Liquid Sensor Optical Waveguide Tilted Pillars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sensors face challenges in accurately detecting the state of a liquid due to light leakage, which affects the reliability of contamination and quality detection.
Innovation Solution
The liquid sensor incorporates a straight optical waveguide with a first and second pillar portion connected by a plate-shaped connection portion, featuring tilted end surfaces with high reflectivity, and optional notches to minimize light leakage and enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the optical waveguide has a bent structure, then the device can be more compact or flexible, but light leakage increases reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide is segmented into multiple straight pillar portions (first pillar portion, second pillar portion, etc.) connected by connection portions. This segmentation allows the waveguide to achieve a compact layout while maintaining straight light-transmitting sections, thereby reducing light leakage and improving detection accuracy while keeping the device compact.
2Measurement precision
If the pillar portions are made straight, then light leakage is reduced improving detection accuracy, but the device may become less flexible in layout
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple straight pillar portions are nested or arranged in a compact configuration connected by connection portions, allowing the optical waveguide to maintain straight light-transmitting paths while achieving a space-efficient layout that reduces overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If tilted end surfaces are added to reflect light, then light transmission through liquid is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end surfaces of the pillar portions are tilted at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) to optimize light reflection. This parameter change improves light transmission through the liquid while the tilt angle can be precisely controlled during manufacturing to balance performance and ease of fabrication.
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 configuration suppresses light leakage, allowing for more accurate detection of the liquid's state by ensuring consistent positional relationships and maximizing light transmission through the liquid, thereby improving the sensor's ability to assess liquid quality.
Implementation Method 1
a second end surface that is tilted relative to the first end surface and is configured to reflect the light toward the second pillar portion
Implementation Method 2
a fourth end surface that is tilted relative to the third end surface and is configured to reflect the light from the second end surface toward the light receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid sensor that can more accurately detect the state of a liquid. The liquid sensor includes a light emitting element, an optical waveguide, a light receiving element, and a detection circuit. The light receiving element is configured to receive light that was emitted by the light emitting element and passed through the optical waveguide. The detection circuit is configured to detect output of the light receiving element. The optical waveguide includes a first pillar portion that extends straight and a second pillar portion that extends straight. The second pillar portion is provided at a position opposing the first pillar portion. A space for liquid is formed between the first pillar portion and the second pillar portion. The first pillar portion includes a first end surface that faces the light emitting element, and a second end surface that is tilted relative to the first end surface and reflects light toward the second pillar portion. The second pillar portion includes a third end surface that faces the light receiving element, and a fourth end surface that is tilted relative to the third end surface and is configured to reflect light from the second end surface toward the light receiving element.