Optical System Light Guide Reference Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for measuring light absorption in mediums face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively monitoring the light source, particularly in compact and long-term process sensors, due to the need for multiple optical components which occupy space, are costly, and prone to soiling and alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
An optical system utilizing a light guide to couple reference light from the light source, which is guided past the medium and onto a detector, reducing the need for additional optical components and allowing for a more flexible and space-saving design, while using a light selector to switch between measurement and reference light paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical free-beam components (lenses, beam splitters, mirrors) are used to guide reference light past the measurement section, then the light source can be monitored, but the device occupies a lot of space and becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component to transfer reference light from the light source region past the measurement section to the detector. This light guide acts as a mediator that enables the reference beam path without requiring complex optical free-beam components like lenses, beam splitters, and mirrors, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining the light source monitoring function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the reference light guidance function from the complex optical free-beam component system and implements it through a dedicated light guide structure. By separating this function into a specialized component, the system eliminates the need for multiple aligned optical elements and reduces overall device complexity
2Reliability
If optical free-beam components are used to guide reference light, then the light source can be monitored, but the components are costly and prone to soiling
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves as a protected intermediary channel that transports reference light away from the measurement section and onto the detector. This intermediary structure shields the optical path from harmful environmental factors such as humidity and evaporated material accumulation, preventing soiling of the components and maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide creates an optical copy or replica path for the reference light, allowing it to travel through a protected medium rather than exposed air paths. This copying approach enables the reference beam to follow a similar functional path as the measurement beam while avoiding direct exposure to soiling conditions
3Reliability
If optical free-beam components are used to guide reference light, then the light source can be monitored, but alignment becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide acts as a pre-aligned intermediary that incorporates the optical path geometry internally. By embedding the beam guidance function within the light guide structure itself, the system eliminates the need for precise external alignment of multiple separate optical components, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements and assembly complexity
4Reliability
If a second detector system is installed directly at the light source to monitor aging and temperature influences, then the light source can be monitored, but the probe becomes larger and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing light guide structure multi-functional by using it to guide both measurement light through the measurement section and reference light past the measurement section to the detector. This universal use of the light guide enables light source monitoring without requiring a separate dedicated reference light path or additional detector systems, thereby avoiding increased probe size and cost
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 solution provides a robust, cost-effective, and space-efficient method for monitoring the light source, minimizing soiling and positioning inaccuracies, and compensating for aging effects, while enabling flexible placement of the detector and expanded spectral transmission range.
Implementation Method 1
Light guidance is in this case achieved by reflection on the boundary surface of the light guide either through total reflection as a result of a lower refraction index of the medium surrounding the light guide
Implementation Method 2
Light guidance is in this case achieved by reflection on the boundary surface of the light guide either through total reflection as a result of a lower refraction index of the medium surrounding the light guide
Implementation Method 3
at least one optical detector that receives the light and converts it into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 4
Medium 5 is located in gap 6, wherein the measurement light radiated into said medium is absorbed by the determining process variable
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical system for measuring the absorption of light in a medium, comprising at least one light source for sending light and at least one optical detector, which receives the light and converts it into an electrical signal. The system is characterized in that the system comprises at least one light guide, wherein, in the region of the light source, light is coupled as reference light into the light guide, wherein the light guide is guided, at least in sections, past the medium, and wherein the light guide guides the reference light onto the detector.