Folded Optical Path Emitter for Compact Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection devices using electromagnetic radiation face challenges in miniaturization and increased range without enlarging the structural size, as they require adjustments in aperture and lens length to maintain irradiated area consistency, which is not desirable for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A device with a radiation-conducting arrangement that deflects electromagnetic rays multiple times, including U-shaped, helical, or S-shaped paths, to extend the ray path length by up to 100% and utilize smaller radiation-conducting elements, allowing for a more compact design while maintaining or increasing detection range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the aperture opening width is increased to achieve greater range, then the detection range is improved, but the structural size of the emitter must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a folding optical path using a prism that deflects light rays by approximately 90 degrees through total internal reflection. This transforms the linear optical path into a folded configuration, allowing the light to travel a longer effective distance within a compact physical footprint. The prism enables the optical path to utilize three-dimensional space more efficiently, achieving greater detection range without proportionally increasing the emitter's structural dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the folding prism within the existing emitter structure, nesting the optical path modification inside the housing. The prism is positioned between the lens and the radiation source, utilizing the internal volume of the emitter housing. This nested arrangement allows the extended optical path to be contained within the original structural boundaries, avoiding the need to increase the overall emitter size while achieving enhanced detection range.
2Length of stationary object
If the lens focal distance is increased to maintain constant irradiated area, then the detection range is improved, but the emitter structural size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding prism creates a multi-dimensional optical path that bends light at approximately 90 degrees through total internal reflection. This dimensional transformation allows the optical path length to be extended without extending the physical housing in the same direction. The light travels through a folded configuration that utilizes vertical and lateral space within the housing, achieving increased effective focal distance while maintaining compact external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a prism with specific geometric surfaces that guide light rays through curved or angled paths. The folding surfaces of the prism create a bent optical trajectory, allowing the light to follow a non-linear path from the radiation source through the housing to the target area. This curved path arrangement achieves extended optical distance within a compact linear housing structure.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple reflections are implemented to extend ray path length, then detection range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the folding function and the focusing function into a single integrated prism component. The prism simultaneously performs multiple reflections to fold the optical path and directs the light through its geometric surfaces to maintain proper focusing. By merging these functions into one element rather than using separate components, the patent reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite achieving extended ray path length through multiple reflections.
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 solution enables a smaller device with the same or greater range as existing devices, optimizing space usage and reducing manufacturing costs by employing a radiation-conducting arrangement that deflects rays multiple times, effectively addressing the limitations of miniaturization and range in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A radiation-conducting arrangement, which is designed to conduct and/or deflect the rays on their path from the radiation source to the point of exit from the emitter by reflecting them two or more times
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting objects in a monitoring range is described, comprising a sensor and an emitter, wherein the emitter includes the following components: a housing, a radiation source for emission of electromagnetic rays and a radiation-conducting device, which is designed to conduct the rays on their path from the radiation source to the point of exit from the emitter, wherein the radiation-conducting device has a focusing element for focusing the rays. The radiation-conducting device is designed to deflect the rays on their path from the radiation source to the point of exit from the emitter by two reflections.