Optical Proximity Sensing Using Cavity Feedback for Space Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proximity sensors, such as inductive, capacitive, and magnetic sensors, are limited in their ability to detect non-metallic or non-magnetic objects, and are ineffective in space environments due to the absence of necessary insulators or dielectrics.
Innovation Solution
An optical proximity sensor system utilizing a laser to generate an optical beam with linear polarization, an optical cavity formed with a target object, and photodetectors to detect the frequency of the reflected beam, which is indicative of the object's distance, allowing for non-contact detection and calculation of the target's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional proximity sensors (inductive, capacitive, magnetic) are used, then detection capability is limited to specific object types (metallic, non-conductive, magnetic), but the system cannot detect all types of objects in space environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional inductive, capacitive, and magnetic sensing mechanisms with an optical detection system using laser beams and photodetectors. This substitution enables universal detection capability for all object types in space environments by using light reflection properties rather than electromagnetic induction, capacitance, or magnetic field interactions that are limited to specific material types.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical proximity sensor system achieves universality by detecting all objects through their common property of reflecting light, regardless of whether they are metallic, non-metallic, magnetic, or non-magnetic. The system can detect any object that reflects the laser beam, making it applicable to diverse object types in space environments where conventional sensors fail.
2Measurement precision
If inductive proximity sensors are used to detect metallic objects, then detection of metallic objects is achieved, but the sensors cannot detect non-metallic or non-magnetic objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electromagnetic induction mechanism of inductive sensors with an optical detection mechanism using laser beams. This allows detection of non-metallic and non-magnetic objects by measuring light reflection properties rather than electromagnetic interactions, thereby expanding detection capability beyond metallic objects while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from electromagnetic induction (limited to conductive materials) to optical reflection (applicable to all materials). By using photodetectors to measure the intensity and characteristics of reflected laser light, the system achieves versatile detection across different material types including non-metallic and non-magnetic objects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive proximity sensors are used, then detection of non-conductive objects is achieved, but the sensors become ineffective in space environments due to absence of dielectric
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitive sensing mechanism that relies on dielectric materials (like air) with an optical detection system using laser beams. This substitution eliminates the dependency on dielectric properties, enabling reliable detection of non-conductive objects in space environments where the absence of atmospheric dielectric renders capacitive sensors ineffective.
4Measurement precision
If magnetic proximity sensors are used to detect magnetic objects, then detection of magnetic objects is achieved, but the sensors cannot detect non-magnetic objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the magnetic field detection mechanism with an optical detection system using laser beams and photodetectors. This allows detection of non-magnetic objects by measuring light reflection properties, thereby expanding detection capability to include all object types regardless of their magnetic properties while maintaining detection precision.
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
Enables effective detection of distances to objects in space environments and beyond terrestrial applications, providing a reliable method for positioning or coupling objects without physical contact, with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and extended range through the use of a collimating lens.
Implementation Method 1
a laser configured to generate an emitted optical beam at a linear polarization
Implementation Method 2
the target object is configured to reflect a portion of the emitted optical beam thereby generating a reflected optical beam
Implementation Method 3
At least one photodetector is configured to receive the diverted portion of the at least one of the emitted optical beam and the reflected optical beam and to generate a proximity signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical proximity sensor system to detect a distance to a target object is provided. The optical proximity sensor system includes a laser that generates an emitted optical beam at a linear polarization and an optical cavity system that includes an optical cavity defined by a distance between the laser and the target object. The target object reflects the emitted optical beam to generate a reflected optical beam. A partially reflective mirror diverts a portion of the emitted optical beam and/or the reflected optical beam. A photodetector receives the diverted optical beam and generates a proximity signal that has a frequency that is indicative of the distance to the target object based on the diverted portion of the at least one of the emitted optical beam and the reflected optical beam. A proximity processor calculates the distance to the target object based on the frequency of the proximity signal.