Turbidity Sensor Beam-Path Layout for Compact Dual-Mode Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbidity sensors require a large installation space and complex design to accurately measure turbidity over a wide range of suspended matter concentrations, compromising their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A turbidity sensor design with a second radiation sensor positioned in the beam path of the first radiation sensor, allowing for accurate detection of both transmitted and scattered radiation, achieving high linearity and compactness by eliminating the need for additional sensors around the fluid detection area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple radiation sensors are arranged around the fluid detection area to detect transmitted and scattered radiation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple radiation sensors into a single radiation sensor that detects both transmitted radiation (first part) and scattered radiation (second part). This merging approach maintains the measurement precision of detecting multiple radiation components while eliminating the complexity and space requirements of arranging multiple sensors around the fluid detection area.
Solution Approach 2:
The single radiation sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously - detecting both the first part of radiation (transmitted component) and the second part of radiation (scattered component). This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive turbidity measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If radiation sensors are positioned to detect scattered radiation components, then measurement precision is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection of scattered radiation components into the same spatial location as the transmitted radiation detection. The single radiation sensor simultaneously captures both radiation parts without requiring separate sensor positions, thereby maintaining measurement precision while minimizing installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a spatial arrangement where different sensors detect different radiation components in different directions, to a temporal/multiplexed detection approach where a single sensor alternately or simultaneously detects multiple radiation parts. This dimensional change in detection strategy eliminates the need for extended spatial arrangement while preserving comprehensive measurement capability.
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 sensor achieves high measurement accuracy and linearity across varying suspended matter concentrations while minimizing installation space, using a slim design that can detect both low and high amounts of suspended matter with precision.
Implementation Method 1
A first radiation sensor is located in a straight line opposite the radiation source, so that the portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source detected by it is a transmission component that reaches the first radiation sensor without deflection after passing through the fluid detection area
Implementation Method 2
A second radiation sensor is located on the same side of the fluid detection area as the radiation source, but circumferentially offset from the radiation source by the fluid detection area. This second radiation sensor detects a second portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source, which is scattered by the particulate matter contained in the fluid with a radiation component opposite to the direction of incidence of the radiation emitted by the radiation source
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a turbidity sensor (10) for detecting clouding of a fluid by particulates contained in the fluid, wherein the turbidity sensor (10) comprises: - a fluid detection region (14) for the reception and metrological detection of fluid; - a radiation source (54) for emitting radiation into the fluid detection region (14); - a first radiation sensor (32) for detecting a first part of the radiation emitted by the radiation source (54); and - a second radiation sensor (62), different from the first radiation sensor (32), for detecting a second part of the radiation emitted by the radiation source (54) that is different from the first part, wherein at least a portion of the fluid detection region (14) is located between the first radiation sensor (32) and the second radiation sensor (62). According to the invention, the second radiation sensor (62) is located in the beam path (OA) of the first part of the radiation emitted by the radiation source (54) that is detected by the first radiation sensor (32).