Fiber-optic gas composition sensor for exhaust gases
US5979423A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02D41/1451
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An on-board gas composition sensor is disclosed for monitoring oxygen content levels in the exhaust gas (24) of an internal combustion engine (4). The gas composition sensor includes a sensor body (20) mounted inan exhaust stream from an engine (4), with a fiber-optic cable (18) running from the sensor body (20) to a silicon chip (13) containing a sensor assembly(10). The sensor assembly (10) includes a light source (12), mounted on the chip (13), for generating excitation light. Also, a fiber-optic coupler (16), formed in the chip, operatively engages a second fiber-optic cable (15), mounted in a groove on the chip. The second cable (15) connects to a fluorescence detector (34) and an excitation detector (36). The two detectors produce output signals (35, 37) that are used by the electronic engine control (8) to adjust engine operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.