Optical Filter Member Structure for Compact Gas Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas sensors face limitations in reducing size due to the packaging of optical filters with infrared detectors, and there are challenges in arranging optical filters at appropriate positions along the optical path during mounting.
Innovation Solution
An optical member with a reflective structure and a metal body exposed from a support, allowing for a self-alignment effect during mounting, and enabling separation of the optical filter from the detector, which includes a metallic thin film or optical thin film, and a metal body exposed portions for easy identification and distinction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical filter is packaged with the infrared detector to reduce size, then the detector size is reduced, but the infrared detector cannot be made thinner due to packaging constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter is separated from the infrared detector into a distinct component. The optical member includes a support, a reflective structure, and a metal body that is electrically disconnected from the reflective structure, allowing the filter function to be separated from the detector packaging constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter is extracted from the detector packaging and implemented as a separate optical member with exposed metal body portions. This extraction allows the detector to be made thinner while the optical filter functions independently through the exposed metal portions for mounting and identification.
2Length of moving object
If the optical filter is separated from the infrared detector to enable thinner design, then the detector can be made thinner, but mounting problems arise due to difficulty in arranging the optical filter in an appropriate position along the optical path
Solution Approach 1:
The exposed metal body portions serve as visual identifiers and mounting features. The metal portions provide distinct visual cues for correct orientation and position along the optical path, eliminating mounting confusion while enabling thinner detector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposed metal body portions provide self-alignment and self-identification during mounting. The metal portions naturally indicate the correct orientation and position, allowing the optical member to be mounted correctly without complex alignment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical filter is separated and mounted independently, then design freedom is increased, but the optical member requires exposed portions for identification and mounting which complicates the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The exposed metal body portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, electrical connection points, visual identification, and mounting features. This multi-functionality increases design freedom while avoiding unnecessary structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support, reflective structure, and metal body are integrally formed as a single optical member. This merging simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, alignment fixtures, or identification markers that would otherwise be required.
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 enhances design freedom and achieves a compact gas sensor by allowing thinner components and improved optical path design, facilitating easy mounting and identification of optical members.
Implementation Method 1
an optical member including a reflective structure including a metallic thin film or an optical thin film
Data Source
AI summary
An optical member (30) includes a reflective structure (32) including a metallic thin film or an optical thin film, a metal body electrically disconnected from the reflective structure (32), and a support (31) integrally sealing and supporting the reflective structure (32) and the metal body. The reflective structure (32) is exposed from a first surface of the support (31). The metal body is exposed from the support (31) on a second surface opposite the first surface from which the reflective structure (32) is exposed, and on at least one side different from the first surface and the second surface.