Gas Detection Apparatus Layered Optical Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas detection apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization due to the separate placement of light sources and waveguides, which occupy significant space and hinder compact design.
Innovation Solution
A gas detection apparatus is designed with a first layer containing a light emitter and receiver, and a second layer with a waveguide, where the light emitter and receiver are positioned opposite to the waveguide's input and output units, respectively, eliminating the need for intermediate optical components and allowing for closer alignment, thereby reducing the overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the light source and waveguide are disposed separately on the substrate surface with intermediate optical components (prisms), then the optical path can be established, but the device size increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source and waveguide onto the same substrate surface in direct proximity, eliminating the need for separate disposal and intermediate optical components. The light source is positioned to directly couple with the waveguide input, integrating multiple optical elements into a compact unified structure that reduces overall device volume while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional arrangement with vertical stacking of light source, prisms, and waveguide to a two-dimensional planar integration on the substrate surface. By laying out the optical path in a compact planar configuration with the light source and waveguide disposed close together on the same surface, the device achieves miniaturization without requiring vertical space for intermediate components.
2Volume of moving object
If the light source position is adjusted by a pedestal to enter the waveguide directly, then the optical coupling is improved, but the light source and waveguide still occupy significant area when disposed side-by-side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the light source at its final optimized position during the initial substrate fabrication process, rather than requiring subsequent adjustment via pedestals. The light source is pre-positioned to achieve direct optical coupling with the waveguide input, eliminating the need for post-fabrication positioning mechanisms and reducing the overall area required for adjustment components.
3Volume of moving object
If diffraction gratings and wedge-shaped optical components are disposed between the light source and waveguide, then the optical path can be established, but the device size increases and further miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes intermediate optical components such as diffraction gratings and wedge-shaped elements from the optical path. By establishing direct coupling between the light source and waveguide through careful geometric arrangement and surface profiling, the invention eliminates unnecessary optical elements that would increase device volume and complexity, achieving miniaturization through simplification.
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 enables more significant miniaturization of the gas detection apparatus while maintaining effective gas concentration measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter that emits light and a light receiver that receives the light after the light passes through a waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A gas detection apparatus (100) includes a first layer (1) and a second layer (2) disposed opposite the first layer (1) in a predetermined direction (z-axis direction). The first layer (1) includes a light emitter that emits light and a light receiver that receives the light after the light passes through a waveguide. The second layer (2) includes a light input unit of the waveguide opposite the light emitter in the predetermined direction (z-axis direction) and a light output unit of the waveguide opposite the light receiver in the predetermined direction (z-axis direction). The gas detection apparatus (100) can be miniaturized.