Optical Element with Segmented Light-Deflecting Portion for Compact Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical devices with glass lids face an increase in size due to the need to tilt the glass lid to prevent fluctuations in light intensity, which affects the accuracy of distance measurement and requires more space, especially in compact applications like vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with a light-transmissive portion that diverges light and a light-deflecting portion that deflects light in a direction different from specular reflection, eliminating the need for tilting and reducing the device's size by allowing the photosensor to receive light without returning rays to the light-emitting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the glass lid is tilted to reflect light toward the photosensor, then the light intensity detection accuracy is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glass lid is divided into two distinct functional portions: a light-transmissive portion for transmitting light and a light-deflecting portion for deflecting light. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function without requiring the entire glass lid to be tilted, thus maintaining compact device size while achieving accurate light detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the glass lid are assigned different optical properties: the light-transmissive portion has high light transmission characteristics, while the light-deflecting portion has light-deflecting characteristics. This local differentiation enables precise light control without increasing overall device dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If the glass lid is tilted to prevent reflected rays from returning to light-emitting elements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glass lid is segmented into light-transmissive and light-deflecting portions, each handling specific light paths. This segmentation simplifies the optical configuration by clearly separating light transmission and deflection functions, avoiding the need for complex tilted arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-deflecting portion acts as an intermediary element that redirects reflected light away from the light-emitting elements. This intermediary structure prevents harmful light return without requiring the entire optical system to be tilted or reconfigured.
3Reliability
If the glass lid is tilted to redirect reflected light, then light intensity fluctuation is reduced, but the device requires more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The glass lid is divided into functional portions that handle different light paths separately. The light-deflecting portion specifically addresses reflected light without requiring the entire device to occupy more space, maintaining compact installation footprint while ensuring light intensity stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-deflecting portion is strategically positioned and designed with specific optical properties to handle reflected light locally. This localized approach maintains light intensity stability without expanding the overall device area or installation space requirements.
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 a compact light source device with improved accuracy in detecting light intensity and reduces the size of the optical device, allowing for more precise distance measurements in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a light-transmissive portion (121) to transmit and diverge a light beam (103) incident on the light-transmissive portion (121) from outside of the first surface (120a)
Implementation Method 2
a light-deflecting portion (122) to deflect a light beam (104) incident on the first surface (120a) from the outside of the first surface (120a), in a direction different from a direction of specular reflection on the first surface (120a) outside the first surface (120a)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a first surface; and a second surface facing the first surface; a light-transmissive portion to transmit and diverge a light beam incident on the light-transmissive portion from outside of the first surface to emit a diverging light beam to outside of the second surface; and a light-deflecting portion to deflect a light beam incident on the first surface from the outside of the first surface, in a direction different from a direction of specular reflection on the first surface outside the first surface.