Optical Adapter Module for Multi-Probe Spectrometer Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometric systems require specific combinations of connectors and optical fibers for each probe, limiting flexibility and compatibility, especially when multiple probes are used simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optical adapter module with input and output interfaces, optical connections, and an optical selection circuit (demultiplexer or optical switch) to manage signals from multiple probes, along with a housing and data processing unit for signal processing and control, allowing universal connectivity and signal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specific combinations of connectors and optical fibers are used for each probe, then measurement precision is maintained, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate due to limited flexibility and compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal adapter module that can connect multiple types of probes with different connectors and optical fiber combinations to a single spectrometric system interface. The adapter module serves multiple functions: it accepts various probe types, maintains proper optical coupling, and enables compatibility across different probe-spectrometer combinations, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining measurement precision and improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter module acts as an intermediary component between the probe and the spectrometric system. It provides a standardized interface that mediates between different connector types and optical fiber configurations, allowing probes with specific combinations to connect to the spectrometer without requiring the spectrometer to have multiple specialized interfaces, thus maintaining precision while enhancing versatility.
2Productivity
If multiple probes are connected simultaneously, then productivity and measurement capability are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for specific connector and fiber combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module enables multiple probes to be connected simultaneously to the spectrometric system through a single standardized interface. This universal design allows the system to handle multiple probe types without requiring multiple specialized connection interfaces, thereby improving productivity through parallel measurements while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from implementing multiple dedicated interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter module combines multiple connection paths into a single standardized interface. By merging the functionality of handling different connector types and optical fiber combinations into one universal adapter, the system can support multiple simultaneous probe connections without proportionally increasing the complexity of the connection architecture.
3Productivity
If multiple probes are connected simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for specific connector and fiber combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module provides a universal connection interface that simplifies the operation of connecting multiple probes. Instead of requiring the operator to match specific connector and fiber combinations for each probe- spectrometer connection, the standardized adapter interface allows any compatible probe to be connected easily, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining the ability to handle multiple simultaneous connections for enhanced productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optical adapter module includes a housing; at least one input interface with a connector on the housing, wherein the input interface is designed to be connected to a probe via a cable; an output interface with a connector on the housing, wherein the output interface is designed to be connected to a spectrometric base module; with an, for example, bidirectional, electrical connection from the input interface to the output interface; a first optical connection from the input interface to the output interface for optical input signals, for example, measurement signals; and a second optical connection from the output interface to the input interface for optical output signals, for example excitation signals.