Arc Light Sensor Using Magneto-Optical Polarization Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arc light sensors face interference issues due to susceptibility of current signals, which affects their ability to accurately detect arc light occurrences in switch cabinets, potentially leading to circuit damage or fires.
Innovation Solution
An arc light sensor comprising a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a magneto-optical material, and a processing unit, where the magneto-optical material rotates the polarization direction of light under a current magnetic field, allowing determination of arc light based on the intensity of polarized light without requiring a current signal, thereby enhancing interference resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor simultaneously acquires light signal and current signal to determine arc light occurrence, then the detection capability is improved, but the resistance to interference deteriorates due to susceptibility of current signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the current signal acquisition component from the detection system, relying solely on optical signal detection. This eliminates the source of electrical interference while maintaining arc light detection capability through optimized optical filtering and polarization analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical filters and polarizers as intermediary components between the arc light source and the detector. These intermediaries selectively transmit specific wavelengths and polarization states of light, enabling accurate arc light detection while blocking interfering optical signals
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor uses only light signal detection, then the resistance to interference is improved, but the detection precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish arc light from other light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using optical filters with specific wavelength transmission characteristics and polarizers with specific orientation angles. These components create localized optical properties that selectively pass arc light signals while blocking other light sources, achieving both interference resistance and detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the characteristic color (wavelength) of arc light by employing optical filters tuned to arc light's spectral features. The filter allows transmission of arc light wavelengths while blocking other wavelengths, enabling precise identification based on spectral color characteristics
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 solution enables accurate detection of arc light without current signal interference, improving the sensor's resistance to interference and reliability in determining arc light occurrences.
Implementation Method 1
the magneto-optical material is in a current magnetic field, and uses the current magnetic field to rotate a polarization direction of the first polarized light
Implementation Method 2
the first polarizer is used for polarizing incident first target light, to form first polarized light in a first polarization direction
Implementation Method 3
the second polarizer is used for polarizing incident second target light, to form second polarized light in the first polarization direction
Implementation Method 4
the first light filter is used for filtering the third polarized light, to form fourth polarized light capable of passing in a second polarization direction
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an arc light sensor includes: a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a magneto-optical material, a first light filter and a processing unit. The first polarizer is used for polarizing incident first target light, to form first polarized light in a first polarization direction. The second polarizer is used for polarizing incident second target light, to form second polarized light in the first polarization direction. The magneto-optical material, in a current magnetic field, uses the current magnetic field to rotate a polarization direction of the first polarized light, to form third polarized light. The first light filter is used for filtering the third polarized light, to form fourth polarized light capable of passing in a second polarization direction. The processing unit is used for determining whether the second target light is arc light according to intensity of the second polarized light and intensity of the fourth polarized light.