Floating Particle Detection via Polarization Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floating particle detection devices are complex in configuration, leading to increased size and component count, and struggle to accurately identify the type of floating particles due to limited detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A floating particle detection device utilizing a semiconductor laser, a back-monitor-use light receiving element, and a scattered light receiver with a polarizing filter to detect and analyze the polarization components of scattered light, allowing for accurate identification of particle type through the analysis of polarization changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two light receiving means are used in a symmetric positional relationship to detect scattered light, then the ability to identify floating particle type is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple light receiving means into a single light receiving means by detecting both the intensity component and polarization component of scattered light simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the ability to identify floating particle types while reducing the number of separate detection components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light receiving means is designed to perform multiple detection functions: measuring scattered light intensity, analyzing polarization state, and identifying particle types. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate symmetric light receiving means while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities.
2Device complexity
If a single light receiving element is used to detect scattered light, then the device configuration is simplified, but the ability to accurately identify floating particle type is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameters by not only measuring the intensity of scattered light but also analyzing the polarization state of the scattered light. This parameter expansion allows a single light receiving element to provide sufficient information for accurate floating particle type identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization analysis as an intermediary measurement that bridges the gap between simple intensity detection and complex particle identification. By analyzing how the polarization state of scattered light changes, the system can infer particle type information that would otherwise require multiple detection elements.
3Reliability
If multiple light receiving means with lenses are used, then scattered light detection capability is enhanced, but the number of components and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection functions of multiple light receiving means with lenses into a single integrated light receiving means that simultaneously captures intensity and polarization information. This reduces the total number of optical components while maintaining enhanced scattered light detection capability.
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 device achieves simplified configuration and accurate identification of floating particle type by using polarization analysis of scattered light, reducing component count and enhancing detection precision.
Implementation Method 1
scattered light generated when a space in which floating microscopic particulate matter is present is irradiated with light
Implementation Method 2
a scattered light receiver that receives the scattered light, and an identification unit that identifies a type of the floating particle on the basis of a polarization component of the scattered light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A floating particle detection device 1 is capable of accurately identifying the type of a floating particle while achieving simplification of a configuration of the device, the device includes: a laser light irradiator (10) that includes a laser light emitting element (11) and a back-monitor-use light receiving element (12); a scattered light receiver (20) that selectively receives light of a predetermined polarization component among scattered light generated when a floating particle (50) is irradiated and that generates a second detection signal; and an identification processor (30) that identifies the type of the floating particle on the basis of a first detection signal and the second detection signal. Incident light entering the back-monitor-use light receiving element (12) includes: a back-monitor-use laser beam (L0); and backscattered light (Lbs) travelling toward the laser light irradiator (10) among the scattered light (Ls) of an irradiation laser beam (L1) with which the floating particle (50) is irradiated.