Multi-Guide Detector System for Spectrometer Light Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detector systems for sorting objects by quality, such as granules, face limitations in speed, channel change, and light loss while maintaining high accuracy and cost-effectiveness, particularly in applications requiring rapid exposure times and precise wavelength detection.
Innovation Solution
A detector system utilizing a single detector to receive light from multiple optical guides, with a diffracting means and a control unit that pulsates light to individual guides, allowing for fast readouts and reduced light loss, and employing a convex lens or mirror for focusing, along with a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or laser as a light source, to enhance detection speed and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard spectrometer with multiple mirrors and lenses is used to detect wavelength ranges, then the detection capability is improved, but the light loss increases and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light collection function from multiple separate optical components (mirrors and lenses) and consolidates it into a single optical guide that directly transmits light to the detector. This eliminates light loss associated with multiple reflections and refractions while maintaining wavelength detection capability through the spectrometer's grating or prism.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical guide serves multiple functions: it collects light from the object, guides it through the system, and delivers it to the detector without requiring separate mirrors or lenses for each function. This multi-functional approach reduces both light loss and system complexity while preserving spectral analysis capability.
2Measurement precision
If the exposure time is increased to improve reading quality, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the sorting speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed illumination where the light source is activated in short bursts synchronized with the object's movement through the detection zone. This allows the detector to accumulate sufficient light signal during each pulse while maintaining high sorting speed by processing multiple objects in sequence through rapid pulsing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary optimization of the optical path and detector sensitivity to maximize light collection efficiency, allowing for shorter exposure times. The optical guide is specifically designed to minimize light loss before detection, enabling high-speed operation without sacrificing reading quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors are used to detect light from multiple light guides, then the detection coverage is improved, but the cost increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light guides carrying light from different objects into a single optical path that feeds one detector. The detector sequentially or simultaneously processes signals from all light guides, achieving multi-object detection coverage while using a single detector array, thereby reducing cost and complexity compared to using multiple detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of time to the detection process, allowing a single detector to handle multiple light guides by sequentially detecting signals from each guide over different time periods. This temporal multiplexing approach maintains detection coverage while avoiding the need for multiple simultaneous detectors.
4Ease of manufacture
If a Silicon diode array is used to reduce cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the light sensitivity decreases requiring longer exposure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the primary source of light loss - the complex mirror and lens system - by using a direct optical guide connection. This maximizes the light signal reaching the Silicon detector, compensating for its lower sensitivity and enabling cost-effective operation with shorter exposure times compared to systems using less sensitive detectors with complex optical paths.
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 faster detection with high accuracy and reduced costs by enabling simultaneous detection from multiple light guides, increased processing speed, and extended lifespan, while maintaining precise object characteristic determination.
Implementation Method 1
A detector system (100) comprises a plurality of light guides (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), each guiding incoming light from a respective object. A diffracting means (12) is arranged for diffracting the incoming light in different wavelengths.
Implementation Method 2
At least one convex lens (13) is arranged for projecting the incoming light exiting the light guides onto the diffracting means.
Implementation Method 3
employing a convex lens or mirror for focusing, along with a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or laser as a light source, to enhance detection speed and accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A detector system (100) comprising a plurality of light guides (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) is provided. Each light guide (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) is guiding incoming light from a respective object in use, wherein the incoming light is provided by means of an illuminating means (10). The detector system (100) comprises diffracting means (12) for diffracting the incoming light in different wavelength ranges, at least one focuser (13) for projecting the incoming light exiting the light guides onto the diffracting means, a detector (14) having a detector area for receiving the diffracted light from the plurality of Sight guides, and a control unit (15). These are arranged to pulsate incoming light via only one light guide at a time based on a pulse timing parameter, and record a spectrum of light diffracted from each light guide and detected by the detector (14) based on the pulse timing parameter.