Nested Slit Design for Single-Channel Multi-Wavelength Particle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice detection systems in aircraft use multiple optical channels for detecting different icing conditions and other airborne particles, leading to large, heavy, and expensive systems due to the need for separate optical components for transmitting and receiving optical signals.
Innovation Solution
A nested slit design for a single receiving optical channel particulate sensor that uses two optical signals with different beam widths and wavelengths, allowing detection of both smaller and larger particles through a single optical channel by employing an inner and outer optical slit region, along with a blocking slit region to differentiate and detect various particle types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical channels are used for detecting different icing conditions and particles, then detection capability is improved, but system size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical detection channels into a single optical channel by using a nested slit design. The single optical channel transmits multiple wavelengths (e.g., 532nm and 1064nm) and the nested slit structure separates the optical paths for different wavelengths and detection volumes, allowing multiple detection functions to be integrated into one channel, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested slit configuration where an inner slit is positioned within an outer slit. The inner slit handles one wavelength/detection volume while the outer slit handles another wavelength/detection volume. This nesting arrangement allows multiple detection functions to share the same physical space and optical channel, reducing overall system size and weight
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical channels are used for detecting different icing conditions and particles, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical channels into a single channel that handles multiple wavelengths and detection volumes. The nested slit design provides the necessary separation and routing functionality that would otherwise require separate channels, thereby reducing the number of optical components and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical channel is designed to be multi-functional, capable of transmitting multiple wavelengths (e.g., green and infrared) and supporting multiple detection volumes simultaneously. The nested slit structure enables this universal functionality by providing wavelength-specific and volume-specific optical paths within a single channel, reducing the need for separate dedicated channels for each detection function
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 reduces system size, weight, and cost while effectively detecting multiple icing conditions and other airborne particles like ash, sand, and dust, enabling efficient characterization of different icing conditions and aerosols.
Implementation Method 1
an inner optical slit region nested within an outer optical slit region, which is nested within a blocking slit region
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Systems and methods for a nested slit design for a single receiving optical channel particulate sensor are described herein. An apparatus can function as an optical slit that receives optical signals from detection volumes and have an angle with respect to a receiving optics axis, wherein the angle is associated with the angle between an optical signal beam axis and the receiving optics axis. The apparatus includes an inner optical slit region having a first width and height associated with a first optical signal, an outer optical slit region having a second width and height associated with a second optical signal, and a blocking slit region configured to block the first and second optical signals. Further, the inner optical slit region is associated with a first and second optical signal wavelength, and the outer optical slit region is associated with the second optical signal wavelength.