Turbidity sensor and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbidity sensors using light in the infrared range struggle to accurately measure turbidity in aqueous solutions containing liquid detergents due to the small particle size of liquid detergent particles, which results in indistinguishable outputs from pure water.
Innovation Solution
A turbidity sensor system that includes both visible and infrared light emitting and receiving units, with a control unit determining turbidity based on the ratio of emitted to received light, utilizing multilayer photo diodes with adjustable PN junctions to differentiate between particles of varying sizes, and using reference values to distinguish between powdered and liquid detergents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single light emitting unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different detergent types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by equipping the sensor with both infrared and visible light emitting units, allowing a single device to perform multiple measurement functions: detecting powdered detergent with infrared light, detecting liquid detergent with visible light, and distinguishing between detergent types by comparing measurements from both light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to the measurement system by introducing a second light wavelength dimension. Instead of relying on a single measurement parameter, the system uses two different wavelength dimensions (infrared and visible), enabling it to differentiate between detergent types that would be indistinguishable using a single wavelength.
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
Accurately measures turbidity in solutions with both powdered and liquid detergents, ensuring optimal washing operations in appliances by differentiating between particle types and adjusting sensitivity accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
a turbidity sensor includes a light emitting unit emitting light, a light receiving unit disposed opposite to the light emitting unit at a position spaced apart from the light emitting unit and receiving light emitted from the light emitting unit
Implementation Method 2
when the turbidity of water is high, as shown in FIG. 1A, a large amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 3a is scattered by particles contained in the water
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a turbidity sensor and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a turbidity sensor capable of measuring turbidity of water including a liquid detergent as well as water including a powdered detergent and a control method thereof. The turbidity sensor includes a first light emitting unit emitting visible light, a first light receiving unit disposed opposite to the first light emitting unit at a position spaced apart from the first light emitting unit and receiving visible light emitted from the first light emitting unit, and a control unit determining a turbidity of a solution according to a ratio between the amount of visible light emitted from the first light emitting unit and the amount of visible light received by the first light receiving unit. According to the turbidity sensor and control method thereof, turbidity of the solution by the first and second particles is accurately measured.