Asymmetric Fiber Bundle for Soil Spectral Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In-situ spectral probes face challenges in achieving optimal illumination intensity distribution for accurate spectral analysis of soil components, leading to suboptimal signal-to-noise ratios in infrared measurements.
Innovation Solution
A fiber-optic bundle with an asymmetric pattern of illumination fibers is designed, providing a greater illumination intensity to the first receiver fiber than the second receiver fiber, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio for infrared measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a symmetric pattern of illumination fibers is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio for infrared measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging illumination fibers in a non-uniform pattern where the first illumination fiber is positioned closer to the first receiver fiber than the second illumination fiber is to the second receiver fiber. This asymmetric configuration creates different illumination intensities for different receiver fibers, specifically enhancing infrared illumination intensity to improve the signal-to-noise ratio for infrared measurements while accepting increased design and manufacturing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If uniform illumination intensity is provided to all receiver fibers, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the spectral analysis accuracy for infrared components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing different illumination intensities to different receiver fibers based on their specific functional requirements. The first illumination fiber is positioned to provide enhanced illumination intensity specifically to the first receiver fiber that detects infrared radiation, while other receiver fibers receive different illumination levels. This localized optimization of illumination quality improves spectral analysis accuracy for infrared components without requiring complete redesign of the entire fiber bundle manufacturing process.
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 asymmetric illumination pattern improves the signal-to-noise ratio for infrared measurements, resulting in more accurate and reliable spectral analysis of soil components.
Implementation Method 1
A fiber-optic bundle includes a sampling end and a plurality of optical fibers including a first receiver fiber, a second receiver fiber, and a plurality of illumination fibers
Implementation Method 2
The sample absorbs, transmits, or reflects the incident light according to, among other things, different chemical bonds which may be present among the constituents of the sample
Implementation Method 3
At least one spectrometer receives light reflected or emitted from the sample and measures the intensity of the reflected or emitted light in each of several wavelength bands
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber-optic bundles for infrared spectral analysis of media. The fiber-optic bundles can be used in infrared probes configured to be inserted in media for in-situ characterization of the media. The fiber-optic bundles can include a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a spatial pattern at a sampling end of the bundle to improve a signal of infrared spectral measurements. In-situ probes of the present disclosure can be used for precision farming practices to improve soil health and increase crop yields.