Laser Detector Device With Segmented Conductive Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser protection devices are costly and lack reliability in detecting deviations in electrical properties when a laser beam exceeds its prescribed range or when there are faults in the system, such as loose contacts or tears in measurement channels.

Innovation Solution

A detector device with electrically conductive and isolating layers that form a direct connection upon being shot through, monitored by multiple measurement channels to detect changes in electrical parameters, allowing for continuous fault detection and emission of warning or shutdown signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing laser protection devices use complex multilayer structures with temperature-dependent ohmic resistance measurement, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protection device is segmented into distinct functional layers: electrically conductive layers for signal transmission and an electrically isolating layer for separation. This segmentation allows simple resistance measurement across the isolating layer to detect laser penetration, achieving reliable detection without complex multilayer structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrically isolating layer is designed as a thin, inexpensive material that is completely removed or charred when shot through by the laser. This disposable approach allows use of simple, cheap materials rather than expensive, durable materials that would require complex replacement or maintenance systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If the electrically isolating layer is made thin and inexpensive, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but detection reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful laser shot that damages the isolating layer is converted into a beneficial detection signal. When the laser shoots through, it chars or removes the isolating layer, creating a direct electrical connection between conductive layers that generates a detectable resistance change. The damage itself becomes the detection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection mechanism relies on parameter change - specifically, the resistance of the isolating layer changes from high (insulating) to low (conductive) when the laser shots through it. This dramatic parameter change provides reliable detection signal even with thin, inexpensive isolating layer materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring of measurement channels is implemented, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement channels continuously monitor resistance values and provide feedback to the evaluation device. When resistance changes indicate laser penetration or faults like loose contacts, the system immediately responds with warning or shutdown signals. This continuous feedback loop provides comprehensive fault detection without complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The same measurement channels serve multiple functions: detecting laser penetration through resistance changes, monitoring for loose contacts, and identifying tears in measurement channels. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive fault detection capability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each detection task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Quantity of substance

If the electrically isolating layer is completely removed upon laser shot, then material cost is reduced, but detection precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial usageVSAvoidelectrical parameter detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The isolating layer undergoes a phase transition from solid insulating material to charred or vaporized state when exposed to the laser. This complete transformation creates a clear binary state change in electrical resistance, providing precise detection signal. The total removal ensures no residual material interferes with the electrical connection between conductive layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 provides a cost-effective and reliable means to monitor laser beams and prevent hazards by ensuring continuous detection of faults and deviations, enabling immediate warning or shutdown signals to prevent damage.

Implementation Method 1

the electrically isolating layer should be charred when the laser shoots through in such a way that it then forms an electrically conductive connection between the conductor tracks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

there is an electrical connection or short circuit between the two electrically conductive layers or, in general, a change in the electrical properties of the electrically conductive layers monitored by the measuring channels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAblation: Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3377801B1Arrangement having at least one shot source and at least one detector device
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 FITZ MARTIN
  • EP3377801B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3377801B1 patent drawingFigure 2~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement having at least one shot source (9) and at least one detector device (1), wherein the detector device (1) has at least one planar construction (2) for detecting at least one entering or penetrating shot (11) caused by the shot source (9), wherein the planar construction (2) has at least two electrically conductive layers (3) and at least one electrically isolating layer (4), wherein one of the electrically conductive layers (3) is arranged on a side of the electrically isolating layer (4) facing the shot source (9) and another of the electrically conductive layers (3) is arranged on a side of the electrically isolating layer (4) facing away from the shot source (9), wherein an evaluating device (7) monitors at least one first electrical parameter in one of the electrically conductive layers (3) by means of one measurement channel (5) and at least one second electrical parameter in another of the electrically conductive layers (3) by means of another measurement channel (6).