Turbidity Sensor Reflector for Compact ISO 7027 Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbidity sensor designs struggle to meet the 90-degree measurement angle requirement of ISO 7027 standards due to dimensional limitations, making it difficult to achieve a compact arrangement of light sources and photodetectors for in-situ nephelometric turbidity measurements.
Innovation Solution
The turbidity head incorporates a first reflector positioned to reflect either the outgoing or incoming light ray, achieving a 90-degree plus-or-minus 2.5-degree measurement angle, allowing for a compact design by using prisms, reflective films, or coatings to bend light paths, enabling the optical components to be packed into a housing with a maximum diameter of about 13 mm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional turbidity sensor designs are used, then the measurement angle requirement of ISO 7027 standards can be met, but the sensor size becomes too large for compact applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reflector to change the spatial arrangement of optical components from a linear configuration to a folded optical path configuration. This allows the light to travel through a longer effective distance and achieve the required 90-degree measurement angle while the physical housing diameter is reduced to approximately 13 mm, resolving the contradiction between measurement angle compliance and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary optical element that redirects the light path between the light source and photodetector. By introducing this intermediate component, the system achieves the required measurement angle without requiring a large housing volume, as the reflector enables the light to effectively 'fold' within the compact space.
2Volume of moving object
If the housing diameter is reduced to 13 mm for compact applications, then portability is improved, but it becomes difficult to achieve the 90-degree measurement angle required by ISO 7027
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector introduces a dimensional transformation in the optical path, allowing the system to achieve a 90-degree measurement angle within a housing diameter of only 13 mm. The optical path is folded such that the light travels perpendicular to the incident direction through reflective surfaces, enabling ISO 7027 compliance in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the optical system by introducing a reflector at a specific angle (45 degrees relative to the incident light). This parameter change allows the measurement angle to be effectively 90 degrees while the physical housing dimensions remain small, specifically with a diameter of approximately 13 mm.
3Measurement precision
If a reflector is added to achieve the 90-degree measurement angle, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves as a simple intermediary component that redirects light without requiring complex mechanisms. By using a single reflective surface (which can be a simple mirror or coated surface), the system achieves the required 90-degree measurement angle with minimal added complexity, maintaining turbidity measurement accuracy while avoiding overly complicated optical arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces what would otherwise require a complex mechanical positioning system with a simple optical reflector. Instead of mechanically adjusting the positions of the light source and photodetector to achieve the 90-degree angle, the system uses a fixed reflector to optically achieve the same result, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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
This configuration allows for a compact and watertight turbidity sensor that meets ISO 7027 standards, enabling accurate turbidity measurements while maintaining a small form factor, suitable for in-situ applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector in the path of either the outgoing light ray or the incoming light ray. The first reflector is positioned to reflect either the outgoing light ray or the incoming light ray to achieve a measurement angle defined between the outgoing light ray and the incoming light ray of ninety degrees
Data Source
AI summary
Turbidity heads for a turbidity sensor or probe and the resulting sensor are disclosed that include a light source providing an outgoing light ray, a photodetector capable of detecting an incoming light ray; an isolator separating the light source from the detector portion; and a first reflector in the path of either the outgoing light ray or the incoming light ray. The first reflector is positioned to reflect either the outgoing light ray or the incoming light ray to achieve a measurement angle defined between the outgoing light ray and the incoming light ray of ninety degrees plus-or-minus two and a half degrees to comply with the standard ISO 7027 for turbidity measurement.