Combined Single and Multi-Channel Light Detector Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light measurement systems require multiple instruments with different detectors, leading to inefficiencies in measurement processes due to the need for instrument switching and alignment, which slows down data collection and may result in inconsistent sampling of the light environment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a housing containing a single channel and a multiple channel light detector, along with a coupling element that selectively or simultaneously directs light to either detector, allowing for the measurement of various light properties using a single device. This can include movable coupling elements or beam splitting elements to direct light to the appropriate detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments with different detectors are used to measure light properties, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase due to the need for instrument switching and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detectors (single-channel and multi-channel detectors) into a single integrated apparatus with a common light input port. The coupling element selectively directs light to either detector, allowing the system to perform both photometric and colorimetric/spectrophotometric measurements with one device rather than requiring separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple measurement functions through a single device. The single-channel detector handles photometric measurements while the multi-channel detector handles colorimetric and spectrophotometric measurements, making the apparatus universal for various light property measurements without requiring multiple specialized instruments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used to measure light properties, then measurement capability is improved, but productivity decreases due to the need for instrument switching and realignment
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple detectors into one apparatus with a shared light input port and coupling mechanism, the system eliminates the need to physically move or realign separate instruments between measurements. The coupling element can rapidly switch between detectors without requiring realignment, significantly improving measurement speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is pre-configured with all necessary detectors and coupling mechanisms in fixed positions. The coupling element is pre-arranged to direct light to the appropriate detector based on the measurement type, eliminating the need for real-time adjustment or realignment during the measurement process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for light measurement, then measurement scope is expanded, but measurement consistency deteriorates due to different sampling positions
Solution Approach 1:
All detectors are positioned to receive light from the same light input port, ensuring that photometric and colorimetric/spectrophotometric measurements sample the identical light environment. This common sampling position eliminates inconsistencies that would arise from using multiple separate instruments at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary that directs light from the common input port to the appropriate detector. This ensures that regardless of which detector is used, the light source being measured is the same, maintaining measurement consistency across different measurement types.
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 efficient and consistent measurement of light properties by allowing simultaneous or sequential illumination of multiple detectors within a single device, reducing the need for multiple instruments and improving alignment, thereby speeding up the measurement process and ensuring accurate sampling of the light environment.
Implementation Method 1
The beam splitting element receives light from the light input port and then splits the light and delivers a portion of the light to the first light detector and a portion of the light to the second light detector
Implementation Method 2
The coupling element is configured and arranged to selectively couple light incident from the light input port to either one of the first light detector and the second light detector
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring light properties includes a housing defining a light input port; as well as a first light detector; a second light detector; and a coupling element. The first light detector is a single channel light detector or a multiple channel light detector. The second light detector is a multiple channel light detector. The coupling element is configured and arranged to selectively couple light incident from the light input port to one of the first light detector and the second light detector. As an alternative, a beam splitting element can be used instead of the coupling element. The beam splitting element receives light from the light input port and then splits the light and delivers a portion of the light to the first light detector and a portion of the light to the second light detector.