Condenser Mirror Optical Axis Alignment for Road Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road surface sensing devices require complex adjustments of illumination and reception angles due to separate optical systems for illumination and reflected light, making them cumbersome for use in varying distances from the sensing region.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a condenser mirror that aligns the optical axis of the light source and itself, allowing reflected light to be condensed on a photodetector without needing adjustments for distance, and a reflection surface shaped like a spheroid cut from a columnar body to efficiently guide light to the detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical systems are used for illumination and reflected light, then the sensing function can be achieved, but the device requires complex angle adjustments for different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination optical system and the reflected light reception optical system into a single integrated optical system. The light source and photodetector are positioned on the same optical axis, and the condenser mirror collects reflected light from the sensing region and focuses it onto the photodetector. This merging eliminates the need for separate angle adjustments for illumination and reception, as both functions share the same optical path and focal point configuration.
2Reliability
If separate optical systems are used for illumination and reflected light, then the sensing function can be achieved, but the device structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination and detection optical paths into a single system, using a shared optical axis and common optical components. The condenser mirror serves both to collect reflected light and to focus it onto the photodetector, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with multi-functionality where the same optical path and components serve dual purposes: the light source projects illumination light onto the sensing region, and the same optical axis is used to collect reflected light back to the photodetector. The condenser mirror performs both light collection and focusing functions, making the system more compact and less complex.
3Measurement precision
If angle adjustments are required for different distances, then the sensing accuracy can be maintained, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed to automatically maintain optimal light collection geometry through its self-adjusting focal point configuration. The condenser mirror and photodetector are positioned such that reflected light from the sensing region is automatically focused onto the photodetector without requiring manual angle adjustments. The system adapts to different distances through its optical geometry rather than mechanical adjustment, eliminating time loss while maintaining sensing accuracy.
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 and efficient sensing of moisture states on the road surface without the need for angle adjustments, enhancing the device's usability and accuracy across different distances.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser mirror configured to condense the reflected light on the photodetector
Implementation Method 2
a condenser mirror configured to condense the reflected light on the photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes: a light source part configured to project illumination light toward a sensing region; a photodetector configured to receive reflected light of the illumination light reflected on the sensing region; and a condenser mirror. The condenser mirror has a through hole through which the illumination light from the light source part passes and an optical axis of the light source part and an optical axis of the condenser mirror are aligned with each other. A reflection surface of the condenser mirror has a shape obtained by cutting out a columnar body extending in a projection direction of the illumination light, with a spheroid whose rotation axis is a major axis. The photodetector is disposed in a direction toward a first focal position of the condenser mirror. The sensing region is set in a direction toward a second focal position of the condenser mirror.