Ellipsoidal Light Guidance for Compact Gas Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of gas detection apparatuses using ellipsoidal mirrors has led to issues with light ray scattering and reduced accuracy due to the size of the light emitting part not being sufficiently small relative to the mirror, affecting the collection efficiency of light rays at the receiving part.
Innovation Solution
The gas detection apparatus employs a light guiding part with an inner surface composed of multiple ellipsoids or spheroids, where the light source and receiving regions are defined within specific regions (Rin and Rout) to ensure that at least 60% of the light source and receiving regions are contained within these areas, utilizing the principle of region separation phenomena to enhance light collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ellipsoidal mirror is made large to collect light rays effectively, then light collection efficiency is improved, but the overall apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing multiple ellipsoidal mirrors (first, second, and third ellipsoidal mirrors) within a compact configuration where each mirror serves a specific function in the light path. The light emitting part and light receiving part are nested within the ellipsoidal structure, allowing efficient light collection while maintaining a compact overall apparatus size. This nested arrangement enables the system to achieve high light collection efficiency without requiring a single large mirror.
2Volume of moving object
If the light emitting part size is reduced for miniaturization, then apparatus compactness is improved, but light ray scattering increases and accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light collection function across multiple ellipsoidal mirrors rather than relying on a single large mirror. The first ellipsoidal mirror collects light from the light emitting part, the second ellipsoidal mirror further directs the light, and the third ellipsoidal mirror focuses it onto the light receiving part. This segmentation allows the use of smaller individual components while maintaining effective light collection and detection accuracy, thus enabling miniaturization without sacrificing performance.
3Measurement precision
If a single large ellipsoidal mirror is used to focus light, then light focusing accuracy is improved, but the apparatus becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light focusing function into multiple steps using three separate ellipsoidal mirrors, each with specific focal points and optical axes. The first mirror focuses light from the light emitting part to an intermediate point, the second mirror further directs the light, and the third mirror finally focuses it onto the light receiving part. This segmented approach achieves high focusing accuracy while allowing for a more compact and manageable optical path design compared to a single large mirror system.
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
This configuration results in a compact and highly accurate gas detection apparatus by ensuring that light rays are efficiently collected and focused, improving sensitivity and accuracy despite the miniaturization challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a shape of at least a part of an inner surface of the light guiding part is composed of all or a part of figures of n (n: one or more natural numbers) ellipsoids
Data Source
AI summary
A gas detection apparatus includes a light emitting part; a light receiving part; and a light guiding part for guiding light from the light emitting part to the light receiving part. When a region inside the ellipsoid Ei and not including the ellipsoid Esi is defined as a region Ri, the ellipsoid Ei including a light source region of the light emitting part is defined as an ellipsoid Es, the ellipsoid Ei including a light receiving region of the light receiving part is defined as an ellipsoid Ed, the region Ri of the ellipsoid Es is defined as a region Rin, and the region Ri of the ellipsoid Ed is defined as a region Rout, the point Gin is present in the region Rin and the point Gout is present in the region Rout.