Reflective Optical Layout for Compact Impurity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical apparatuses are large in size due to the separation of the light source and light receiving element, and they struggle to efficiently irradiate objects with light, especially when dealing with substances that absorb light.
Innovation Solution
The optical apparatus employs a first and second reflecting surface with different shapes to efficiently irradiate an object with light, allowing multiple reflections to increase interactions with substances, thereby enhancing detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source and light receiving element are provided on different sides with respect to the flow path, then the detection function is achieved, but the apparatus size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and light receiving element on the same side of the flow path, merging their spatial separation. This is achieved by using a reflecting surface that redirects light from the light source to illuminate the object from a direction different from the detection direction, allowing both components to be positioned adjacent to each other while maintaining functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting surface acts as an intermediary element that redirects light paths. It receives light from the light source and reflects it toward the object at a different angle, enabling the light source and detector to be on the same side while still achieving effective illumination and detection geometry.
2Volume of moving object
If the light source and light receiving element are positioned close to each other, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the illumination efficiency on the object is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular/directional separation as an additional dimension for light path control. Instead of only spatial separation in one direction, the reflecting surface creates different illumination angles while keeping components close together, effectively using dimensional freedom in the optical path configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting surface serves as a mediator that decouples the physical proximity of components from the functional separation of light paths. It enables the light source to illuminate the object effectively even when positioned close to the detector by redirecting light at appropriate angles.
3Device complexity
If light is irradiated directly to the object, then the illumination path is simple, but the interaction with absorbing substances is insufficient for accurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple reflections of light between the object and the reflecting surface, creating continuous interaction between the light and the detected substance. This prolonged light-matter interaction enhances the detection signal for absorbing substances while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light undergoes periodic reflection between the object and the reflecting surface, creating multiple passes through the detection region. This periodic interaction increases the effective path length and interaction time with the substance being detected, improving measurement precision.
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 allows for efficient illumination and multiple reflections, increasing the detection accuracy of impurities by enhancing the interaction of light with the object, thus improving the determination of impurity content.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflecting surface configured to reflect light from the light source toward an object
Implementation Method 2
a second reflecting surface with a shape different from a shape of the first reflecting surface in which the second reflecting surface is configured to reflect a part of the light from the object toward the object
Implementation Method 3
a third reflecting surface configured to reflect a part of the light reflected by the second reflecting surface and then reflected by the object, toward a light receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus according to the aspect of the embodiments includes a light source, a first surface configured to reflect light from the light source toward an object, a second surface with a shape different from a shape of the first surface in which the second surface is configured to reflect a part of the light from the object toward the object, and a third surface configured to reflect a part of the light reflected by the second surface and then reflected by the object, toward a light receiving element.