Gas Detection Device Using Spatial Light Modulator and Retroreflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas detection devices are limited in their ability to detect gases over a wide range without mechanical mechanisms, making them ineffective in large spaces such as industrial plants where gas generation sources may be unspecified or widespread.
Innovation Solution
A gas detection system utilizing a projector with a spatial light modulator and a retroreflector to emit and modulate laser light, allowing for wide-range detection without mechanical movement by controlling the projection light's direction based on the intensity of reflected light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a stationary gas sensor is used, then the device complexity is low, but the detection space is limited to local areas only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with optical field-based detection. By using a light source to emit light in multiple directions and detectors to receive reflected light from retroreflectors positioned at different locations, the system achieves wide-area detection without mechanical movement. The control unit processes optical signals to identify gas leakage positions across the entire detection space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional local detection to three-dimensional wide-area detection by distributing retroreflectors throughout the detection space and using a light source that emits in multiple directions. This spatial distribution of optical components enables detection across volumetric space rather than along a single line or plane.
2Area of stationary object
If an infrared light laser is used to detect gas in a wide detection space, then the detection space is expanded, but the detection is limited to the area between the light source side unit and light receiving side unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection space into multiple detection regions by positioning multiple retroreflectors at different locations. Each retroreflector defines a detection region along the optical path between the light source and its corresponding detector. By segmenting the wide space into multiple smaller detection zones, the system achieves comprehensive coverage of the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces retroreflectors as intermediary elements that enable light to travel through extended detection paths. The retroreflectors reflect light back toward detectors, allowing the system to detect gas in regions that would otherwise be beyond direct line-of-sight between light source and detector, thus expanding effective detection coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If a retroreflector is used to expand detection space, then the detection range is increased, but mechanical rotation or movement is required to cover wide areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical rotation and movement by using a stationary light source that emits light in multiple directions simultaneously. Instead of mechanically positioning a single retroreflector or detector, the system uses multiple stationary retroreflectors distributed throughout the detection space, with the control unit managing the optical paths and data from multiple detection channels.
4Area of stationary object
If the detection space is determined by rotation angle and pole length, then the detection area can be controlled, but it is difficult to detect gas in very wide spaces such as plants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large detection space into multiple smaller detection regions, each defined by a light source-detector-retroreflector triplet. By distributing multiple retroreflectors throughout the large space and using a light source that emits in multiple directions, the system can cover extensive areas like industrial plants without requiring each individual detection path to span the entire distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection paths that originate from a single light source and terminate at different detectors. By merging these parallel detection channels under unified control, the system achieves wide-area detection capability while maintaining the simplicity of individual detection paths. The control unit integrates data from multiple detectors to provide comprehensive monitoring of the entire large space.
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
Enables detection of gases over a wide range without mechanical mechanisms, expanding the detection space and improving accuracy in large environments by determining gas leakage based on reflected light intensity.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflector that retroreflects the laser light projected from the gas detection device
Implementation Method 2
a light source that emits laser light having a wavelength at which an absorption rate by a detection target gas is high
Data Source
AI summary
A gas detection that includes a projector including a light source that emits laser light having a wavelength at which an absorption rate by a detection target gas is high and a spatial light modulator that modulates the laser light emitted from the light source, a projection control unit that controls projection light to be projected toward a retroreflector by causing the light source to emit the laser light and setting a pattern of a modulation part of the spatial light modulator, a light receiver that receives reflected light of the projection light reflected by the retroreflector and measures an intensity of the received reflected light; and a leakage determination unit that acquires the intensity of the reflected light from the light receiver and determines leakage of the detection target gas in a detection space with the retroreflector based on the intensity of the reflected light.