Particle Detection Apparatus Using Shared Optical Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection systems for particles are technically complex and require multiple components for different optical detection modes, which increases complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus that operates in both first and second optical detection modes using a single optical path and light detection system, with a component of the optical system configured to direct frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) reflected light in one mode and scattered light in the other, allowing for reduced component duplication and simplified design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate optical detection systems are used for different detection modes, then detection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single optical detection system that can operate in multiple detection modes (FTIR mode and light scattering mode) by reconfiguring the optical path using switching means. The same optical components serve both detection functions, eliminating the need for separate detection systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic optical path switching to transition between different detection modes. Switching means are used to redirect the optical path between the light source, particle-detection surface, and detector, enabling the system to adapt between FTIR and light scattering detection as needed.
2Reliability
If multiple separate light detection systems are used for different detection modes, then detection reliability is improved, but component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single light detection system that can detect both FTIR reflected light and scattered light by switching the optical path. This universal detector serves multiple detection functions without requiring separate detection systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching of the optical path to direct different types of light (FTIR reflected light or scattered light) to the same light detection system. This allows one detector to reliably perform multiple detection functions through temporal or spatial separation of detection modes.
3Measurement precision
If separate optical paths are used for different detection modes, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single shared optical path that can be configured for different detection modes through switching means. This reduces the number of optical components that need to be manufactured and assembled, while maintaining detection precision through proper optical configuration for each mode.
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 apparatus detects particles over a wide range of densities using FTIR for high densities and scattered light for low densities, reducing component count and improving detection reliability with shared optical components.
Implementation Method 1
the optical system is configured such that the first light undergoes total intern reflection at the particle detection surface in the absence of the particles, wherein the optical system is configured to direct frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) reflected light to the light detection system in the first optical detection mode
Implementation Method 2
The second optical detection system is adapted to detect the particles by detecting light scattered by the particles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a detection apparatus (1) for detecting particles on or close to a particles detection surface (5) in a first optical detection mode and in a second optical detection mode, wherein a component of a light detection system (8) and/or a component of an optical system (9) of the detection apparatus is arranged to be used in the first detection mode and in the second detection mode. Since a component of the light detection system and/or a component of the optical system is arranged to be used in the first detection mode and in the second detection mode, this component does not need to be provided twice, i.e. for being used in the first detection mode and for being used in the second detection mode. This can lead to a reduced number of components and can make the detection apparatus technically less complex.