Multi-Arm Light Conductor for Compact Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact optical sensors face challenges in providing optimal light input and output due to space and energy constraints, particularly in high-temperature environments, where traditional light source and receiver arrangements are cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multi-arm light conductor connects the light source, optical sensor element, and light receiver, allowing remote placement of the light source and receiver, with a Y-shaped glass rod or fiber bundle configuration that maximizes light recovery and flexibility, and includes optical filters and lenses to reduce reflections and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source and light receiver are placed far from the optical sensor element to avoid high temperature and disturbance, then the reliability of the sensor is improved, but the device complexity increases due to long and disturbance-susceptible connecting lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and light receiver into a single integrated component housing, eliminating the need for separate connecting lines to remote locations. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability by keeping both optical components close to the sensor element within the same housing structure.
2Device complexity
If the light source and light receiver are placed directly at the optical sensor element for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to exposure to high temperature and disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source and light receiver into a common housing that is integrated with the sensor element housing, achieving compact construction while protecting the optical components from high temperature and disturbances through the housing structure.
3Measurement precision
If separate light conductors are used for light source and light receiver with optimal 45° angle arrangement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and compact design becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and light receiver into a single integrated housing unit, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining optimal light path geometry for measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs optical elements such as mirrors or prisms within the integrated housing to redirect light paths in three-dimensional space, achieving optimal 45° angle arrangements for measurement precision while maintaining a compact two-dimensional footprint suitable for small sensor constructions.
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 enables efficient light transmission and reception, optimizing light recovery and reducing energy consumption while accommodating compact sensor designs and varying process variables like oxygen and temperature measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the optical sensor element is irradiated with light from a light source. The light, possibly after first being converted, is radiated back by the optical sensor element with a certain light characteristic
Implementation Method 2
the light receiver transduces received light into an electrical, measured variable
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for optical measurement of at least one process variable in a medium, comprising: at least one light source; at least one light receiver; an optical sensor element at least one data processing unit; and a light conductor. The light conductor connects the light source with the optical sensor element and the optical sensor element with the light receiver. The light conductor is embodied with at least three arms, wherein the first arm is arranged at the light source, the second arm is arranged at the light receiver and the third arm is arranged at the optical sensor element first arm and the second arm combine to form the third arm. The invention relates further to a measuring device comprising an above described arrangement.