Modular Optical Detection System Reducing Equipment Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact substance detection systems require redundant equipment, which is inefficient in terms of space, weight, and power usage, especially when deployed on vehicles, and struggle to detect non-fluorescing substances and aerosols effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular detection system comprising a vehicle-mounted sensor unit, a hand-held unit, and a manportable unit that uses spectroscopy techniques to analyze surfaces and air samples, sharing common components and technologies to minimize redundancy and enhance detection capabilities, including the use of Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy for identifying substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate detection systems are used for different detection techniques, then detection capabilities are maintained, but equipment redundancy increases consuming more space, weight and power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection platform where a single spectroscopy system can perform multiple detection functions (Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy) by changing optical components and detection modes. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each detection technique, thereby reducing equipment redundancy while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection techniques (Raman, fluorescence, absorption spectroscopy) into a single integrated spectroscopy system. By merging these previously separate detection systems into one unified platform that shares common components such as the light source, optical path, and data processing systems, the patent reduces the overall equipment footprint, weight, and power consumption while preserving the ability to perform all required detection functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate detection devices are deployed, then detection coverage is expanded, but space and weight resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The spectroscopy system is designed as a universal platform that can adapt to detect various types of substances (chemical, biological, explosive) and in various forms (surface contaminants, airborne particles, aerosols) by changing optical filters, detectors, and processing algorithms rather than requiring separate physical devices for each detection task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses removable and interchangeable optical components (such as filters, mirrors, and detectors) that can be segmented and reconfigured based on the specific detection task. This modular segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive detection coverage while minimizing the weight of components that are not currently needed for a particular detection mission.
3Reliability
If traditional detection systems are used, then specific detection functions are achieved, but power resources are consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple detection functions into a single spectroscopy platform that shares common power-consuming components (light source, cooling systems, data processing units), the system achieves the same detection functions with reduced total power consumption. The shared architecture ensures that power resources are not duplicated across multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic or pulsed illumination rather than continuous illumination, and can switch between different detection modes based on the specific task requirements. This periodic action reduces average power consumption while maintaining the ability to perform all required detection functions when needed.
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 achieves efficient, space-saving, and power-effective detection of both surface and airborne contaminants, including non-fluorescing substances, with reduced complexity and increased surveillance capabilities, allowing for continuous monitoring and rapid threat identification.
Implementation Method 1
The light beam interacts with the substance(s) surface and scatters back or returns optical energy in certain wavelength regions depending on the chemical or biological make-up of the substance(s)
Implementation Method 2
In a spectroscopy-based detection system, the constituent wavelengths of the returned optical energy are separated out by a spectrograph and measured
Implementation Method 3
Fluorescence refers to emission of light caused when a material absorbs optical energy of one wavelength and re-emits light of another wavelength
Implementation Method 4
The air collecting unit collects air and separates particles in the collected air for deposit onto a collection surface
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system and method are provided having vehicle-mounted and manportable mobile surveillance capabilities with minimal equipment redundancy. The system comprises a vehicle-mounted sensor unit, a hand-held unit, a manportable unit and a vehicle-mounted air collector unit. The vehicle-mounted sensor unit comprises a spectroscopy subsystem that is configured to direct light onto a surface outside the vehicle and to capture scattered optical energy from the surface outside the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. The hand-held unit may be removably mounted to the air collector unit to interrogate airborne particles in collected air. The hand-held unit is removable from the air collector unit and is connected to the manportable unit by a cable so as to form an integrated portable detection system for mobile surveillance away from the vehicle by a user.