The intensity of this light scattering is used in optical turbidity measurement as a direct measure for the determination of turbidity.
Implementation Method 2
reception light is back reflected at a reflection element... the angle is preserved due to the law of reflection (angle of incidence equals angle of reflection)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor arrangement for determining the turbidity of a liquid medium. The sensor arrangement includes a sensor section with at least one light source for sending transmission light into a measuring chamber, and at least one receiver associated with the light source for receiving reception light from the measuring chamber, wherein the transmission light is converted into the reception light in the measuring chamber by the medium by means of scattering at a measurement angle, and the reception light received by the receiver is a measure of the turbidity. The reception light is back reflected at a reflection element in contact with the medium, whereby an optical path from the light source through the measuring chamber to the reflection element and from the reflection element through the measuring chamber to the receiver results.