Inspection Apparatus Using Dual-Wavelength Beam Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for inspecting streams of matter face challenges in accurately determining the composition and position of objects, particularly small objects that may change position between measurement by detection units and cameras, leading to difficulties in correlating readings.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing a combination of first and second light sources with different wavelength ranges, a scanning element, and a beam splitter to illuminate and detect the stream of matter, allowing for improved optical inspection and sorting by redirecting light beams and guiding them to respective detectors, enabling precise identification and sorting of objects based on their optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single light source and detector system is used for inspection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture multiple optical properties simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into multiple independent detection channels, each equipped with a light source emitting at a specific wavelength range and a corresponding detector optimized for that range. This allows simultaneous measurement of different optical properties (absorption, reflection, transmission) without interference, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity by organizing complexity into modular, functionally distinct segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light sources operating at different wavelength ranges are merged into a single inspection system, along with multiple detectors, to create a multi-functional inspection apparatus. This combining approach enables comprehensive optical characterization of objects in the stream, achieving high measurement precision while managing complexity through integrated system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to capture different wavelength ranges, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary optical element that receives light from multiple light sources and directs it to the appropriate detectors based on wavelength. This mediator component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the light distribution function, reducing the complexity of direct multi-detector configuration while maintaining high measurement precision through wavelength-specific detection paths.
3Productivity
If the detection area is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to inability to inspect multiple areas simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is made dynamic through a scanning mechanism that redirects the detection area from side to side across the stream of matter. This dynamic capability allows the system to inspect multiple areas sequentially or simultaneously, significantly improving productivity. The scanning mechanism is integrated into the existing optical paths, managing the added complexity through coordinated control of the scanning element and detectors.
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 solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of inspecting streams of matter by providing a system that can accurately identify and sort objects based on their optical properties, improving the correlation of readings and enabling precise sorting of objects in streams such as ores, minerals, food, and waste.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source (101), adapted to emit a first light beam (111) comprising wavelengths within a first wavelength range (λ1a-λ1b), for illuminating said stream of matter from side to side
Implementation Method 2
the first detector (131) being arranged to receive said first light beam after it has been reflected against said stream of matter at a first detection area (136)
Implementation Method 3
a second light source (102) adapted to emit a second light beam (112) comprising wavelengths within a second wavelength range (λ2a-λ2b), for illuminating said stream of matter at an illuminated area (117)
Implementation Method 4
the beam splitting element (140) being arranged to receive said first light beam, after said first light beam has been reflected against said matter along a first optical axis (121); and being arranged to receive said second light beam, after said second light beam has been reflected against said matter also along said first optical axis (121)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for inspecting a stream of matter (10) comprising: a first and a second light source (101;102) for emitting a first and a second light beam (111;112); a first and a second detector (131;132); a first scanning element (151) adapted to redirect the detection area (137) of the second detector from side to side across said stream, and a beam splitting element (140) arranged to receive said first and second light beams (111), after they have been reflected against said matter, wherein said beam splitting element (140) is adapted to guide said reflected first light beam (111) towards said first detector (131) and to guide said reflected second light beam (112) towards said second detector (132).