Infrared Sensor Azimuthal Angle Detection via Rotating Condensing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared sensing apparatuses equipped with a single infrared sensor cannot detect the azimuthal angle of a heat source, as they lack the necessary components to differentiate and measure the signal strength variations required for such detection.
Innovation Solution
An infrared sensing apparatus comprising a controlling device with a micro-controller, a driving module, a turntable, a positioning member with a target positioning portion and condensing portions, and an aligning member, which allows the apparatus to rotate and calculate the azimuthal angle by distinguishing between different signal strengths received from the target positioning portion and other portions, using the aligning member to define a starting time reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single infrared sensor is used in the apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the capability to detect azimuthal angle of heat source is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member is segmented into multiple functional portions: a target positioning portion with light-shielding construction and multiple condensing portions arranged around it. Each portion directs infrared signals from different azimuthal directions to the single infrared sensor, enabling angular detection without multiple sensors. This segmentation allows one sensor to function as multiple directional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to the detection system by arranging condensing portions at different angular positions around the target positioning portion. The positioning member rotates to present different portions to the heat source, transforming a single-point detection system into an angularly-resolved detection system through rotational movement in the azimuthal dimension.
2Measurement precision
If the positioning member rotates continuously to scan the area, then the azimuthal angle detection capability is improved, but the time to detect heat source entry and exit is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The aligning member with light-shielding construction is positioned in advance to define a specific azimuthal direction (e.g., 0 degrees). The positioning member rotates to align with this reference direction before detection begins, establishing a known starting position for azimuthal angle measurement. This preliminary alignment enables direct calculation of azimuthal angles without requiring full 360-degree rotation scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member performs periodic rotation to bring different condensing portions into the detection position. When a heat source is detected, the system measures the time within the rotation period to determine the azimuthal angle, rather than requiring complete rotation cycles. This periodic action enables rapid angular measurement within a fraction of the full rotation period.
3Measurement precision
If the target positioning portion is designed with light-shielding construction, then the signal strength differentiation capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target positioning portion incorporates light-shielding construction with specific local properties: it is opaque or highly absorbing to infrared radiation in certain directions while allowing transmission through condensing portions in other directions. This local quality differentiation creates distinct signal strength patterns that enable azimuthal angle determination. The light-shielding portion acts as a reference that blocks signals from specific angular ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member is designed with asymmetric structure: the target positioning portion with light-shielding construction is distinct from the surrounding condensing portions. This asymmetry creates non-uniform infrared signal transmission characteristics around the rotation axis, enabling the system to distinguish different azimuthal angles through signal strength variations. The asymmetric design is simpler than creating symmetric multi-sensor arrays.
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 rapid determination of the azimuthal angle of a heat source by utilizing the cooperation of the aligning member and the target positioning portion, effectively addressing the limitation of single infrared sensor systems in detecting azimuthal angles.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor electrically connected to the circuit board for receiving an infrared signal transmitted into the detecting device through the positioning member
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A method for detecting azimuthal angle of a heat source includes a preparing step and a detecting step. The preparing step includes: detecting a unit period (Tc) by rotating a target positioning portion (241) through one circle, and aligning the target positioning portion (241) with an aligning member (25). The detecting step includes: driving the target positioning portion (241) to rotate. The position of the aligning member (25) defines an initial azimuthal position. When an infrared signal emitted from the external heat source (200) is transmitted into an infrared sensor (21) via the target positioning portion (241), a transmitting time is defined as a time point (Ts) of the heat source, and an angle between the target positioning portion (241) and the initial azimuthal position is defined as an azimuthal angle (Θx) of the heat source, in which Θx = (Ts/Tc) x 360°.