UV Sensor Module with Interference Filters for Chemical Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for detecting chemical substances in laboratory and point-of-care settings lack a low-cost, accurate, and user-friendly solution that can effectively discriminate among a wide range of substances.

Innovation Solution

An integrated sensor module utilizing a UV radiation source and spectrally sensitive UV channels with UV interference filters, which emit and receive UV radiation to match spectral signatures of chemical substances, integrating signals in parallel for accurate detection and identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional detection techniques (mass spectrometry, infrared spectrometry, etc.) are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module divides the detection system into multiple spectrally sensitive channels, each equipped with specific interference filters tailored to detect particular chemical substances. This segmentation allows parallel detection of multiple substances with high precision while keeping each channel relatively simple in structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor module integrates multiple detection channels into a single device, enabling it to detect and discriminate among various chemical substances simultaneously. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate detection systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision across different substance types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional detection techniques are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module automatically performs spectral analysis by comparing detected UV radiation patterns against stored spectral signatures of known chemical substances. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operators to manually interpret complex spectral data, maintaining high detection accuracy while significantly improving ease of operation for non-expert users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If traditional detection techniques are used, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module employs disposable or replaceable UV interference filters that can be manufactured at low cost using standard filtration techniques. These filters are optimized for specific spectral ranges and can be replaced when degraded, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains high detection capability without requiring expensive permanent filter systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves versatile detection capability by changing the spectral parameters of the interference filters rather than using complex detection electronics for each substance. This parameter-based approach allows the same sensor hardware to detect multiple substances by simply更换 filters with different spectral characteristics, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 module provides real-time, accurate detection and discrimination of multiple chemical substances by matching spectral signatures, improving sensitivity and ease of use while reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The respective UV interference filter for each particular one of the channels has transmission characteristics that are spectrally responsive to a spectral signature of a respective chemical substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference filter transmission: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a sensor including a plurality of spectrally sensitive UV channels disposed so as receive UV radiation from the sample. Each of the UV channels includes a respective sensing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12055482B2Integrated sensor modules for detection of chemical substances
Publication Date: 2024.08.06 AMS INTERNATIONAL AG
  • US12055482B2 patent drawing
  • US12055482B2 patent drawing
  • US12055482B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated sensor module includes a UV radiation source operable to emit UV radiation onto a sample, and a sensor including spectrally sensitive UV channels disposed so as receive UV radiation from the sample. Each of the UV channels includes a respective sensing device and a respective UV interference filter disposed over a UV radiation sensitive portion of the respective sensing device. The respective UV interference filter for each particular one of the channels has transmission characteristics that are spectrally responsive to a spectral signature of a respective chemical substance.