Gas Sensor Optical Path Folding for Installation Ease
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrogen gas sensors face installation challenges due to the complex structure required to expose the thin and small gas sensing element to the atmosphere, which complicates the detection of hydrogen gas leakage.
Innovation Solution
The gas sensing apparatus is designed with a specific component disposition that creates an open space in front of the sensing face, allowing for easier exposure of the gas sensing element to the atmosphere, using a light source, photodetector, and magnetic field applicator on the same side of a virtual plane perpendicular to the incident light, with optical elements like mirrors and polarizers to bend the optical path and facilitate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conventional sensor structure is used with light source and photodetector disposed on opposite sides of the sensing element, then the magneto-optical detection function is achieved, but the installation complexity increases and the sensing element exposure to atmosphere becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a linear arrangement (light source-sensing element-photodetector in a straight line) to a three-dimensional configuration where all components are disposed on the same side of a virtual plane. The optical path is folded using mirrors and optical elements, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the system layout. This allows the light source, sensing element, and photodetector to be positioned on the same side while maintaining the necessary optical path length and detection functionality, thereby simplifying installation and improving accessibility to the sensing element.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing element is kept thin and small for high sensitivity, then the detection precision is improved, but the exposure to atmosphere and installation become more restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The sensing element maintains its thin and small form factor for high sensitivity, while the optical path is folded using mirrors and optical elements to create sufficient space around the sensing element. This dimensional reorganization allows the sensing element to be exposed to the atmosphere from multiple directions while keeping its compact size, thus maintaining detection precision without restricting exposure or installation.
3Ease of operation
If the optical path is folded back using optical elements, then all components can be disposed on the same side simplifying installation, but the optical path length and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mirrors and optical elements as intermediary components to fold the optical path. These intermediaries enable the light to travel between the light source, sensing element, and photodetector positioned on the same side. The mirrors and optical elements are strategically positioned to create the necessary optical path length while maintaining manageable alignment requirements. This intermediary approach allows all components to be disposed on the same side for simplified installation without excessive increase in alignment complexity.
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 simplifies the installation of the gas sensing apparatus, reduces restrictions, and enhances the exposure of the gas sensing element to the atmosphere, improving the detection of hydrogen gas by measuring changes in the magneto-optic effect.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen gas sensing utilizing magneto-optical effects of a laminate film (sensor element)
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first optical element and the second optical element bends the optical path
Data Source
AI summary
A gas sensing element that reflects light incoming along an optical path on a sensing face, where the light reflected by the gas sensing element changes depending on a quantity of a specific gas that is in contact with the gas sensing element, and where each of a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber bends the optical path. The gas sensing element, a light source, a photodetector, and a magnetic field applicator are disposed on a same side with respect to a virtual plane that is perpendicular to an incident plane of the incoming light to the sensing face of the gas sensing element and includes a point on the optical path where light goes out from the first optical fiber and a point on the optical path where light enters the second optical fiber.