Probe Alignment Mechanism for Optical Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diffuse reflectance spectroscopy systems face inefficiencies due to optical fiber probes not being positioned at the desired angle and minimal or non-contact issues with the subject's surface, leading to air pockets and Fresnel losses, which reduce photon transmission and analysis accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with a sensor head and movably disposed block members, connected by deformable members and hinges, allows the probe to tilt and align at a desired angle with the subject's surface, ensuring hermetic contact and minimizing Fresnel losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fiber probes are used in conventional reflectance spectroscopy systems, then the system can perform spectral analysis, but the probes cannot be positioned at the desired angle and have minimal or no contact with the surface due to surface irregularities, leading to air pockets and Fresnel losses
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a positioning mechanism that allows real-time modification of the probe's angular orientation and contact pressure. This enables the system to adapt to varying surface irregularities while maintaining reliable contact and optimal alignment, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and contact reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable parameters including probe angle, contact force, and positional coordinates. By dynamically changing these parameters based on surface characteristics, the system maintains both accurate spectral analysis and reliable probe contact, overcoming the limitation of fixed-position probes in conventional systems.
2Device complexity
If optical fiber probes are terminated in bare fibers, then the system can be simpler in structure, but the bare fibers are fragile and may undergo bending or fracture due to excess external pressure, leading to change in angle of incidence and probe failure
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber probe is enclosed in a protective sheath or coating that provides mechanical strength and flexibility. This protective layer prevents bending and fracture of the bare fiber while allowing the probe to conform to surface irregularities, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and probe durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe structure uses composite construction combining the optical fiber core with a protective outer material that has appropriate mechanical properties. This composite structure maintains optical performance while providing resistance to external pressure and mechanical damage, overcoming the fragility issue of bare fibers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive probes are used to meet curvatures or undulations on the surface, then the probes can adapt to surface shape, but they are inflexible in nature and cannot adjust to orient themselves to align with the curvature or undulations of the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities that allow active adjustment of orientation and angle. This enables the probe to both conform to surface curvature and actively align itself with the local surface geometry, resolving the contradiction between passive adaptability and active alignment control.
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 mechanism effectively aligns and orients the probe at a desired angle, achieving hermetic contact and reducing Fresnel losses, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the spectroscopy analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one block member is movably connected to the sensor head by at least one of one or more deformable members and a hinge
Implementation Method 2
optical fiber probes integrated with sources for emitting radiation of desired frequency onto a surface of the subject, and detectors for receiving reflected or scattered radiations
Implementation Method 3
when the probe contacts the surface of the subject, torque is generated for aligning the probe on the surface of the subject
Implementation Method 4
air pockets or air gaps may be created between a tip of the plurality of the probes and surface of the subject, which may lead to photon losses, such as Fresnel losses
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a mechanism for aligning and orienting a probe in an optical system. The mechanism includes a sensor head, which are defined with one or more provisions. Further, the mechanism includes at least one block member, which is movably disposed within the one or more provisions in the sensor head. The at least one block member is defined with a cavity to accommodate a probe. During contact of the probe with a surface of the subject, a torque is generated, which facilitates in aligning the probe on the surface of the subject. The block member is configured to tilt corresponding to movement of the probe, for aligning the probe at an angle on the surface of the subject.