Modular Optical Sensors for Multi-Wavelength Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensor designs face complexity and scalability issues when monitoring processes that require multiple wavelength ranges, often necessitating additional optics and moving parts, which increases complexity and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
An array of optical sensor modules is arranged in a planar tiling pattern with respect to a target, allowing for efficient selection and interchangeability of modules for specific wavelengths, reducing complexity and increasing scalability by eliminating moving parts and using a common geometry for compact, solid-state assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical sensor designs use additional optics and moving parts to monitor multiple wavelength ranges, then the monitoring capability across multiple wavelengths is improved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is divided into multiple sensor modules, each dedicated to a specific wavelength range. Each module contains its own light source, sensor, and optics, arranged in a modular fashion that allows independent selection and configuration for different wavelength requirements without affecting other modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal modular platform where sensor modules can be configured for different wavelength ranges using the same basic structural design. The modular architecture allows a single platform to serve multiple wavelength monitoring functions by simply changing which modules are activated or configured, rather than requiring completely different optical designs for each wavelength range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical sensor designs use additional optics and moving parts to monitor multiple wavelength ranges, then the monitoring capability across multiple wavelengths is improved, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical sensor into independent modules, each module can be optimized for its specific wavelength range without requiring moving parts or complex switching mechanisms. This segmentation eliminates the reliability issues associated with moving parts while maintaining the ability to monitor multiple wavelengths through parallel modular operation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical sensor designs are redesigned for different wavelength ranges, then the optimization for specific wavelengths is improved, but the scalability and interchangeability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into interchangeable modules, each optimized for specific wavelength ranges. This allows precise optimization for different wavelengths while maintaining scalability, as modules can be added, removed, or reconfigured based on the specific monitoring requirements without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal modular architecture is implemented that maintains measurement precision for specific wavelengths while enabling scalability. The same basic module design can be used across different wavelength configurations, allowing the system to scale from monitoring a single wavelength to multiple wavelengths using identical modular building blocks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular sensor modules are arranged in a planar tiling pattern, then the scalability and compactness are improved, but the optical path design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system is segmented into independent modules arranged in a planar tiling pattern. Each module contains its own complete optical path (light source, sensor, and necessary optics), which simplifies the overall design by isolating optical path complexity within individual modules rather than requiring complex inter-module optical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear or three-dimensional arrangement of sensor modules to a planar two-dimensional tiling pattern. This dimensional change improves scalability and compactness by efficiently utilizing planar space, while each module's self-contained optical path prevents the propagation of optical design complexity across the entire array.
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 approach enables scalable, reliable, and compact optical sensing devices that can efficiently monitor processes across multiple wavelength ranges without the need for significant optical redesign, enhancing reliability and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a light source coupled to the body to emit light to the planar target along a source optical path
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light sensors coupled to the body, each light sensor to sense a different wavelength of light received from the planar target along a sensor optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An example device includes an array of sensor modules. A sensor module includes a body to be positioned in alignment with a planar target, a light source coupled to the body to emit light to the planar target along a source optical path, and a plurality of light sensors coupled to the body. Each light sensor is to sense a different wavelength of light received from the planar target along a sensor optical path. The sensor optical path is different from the source optical path. The bodies of the array of sensor modules are arranged in a planar tiling pattern with respect to a longitudinal axis of the planar target.