Proximity Sensor Beam Segmentation for Shiny Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Proximity sensors, such as PSD sensors, face challenges in accurately detecting shiny objects and objects in water due to spurious reflections and noise in range readings, leading to unreliable outputs.

Innovation Solution

A proximity sensor system that emits optical energy in multiple spatially spaced beams, using a diffraction grating to split the energy into distinct beams, and a multi-element sensor to receive and process the reflected energy, with a controller determining object presence and configuring a valve accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-beam PSD sensor is used for proximity detection, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates when detecting shiny objects or objects in water due to spurious reflections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structureVSAvoiddistance reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optical energy is divided into multiple spatially spaced apart beams using a diffraction grating, creating several distinct measurement zones. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between spurious reflections and valid object reflections by analyzing the spatial distribution of reflected light across multiple beams, thereby improving measurement precision for shiny objects and objects in water.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a PSD sensor averages the received signal to determine range, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability deteriorates due to noise and instability from spurious reflections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processingVSAvoidoutput stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of averaging signals from a single beam, the system segments the optical detection into multiple spatially separated beams. The controller analyzes the spatial distribution pattern of reflected light across these segmented beams, enabling reliable object detection by distinguishing true reflections from spurious ones based on their spatial characteristics rather than relying on signal averaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diffraction grating acts as an intermediary element that splits the optical energy into multiple spatially spaced apart beams. This intermediary structure enables the system to obtain spatial distribution information of reflected light, which serves as a mediator for distinguishing valid object reflections from spurious reflections, thereby improving output reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enhances the accuracy of object detection in environments with shiny or water-affected surfaces by reducing noise and instability in readings, allowing for reliable operation of water delivery systems.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system which splits the optical energy emitted by the optical source into a plurality of spatially spaced apart beams of optical energy. In one example, the optical system includes a diffraction grating which splits the optical energy emitted by the optical source into the plurality of spatially spaced apart beams of optical energy.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction