Laser Contamination Sensing for Close-Proximity Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical systems for contaminant measurement are costly, large, sensitive to damage, and unable to perform close proximity measurements, making them unsuitable for confined spaces and environments with relative movement, and they are prone to contamination by the materials they measure.

Innovation Solution

A laser sensor system configured for close proximity measurement, using an optical laser sensor and image processing to determine contaminant levels, capable of operating in confined spaces and environments with movement, and providing accurate image acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing optical camera systems are used for contaminant measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but the systems are expensive, large, and sensitive to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant measurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical camera system with a laser-based sensing system. Instead of using a camera with lenses and sensors that are vulnerable to damage, the invention uses a laser sensor that can operate in confined spaces and is more robust against contamination and vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simpler, more affordable laser sensor system compared to expensive camera systems. The laser sensor is designed to be more resilient and can be used in harsh environments where camera systems would be damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If existing optical camera systems are used, then contaminant measurement is possible, but they cannot perform close proximity measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the measurement system by using a laser sensor that can focus at very close distances. This allows the system to perform measurements in confined cavities where traditional camera systems cannot focus adequately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If existing optical systems are used in confined spaces, then measurement can be performed, but the systems are too large to be placed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant measurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky camera systems with a compact laser sensor system. The laser sensor is inherently smaller and can be placed in confined cavities where traditional optical cameras would be too large.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the measurement function into a separate, compact laser sensor module that can be independently placed in confined spaces, rather than using an integrated camera system that requires more space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If existing optical systems are used, then contaminant measurement is possible, but they are prone to damage by contaminants and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fragile optical camera systems with a more robust laser sensor system. The laser sensor is designed to withstand vibrations and contamination better than traditional camera systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the laser sensor system to be inherently resistant to damage from contaminants and vibrations, providing protection before damage can occur. The sensor is positioned and configured to minimize exposure to harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 system offers robust, real-time, and cost-effective contaminant measurement with high accuracy, capable of operating in confined spaces and environments with relative movement, avoiding damage from contaminants and vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a laser sensor for sensing contaminant on an object to generate an image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

sensing contaminant on an object to generate an image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS20260056131A1Optical laser systems and methods for determining contamination

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOC INC

AI summary

A system and method for contamination measurement. The system includes a laser sensor for sensing contaminant on an object to generate an image, and a sensor interface and image processing module that receives an image of laser light that is sensed on the object. The sensor interface and image processing module processes the image using image characterization and image processing to provide contaminant determination. Contaminant determination may include estimating a degree of change in contaminant level from an initial condition or measuring exact amounts of contaminant collected.