UV Spectrophotometric Detection Module for Autonomous Water Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microplastics in marine environments are limited by spatial resolution, require costly and non-portable equipment, and struggle with real-time detection of microplastics and phytoplankton due to high power consumption and inadequate signal-to-noise ratios.
Innovation Solution
A detection module equipped with a translucent tubular flow-through element, ultraviolet light emitting diodes, and light sensing means for fluorescence and photoluminescence analysis, powered by an energy-generating module, allowing for autonomous, low-power detection of polymer particles and phytoplankton at or near the water surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical microscopy or spectroscopy methods are used for microplastic detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical microscopy systems with a simplified optical detection system using UV-LED excitation and photodiode sensing. The flow cell design eliminates the need for mechanical stage movement and complex focusing mechanisms, achieving microplastic detection through fluorescence excitation rather than mechanical scanning or complex optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from complex laboratory spectroscopy systems. By using UV-LEDs for excitation and simple photodiodes for detection, it isolates the core fluorescence detection capability while removing unnecessary complexity, power consumption, and size requirements of traditional spectroscopy instruments.
2Ease of operation
If portable detection systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lower power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the excitation wavelength parameter to UV range (365 nm UV-LED) which provides higher fluorescence excitation efficiency for microplastics. This parameter change enables the use of lower power consumption LEDs while maintaining or improving detection sensitivity, as UV excitation produces stronger fluorescence signals compared to visible light excitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical sample handling and complex optical systems with a streamlined flow-based detection system. The flow cell design allows water samples to pass through a detection chamber where UV-LED excitation and photodiode detection occur, eliminating the need for manual sample preparation and complex mechanical positioning systems.
3Productivity
If real-time detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic flow-based detection where water samples continuously flow through the detection cell, enabling real-time monitoring without requiring continuous high-power illumination. The UV-LED excitation source operates at low power consumption, and the flow mechanism provides continuous sample presentation to the detection zone, achieving real-time detection with minimal energy input.
4Ease of operation
If in-situ sampling is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to spatial resolution limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into discrete functional components: a flow cell for sample presentation, UV-LED for excitation, and photodiode array for detection. This segmentation allows the system to be deployed in-field while maintaining detection precision, as each component is optimized for its specific function and can be integrated into a compact, portable configuration.
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, low-power, and cost-effective real-time detection of microplastics and phytoplankton, providing detailed analysis and extending the capabilities of existing detection systems with improved sensitivity and portability.
Implementation Method 1
ultraviolet light emitting means configured for emitting ultraviolet light in the detection area and light sensing means configured for sensing light of the detection area in order to detect polymer particles and/or phytoplankton in said detection area
Implementation Method 2
the ultraviolet light emitting means and the light sensing means are configured for implementing a system for detecting floating particles and/or phytoplankton by fluorescence and/or photoluminescence
Implementation Method 3
light sensing means configured for sensing light of the detection area in order to detect polymer particles and/or phytoplankton in said detection area
Data Source
AI summary
A detection module of an autonomous detection system for in situ monitoring floating polymer particles and phytoplankton in sea water. The detection module is combined with a floating body, and a communication module with an antenna, and is configured for detecting polymer particles and phytoplankton such as algae. The detection module comprises: a detection area for a water sample, notably a salty water flow with polymer particles and/or phytoplankton; ultraviolet light emitting means configured for emitting ultraviolet light in the detection area, light sensing means configured for sensing light from the detection area in order to detect polymer particles and/or phytoplankton such as cyanobacteria; an energy generating module configured for powering said detection module. The UV emitting means comprise a low power consumption UV LED. A detection process, and a use of an UV light source for removing a biolayer in the detection area.