LED Waveguide Light Sensor for Compact Spectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Known spectrophotometers are expensive and bulky, limiting their widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A compact and cost-effective apparatus comprising a light sensor, light source, and a light production apparatus with an annular waveguide that converts light through internal reflection, absorption, and filtration to achieve collimated light impingement at a predetermined angle, using LEDs and a calibration sensor for precise spectral analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spectrophotometers are used, then accurate spectral analysis is achieved, but the device becomes expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the light source into multiple discrete LED elements (violet, blue, cyan, green, yellow-green, yellow, orange, red) that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows selective illumination of specific spectral regions, reducing the complexity of requiring a continuous broadband light source while maintaining spectral analysis capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a compact integrated device: the light source, waveguide, sensor, and housing are combined into a single portable apparatus. The waveguide itself integrates light guidance, collimation, and angular control functions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED elements are used for spectral analysis, then spectral coverage is improved, but light symmetry and uniformity become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide employs a curved or arced geometry rather than a straight configuration. This curvature is specifically designed to equalize the optical path lengths from multiple LED elements to the sensor, compensating for geometric asymmetries and achieving uniform light distribution across all spectral bands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific geometric parameters of the waveguide (arc radius, angle, thickness) to control light propagation characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves symmetrical light distribution and uniform intensity across all LED elements despite their asymmetric physical arrangement
3Manufacturing precision
If the waveguide arc is optimized for light equalization, then light uniformity is improved, but the waveguide becomes more complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is implemented as a thin, flexible optical element that can be formed into curved shapes. This thin-film approach simplifies manufacturing compared to rigid precision optics, allowing the complex arc geometry to be produced through conventional fabrication techniques while maintaining optical performance
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 apparatus provides accurate and efficient spectral analysis while being compact and affordable, enabling widespread use in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
converting the light of the elements through internal reflection, absorption and filtration into light collimated to impinge upon the base
Implementation Method 2
converting the light of the elements through internal reflection, absorption and filtration into light collimated to impinge upon the base
Implementation Method 3
converting the light of the elements through internal reflection, absorption and filtration into light collimated to impinge upon the base
Implementation Method 4
the elements can be light emitting diodes
Implementation Method 5
the blue light-emitting diodes including yellow phosphorous
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus is for use with a surface and includes a light source, a body and a light production apparatus. The light source includes a plurality of elements for generating light. The body: has a planar base for placement in use on the surface, the base being orientated perpendicular to the receiving axis; defines a sampling aperture communicating with the base and through which the receiving axis passes; encompasses the elements; and is adapted, in combination with the light source and when the sampling aperture is blocked to ambient light, to shield the sensor from ambient light. The light production apparatus is for converting the light of the elements through internal reflection, absorption and filtration into light collimated to impinge upon the base, at the intersection of the base and the receiving axis, at a predetermined angle to the receiving axis.