Quadric Mirror Gas Detection Optics for Aberration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas detection apparatuses face issues with aberration and reduced accuracy due to large light emitting areas, which cause the spot size to exceed the light receiving surface, especially in downsized configurations.
Innovation Solution
A gas detection apparatus with quadric surfaces on the first and second mirrors, positioned higher than a reference plane, and facing in the same direction, along with a light guide member, to guide light effectively between the light emitting and receiving portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the area of the light emitting portion is large, then the light intensity is sufficient, but the aberration on the light receiving portion increases causing the spot size to exceed the light receiving surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved reflective surfaces (spheroidal or elliptical mirrors) instead of flat mirrors to focus light from a large-area light emitting portion onto a small light receiving surface. The curved geometry naturally converges divergent light rays, reducing aberration and concentrating the spot within the light receiving surface area while maintaining sufficient light intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific geometric parameters including the curvature radius of the reflective surfaces, the distance between the light emitting portion and the mirror, and the distance between the mirror and the light receiving portion. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves optimal focus concentration that maintains high light intensity on the receiver while minimizing spot size expansion due to aberration.
2Volume of moving object
If the gas detection apparatus is downsized, then the device size is reduced, but the aberration increases causing the spot to exceed the light receiving surface
Solution Approach 1:
In downsized configurations, the patent employs highly curved reflective surfaces with optimized curvature radii that are proportional to the reduced device dimensions. These curved surfaces effectively focus light within the compact space, compensating for increased angular divergence that occurs in smaller devices, thereby maintaining spot concentration on the light receiving surface despite the reduced overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the light emitting portion, light receiving portion, and reflective surfaces into a compact nested arrangement where components are positioned closely together. The light emitting portion and light receiving portion are mounted on the same substrate in close proximity, with the curved reflective surface positioned between them, creating a space-efficient configuration that maintains optical performance in a downsized device.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional ellipsoid mirrors are used, then the basic light guidance function is achieved, but the image blurs and the spot size exceeds the light receiving surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimized parameter ranges for the curved reflective surfaces, including curvature radius ratios, distances between components, and angular relationships. These parameter optimizations improve the focusing performance and image quality compared to conventional ellipsoid mirrors, while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes for curved surfaces.
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 apparatus achieves high measurement accuracy and downsizing by minimizing aberration, allowing efficient gas detection with reduced sensitivity to thermal fluctuations and dust accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror 3 that has a reflective surface being a quadric surface and reflects light emitted from the light emitting portion 1; and a second mirror 4 that has a reflective surface being a quadric surface and reflects the light reflected by the first mirror 3 to the first mirror 3
Data Source
AI summary
A gas detection apparatus is provided. The gas detection apparatus includes: a light emitting portion; a first mirror that has a reflective surface being a quadric surface and reflects light emitted from the light emitting portion; and a second mirror that has a reflective surface being a quadric surface and reflects the light reflected by the first mirror to the first mirror. The quadric surface of the first mirror and the quadric surface of the second mirror have convex portions facing in a same direction.