UV-LED Ozone Sensor with Adjustable Optical Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas concentration measurement devices are not optimized for conveniently and rapidly measuring low ozone concentrations and are not suitable for measuring ozone concentrations over a wide range using the same device.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an extraction cuvette and an optical cuvette with a UV-LED emitter and a UV sensor, configured to emit and detect UV light in the range of 250 nm to 270 nm, allowing for the measurement of ozone concentrations in liquids by correlating radiation loss with ozone concentration, with adjustable components for alignment and insertable UV-transmitting materials to adjust path length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional UV absorption device is used, then it can measure ozone concentration, but it cannot rapidly and accurately measure low ozone concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical path length parameter dynamically by using a movable mirror to adjust the distance between the UV-LED and UV sensor. This allows the device to optimize measurement conditions for different ozone concentration levels, enabling both rapid detection of low concentrations and accurate measurement of high concentrations within the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability through a movable mirror that can change the optical path length during operation. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt to different measurement requirements in real-time, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision for low concentrations and measurement speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single device configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot measure ozone concentrations over a wide range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement device that can handle both low and high ozone concentrations by incorporating a movable mirror mechanism. This single device structure performs multiple measurement functions across different concentration ranges, eliminating the need for separate devices while maintaining structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the optical path length adjustable through a movable mirror, the device gains versatility to measure across a wide concentration range. The dynamic adjustment capability allows one device to replace multiple fixed-configuration devices, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the optical path length is increased to improve sensitivity for low concentrations, then measurement precision improves, but the device becomes more complex and less practical
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a fixed long optical path that would complicate the device structure, the patent employs a dynamic movable mirror that can extend or reduce the optical path length as needed. This allows the device to achieve high sensitivity when required while maintaining a compact form factor, avoiding permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is segmented into adjustable sections through the movable mirror configuration. This allows the optical path length to be modified in discrete steps or continuously, providing flexibility in sensitivity adjustment without requiring a completely different device structure for each measurement condition.
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
Enables accurate and efficient measurement of ozone concentrations in liquids, including both low and high concentrations, by generating a parallel UV beam that traverses a controlled path length, facilitating precise determination of ozone levels in water with a positive Langelier Saturation Index.
Implementation Method 1
Ozone is known to strongly absorb light in the short wavelength ultra-violet region of the spectrum, sometimes referred to as UV-C radiation. By placing a source of UV-C radiation at a known distance from a UV-C radiation sensor the concentration of ozone may be determined by measuring the radiation loss
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an emitter comprising an ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV-LED) disposed on a first end of an optical cuvette. An extraction cuvette may hold a liquid having a positive Langelier saturation index (LSI), and having a quantity of ozone gas dissolved therein. Air may be bubbled through the liquid in the extraction cuvette, and may then be directed to the optical cuvette. A detector comprising an ultraviolet light sensor (UV sensor) can be disposed on a second end of the optical cuvette. The UV-LED may be a point source, and the emitter may generate a parallel beam of light. A concentration of ozone in the gas in the optical cuvette can be determined based on a diminution of the UV light beam passing therethrough. This concentration can then be used to determine an ozone concentration in the liquid contained in the extraction cuvette.