Compact Particle Sensor Using Condensing Lens on Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle detection sensors require a large size due to the arrangement of phototransmitters and photoreceivers, which limits their compactness and portability.
Innovation Solution
A particle detection sensor is designed to be compact by disposing a light source, a condensing lens, and a photodetector on a substrate, with the condensing lens positioned between the light source and the photodetector, allowing for efficient detection of particles in a gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phototransmitter and photoreceiver are disposed with crossing optical axes at predetermined angle, then particle detection accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement where phototransmitter and photoreceiver are disposed at crossing angles to a three-dimensional configuration where the condensing lens focuses light along the optical axis onto the photodetector positioned on the substrate. This dimensional change allows compact arrangement while maintaining detection accuracy through optical focusing.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensing lens is positioned between the light source and photodetector, creating a nested optical path where the lens is embedded within the substrate structure. This nesting allows the optical components to be compactly arranged without requiring lateral spacing, thus reducing device size while preserving detection capability.
2Reliability
If phototransmitter and photoreceiver are disposed on inner surface of housing with crossing optical axes, then particle detection function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, condensing lens, and photodetector into an integrated assembly mounted on a single substrate. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate housing surfaces and alignment requirements compared to the crossing optical axis configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensing lens serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the light source and photodetector, enabling efficient light coupling without requiring complex angular alignment. This intermediary component simplifies the optical path design and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable particle detection function.
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 the creation of a small-sized particle detection sensor that maintains high detection accuracy while being more compact and potentially more cost-effective to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
a condensing lens disposed between the substrate and light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
The photoreceiver 130 detects particles 2 that pass the detection area DA with light output by the phototransmitter 120
Data Source
AI summary
A detection mechanism includes a light source disposed on a substrate, a condensing lens disposed between the substrate and light emitted from the light source, and a photodetector disposed on the substrate and under the condensing lens.