Optical Structure with Cavity Beam Splitter for Sensor Path Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical structures in sensors, such as chroma and turbidity sensors, are overly complex due to the need to adjust light transmission directions of different wavelengths, leading to inconsistent optical path lengths and low light fusion efficiency, and often rely on fragile and expensive optical fibers that are difficult to install in compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical structure featuring a cavity with LEDs emitting light through specific holes or gaps, where a beam splitter or dichroic mirror ensures equal optical path lengths for light from different LEDs, merging them into a single beam, and incorporating a photodiode for light intensity detection and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple prisms and lenses are used to adjust light transmission directions, then light fusion is achieved, but the optical structure becomes complicated and optical path lengths become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light paths into a single integrated cavity structure with a beam splitter, eliminating the need for separate prisms and lenses for each light source. The beam splitter merges light from multiple LEDs at different wavelengths into one common optical path, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining light fusion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cavity structure serves multiple functions: it houses multiple LEDs, provides a common optical path for all light sources, and uses the beam splitter to handle different wavelengths simultaneously. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each light source.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical fibers are used to transmit light from different light sources, then optical path length consistency is improved, but light fusion efficiency decreases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light transmission function from optical fibers and implements it directly within the cavity structure. Light from multiple LEDs travels through air or vacuum within the cavity to the beam splitter, eliminating the need for optical fiber coupling while maintaining precise optical path control through the cavity geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary that directly receives light from multiple LEDs within the cavity and merges their paths. This eliminates the need for optical fibers as intermediaries, improving light fusion efficiency by reducing coupling losses while the cavity structure ensures optical path consistency.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact sensor design is implemented, then device size is reduced, but optical fiber installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light sources, optical paths, and the beam splitter into a single compact cavity assembly. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate optical fiber routing, making the compact sensor easy to manufacture and install while maintaining all necessary optical functions.
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 design simplifies the optical structure, ensures consistent optical path lengths, enhances light fusion efficiency, reduces costs, and facilitates easy adjustment and detection, resulting in a more reliable and efficient sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
the light emitted by the second LED exiting from the opening of the cavity after being reflected by the beam splitter or dichroic mirror
Implementation Method 2
the light emitted by the first LED directly passing through the beam splitter or dichroic mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An optical structure has a cavity (1) with an opening provided at one end and a first through hole or first gap (21) provided at the end opposite the opening. The cavity is further provided internally with a beam splitter or a dichroic mirror (4). A first LED (31) emits light into the cavity through the first through hole or the first gap, which passes directly passing through the beam splitter or dichroic mirror and exits from the opening of the cavity A second LED (32) emits light into the cavity through a second through hole or second gap (22) in a side of the cavity, which is reflected by the beam splitter or dichroic mirror. It is then fused with the light emitted by the first LED. The light emitted by the respective LEDs have an identical optical path length to the beam splitter or the dichroic mirror.