Handheld IR Spectrometer MEMS Array Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IR spectrometers are too large and power-intensive to be adapted into a hand-held device, due to their optical requirements and cooling systems, which are incompatible with the need for a lightweight, portable instrument that maintains performance similar to bench-top models.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held IR spectrometer is designed with low power consumption optical components and processor-controlled electronics, incorporating a MEMS array that is electrostatically actuated to manage power and diffract light, allowing for continuous operation with a lightweight battery power source, and featuring a housing that houses the light source, grating, MEMS array, and detector in a compact form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical components and cooling systems are used in IR spectrometers, then measurement performance is maintained at bench-top levels, but device size and weight become too large for hand-held use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical cooling systems with active cooling using a Peltier element, and substitutes traditional optical components with miniaturized versions. The mechanical cooling system is replaced by an electronically controlled thermoelectric cooler that can be integrated into a compact form factor, enabling hand-held operation while maintaining measurement performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional modules: light source, optical components, detector, and processing units. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and miniaturized, reducing the overall device size and weight while maintaining the performance of the complete spectral analysis system.
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical components are used, then spectral resolution is maintained, but power consumption becomes too high for extended battery operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the optical components to reduce power consumption. The light source is operated at reduced power levels when possible, and the detector is optimized for low-power operation. The Peltier element is controlled to maintain the detector at the minimum necessary temperature, reducing cooling power requirements while preserving spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic sampling and processing of spectral data, where the system collects data at intervals rather than continuously. This allows the light source and detector to be activated in cycles, reducing average power consumption while maintaining sufficient measurement quality for identification purposes.
3Weight of moving object
If miniaturized components are used to reduce size, then hand-held portability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function directly into the detector assembly by integrating the Peltier element with the detector housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling systems and reduces the number of external connections, simplifying the overall device architecture while achieving miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the housing structure to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for optical components, integrates the cooling system, houses the electronics, and provides the user interface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, reducing integration complexity despite miniaturization.
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 hand-held IR spectrometer that maintains performance comparable to bench-top models while being lightweight and capable of extended operation, achieving efficient power management and reduced size and weight, allowing for ergonomic and practical use.
Implementation Method 1
a grating adapted to spectrally disperse the light that has illuminated the sample to provide a dispersed light
Implementation Method 2
a MEMS array adapted to be electrostatically actuated by a controller to control a diffraction of the dispersed light
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect the plurality of wavelengths of dispersed light
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, an IR spectrometer includes a light source adapted to illuminate a sample, a grating adapted to spectrally disperse a light that has illuminated the sample, a MEMS array adapted to be electrostatically actuated by a controller to control a diffraction of the light, a detector configured to detect the light, and a power source adapted to supply power to the light source and to the MEMS array, wherein the controller is adapted to control the MEMS array so as to manage a power consumption of the IR spectrometer. In one embodiment, the IR spectrometer includes a housing sized and arranged to house the light source, the grating, the MEMS array, the controller, the detector, to and the power source in a hand-held device.