Optical Switch Activator Inline Light Guide Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switch activators face challenges in compactness and reliability, particularly in small-bodied applications like float switches, due to the orientation of light guides across the housing axis, which can lead to fiber fracture and inefficiency in light transmission.
Innovation Solution
The optical switch activator positions light guides in an inline configuration on one side of the housing, allowing them to be parallel or at an angle, with a movable means that can occlude the light path without moving between the fibers, using a reflective surface and a delay mechanism to maintain optical path presence until a sufficient angle is reached, and incorporating glowable materials for enhanced detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light guides are positioned across the housing axis, then the optical switch can be activated, but the device becomes less compact and fibers are more prone to fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the light guides from a transverse arrangement (across the housing axis) to an inline arrangement (along one side of the housing). This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the activator's footprint while maintaining optical functionality, directly addressing the contradiction between compactness and reliability
2Volume of moving object
If light guides are positioned in an inline configuration on one side, then the device becomes more compact, but light transmission alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element that facilitates light transmission between the inline-positioned light guides. This mediator enables effective optical coupling despite the compact inline arrangement, resolving the alignment difficulty while maintaining the space-saving configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable means is used to interrupt the light path, then the switch function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the movable means with the housing structure itself, integrating the switching mechanism into the existing activator body. This merging approach achieves the required switch functionality while minimizing additional structural complexity
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 enables a compact, reliable optical switch that reduces fiber stress and maintains light transmission integrity, suitable for small-diameter float switches and other applications, with improved durability and sensitivity in detecting light presence or absence.
Implementation Method 1
using a reflective surface and a delay mechanism to maintain optical path presence until a sufficient angle is reached
Implementation Method 2
incorporating glowable materials for enhanced detection
Implementation Method 3
the switch housing or movable means is partially constructed of a material that will glow with reflected or emitted light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical switch having a housing, and two optical fibers, that can be connected to a light source and a light detector. The optical switch includes a moveable member that moves from a first position to a second position. In the first position, an optical path is present through the two fibers guide using a reflection or emission of light from the glowable member. In the second position, there is no optical path present through the switch.