Optical Sensor with Light Branching Unit for Compact Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors using optical fibers are bulky and difficult to integrate into small high-precision devices due to their linear configuration and the need for separate light sources and detectors.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical sensor design featuring a light source, a characteristic light-guiding member with a changing part that alters optical characteristics based on bending, and a detecting unit, along with an optical connecting unit that includes a light branching unit to reflect and redirect light, allowing for reduced size and flexibility in device integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional optical fiber sensor is used with separate light source and detector at opposite ends, then the measurement function is achieved, but the device size becomes large and cannot be easily incorporated into small high-precision devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, optical fiber sensor, and detector into a single integrated unit. The light source and detector are positioned adjacent to each other at one end of the optical fiber, eliminating the need for separate end-mounted components. This merging of components directly reduces the overall sensor volume and enables integration into compact devices while maintaining the curvature measurement function through the optical fiber's bending-induced light absorption characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a linear one-dimensional configuration (light source at one end, detector at the other) to a two-dimensional compact layout where the light source and detector are positioned side-by-side at one end. This dimensional reorganization allows the optical path to fold back on itself, dramatically reducing the linear footprint while preserving the optical measurement functionality
2Measurement precision
If the optical fiber is bent to enable light absorption for measurement, then the curvature detection function is achieved, but the light absorption becomes non-linear and affects measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light absorbing part with specific optical parameters (absorption coefficient, thickness) into the optical fiber cladding to create a characteristic changing part. This modification changes the optical characteristics of the fiber such that light absorption becomes a controlled function of bending radius. By carefully selecting the absorption parameters, the system achieves a more linear relationship between bending curvature and light absorption, improving measurement precision while maintaining optical characteristic stability
Solution Approach 2:
The light absorbing part acts as an intermediary element between the bending mechanical deformation and the optical signal. Instead of directly measuring the complex non-linear light propagation changes in bent fiber, the light absorbing part mediates this relationship by providing a controlled absorption mechanism that translates bending into a more linear optical signal change, thereby improving measurement accuracy
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 the creation of a smaller, more versatile optical sensor that can be incorporated into small high-precision devices, such as medical endoscopes or industrial manipulators, with improved detection precision and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a characteristic changing part arranged in the characteristic light-guiding member and configured to change an optical characteristic of the light in accordance with how much the characteristic light-guiding member is bent
Implementation Method 2
the optical connecting unit has a light branching unit configured to branch the light emitted from the light source to the characteristic light-guiding member, and to branch the light guided by the characteristic light-guiding member to the detecting unit
Implementation Method 3
a detecting unit configured to detect the light changed in optical characteristic by the characteristic changing part and guided by the characteristic light-guiding member
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor has a light source, a characteristic light-guiding member, a characteristic changing part, a detecting unit, and an optical connecting unit. The optical connecting unit has a light branching unit configured to branch the light emitted from the light source to the characteristic light-guiding member, and branches the light guided by the characteristic light-guiding member to the detecting unit.