Optical Sensor Shielding Members for VOC Deposit Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensor systems used in image forming apparatuses and air quality monitoring devices face issues with unwanted deposits of volatile organic compounds (VOC) on source and detection window members, which degrade the detection signal and lead to incorrect VOC readings due to absorption and scattering.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating shielding members around the source and detection window members that extend outward and are shaped to minimize signal obstruction, with elongated bodies having longitudinal openings to allow the detection signal to pass through, reducing deposit formation and maintaining signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the source and detection window members are exposed to the environment for signal transmission, then the detection signal can pass through to detect VOC, but unwanted deposits of VOC form on the window members degrading the detection signal
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding member is introduced as an intermediary component between the window members and the VOC-containing environment. The shielding member selectively blocks VOC from contacting the window members while allowing the detection signal to pass through, thus preventing deposit formation without interfering with the detection function
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding member is designed with a specific structure that provides different properties in different regions: it is opaque to VOC (blocking deposits) but transparent to the detection signal (allowing transmission). This local differentiation of permeability properties solves the contradiction between protection and signal transmission
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding members are added around the window members to prevent VOC deposits, then deposit formation is reduced, but the detection signal may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding member is designed with selective permeability properties: it blocks VOC from reaching the window members but allows the detection signal to pass through. This is achieved by using materials or structures that are opaque to VOC molecules but transparent to the specific wavelength of the detection signal
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding member acts as a mediator that differentially interacts with two types of 'energy': it absorbs or reflects VOC molecules while being transparent to the detection signal. This selective mediation resolves the contradiction between blocking harmful substances and allowing useful signal transmission
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
The shielding members effectively reduce VOC deposits on the window members, maintaining signal transmission and accuracy in detecting VOC concentrations, thereby providing reliable VOC readings.
Implementation Method 1
The source modules may include a source window member to emit a detection signal such as an infrared signal there through to be received by a detection module
Implementation Method 2
The objects such as volatile organic compounds (VOC) may be detected present in a path of the detection signal... The deposits may decrease transmission of the detection signal through the respective window members, for example, by absorbing some frequencies of the detection signal
Implementation Method 3
The deposits may decrease transmission of the detection signal through the respective window members, for example, by absorbing some frequencies of the detection signal and/or promoting scattering due to non-uniformity of the thickness of the deposits
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an image sensor system comprises a source module including a source housing having a source window and a source shielding member, the source module to emit a detection signal through the source window. the source shielding member surrounding the source window and extending in an outward direction from the source window. The image sensor system further comprises a detection module including a detection housing having a detection window and a detection shielding member, the detection module spaced apart from the source module and to detect the detection signal emitted from the source module and passed through the detection window, the detection shielding member surrounding the detection window and extending in an outward direction from the detection window.