Dual-Wavelength Matter Detection via Converging Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing matter detection systems face limitations, including the use of monochromatic lasers, illumination on the same optical path as detection leading to total reflections, and inefficiencies in scanning and sorting processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing two light sources with converging beams redirected by mirrors to a rotating polygon mirror for scanning, with a detector positioned to receive reflected light, and including adjustable lenses and reference elements for calibration, allowing for simultaneous detection of matter with reduced total reflections and improved illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single monochromatic laser is used for illumination, then the light source is simple and monochromatic, but it cannot detect multiple material types simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (laser and LED) with different wavelengths into a single illumination system. The laser provides monochromatic light while the LED provides broad-spectrum light, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple material types through their different optical signatures without requiring separate detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is designed to serve multiple detection functions using a single integrated setup. By combining light sources of different wavelengths and using a single detector array, the system can detect various material properties (color, composition, moisture) simultaneously, making the system universally applicable to diverse sorting tasks
2Device complexity
If illumination and detection share the same optical path, then the system structure is simplified, but total reflections occur causing detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is segmented into separate illumination and detection paths. The illumination path delivers light to the object while the detection path collects reflected light at a different angle. This spatial separation prevents total internal reflection from interfering with the detection signal, improving measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitter or dichroic mirror is introduced as an intermediary element to separate the illumination and detection optical paths. This intermediary allows the system to maintain a compact structure while preventing direct interference between illumination and detection beams, eliminating total reflection issues
3Productivity
If a rotating polygonal mirror is used for scanning, then multiple detection zones can be monitored simultaneously, but the system complexity and potential for total reflections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calibrates the optical paths and detector angles to account for the rotating mirror's movement. By预先 setting the detection geometry and using synchronization signals from the mirror's rotation encoder, the system maintains accurate material detection throughout the scanning cycle without requiring complex real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating polygonal mirror provides continuous scanning across multiple detection zones without stopping, enabling high-speed serial detection of materials on a conveyor belt. The continuous rotation ensures that each material item is detected by multiple wavelengths in sequence, maintaining high productivity while the integrated detector array captures all wavelength data simultaneously
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 detection of matter with reduced total reflections and improved illumination, allowing for the identification of material type and presence, suitable for sorting and recycling applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror arranged in an optical path between the first light source and the scanning element, and a second mirror arranged in an optical path between the second light source and the scanning element, wherein the first mirror is adapted to redirect the first light beam and the second mirror is adapted to redirect the second light beam
Implementation Method 2
The combined laser beams pass through a hole in a further mirror and impinge on one of the plane polygon surfaces of a rotating polygonal mirror wheel. The polygonal mirror wheel guides the laser beams over a parabolic mirror, and the laser beam reflected by the parabolic mirror is guided to an inclined mirror and impinges on the surface of an object to be scanned
Implementation Method 3
When the light band falls on a part of the product, it is scattered and/or reflected by said part. Scattered light is at least partly captured by the same face, and, via said face, is led along approximately the same path as the light band to a beam splitter which reflects the scattered light at an angle towards two detectors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for detecting matter, the apparatus comprising: a first light source (14a) adapted to emit a first light beam (16a); a second light source (14b) adapted to emit a second light beam (16b), wherein the apparatus is arranged such that the first and second light beams converge towards a scanning element (20), e.g. a rotating polygon mirror; the scanning element adapted to redirect the converging first and second light beams towards the matter to be detected; and a detector (26) adapted to receive light (38) reflected by the matter via the scanning element.