Remote Reflective Sensor Baffle Mount for False Signal Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors are inadequate for remotely detecting reflective materials, particularly in harsh environments and at distances, due to sensitivity issues and susceptibility to false signals, and they struggle with detecting clear ice and winter precipitation.
Innovation Solution
A remote reflective materials sensor using a radiation source and detector system with a transparent window and a baffle mount to prevent false reflections, allowing for flexible operation in various light conditions and capable of distinguishing between liquid and frozen materials through temperature sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radiation source and detector system is used to detect reflective material at a distance, then detection capability is improved, but false signals from external light sources and window reflections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a baffle structure as an intermediary element between the radiation source/detector system and the external environment. The baffle blocks direct line-of-sight paths for external light sources (sunlight, headlights, street lamps) to reach the detector, while allowing the intended radiation to pass through the transparent window and reach the reflective material. This mediator selectively filters harmful external light without interfering with the detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the harmful reflection path from the useful detection path by using the baffle structure. The baffle is positioned to specifically block reflections from the window surface and external light sources that would otherwise enter the detector, while maintaining the integrity of the primary detection path through the transparent window to the distant reflective material.
2Length of stationary object
If the sensor uses a transparent window for radiation to pass through, then remote detection is enabled, but sensitivity to reflective material is reduced due to light passing through raindrops and external light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle structure serves as a mediator that selectively blocks harmful light paths while allowing the useful radiation path to remain open. It prevents external light sources and window reflections from reaching the detector directly, thereby maintaining sensitivity to the reflected radiation from distant reflective material that passes through the transparent window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the sensor system: the window is made transparent to allow radiation passage for remote detection, while the baffle is made opaque or light-blocking in specific regions to prevent false signals. This local differentiation of properties allows the system to simultaneously achieve remote detection capability and maintain sensitivity by blocking harmful light only where necessary.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Han's sensor uses light sources and receivers mounted on an inclined plane to prevent window surface reflections, then false signals are reduced, but sensitivity to raindrop reflection signals is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on geometric inclination to prevent reflections, the patent introduces a baffle structure as a physical mediator that directly blocks the reflection paths. The baffle is positioned to intercept window surface reflections and external light before they can reach the detector, regardless of the angular relationship between components. This approach maintains sensitivity to raindrop reflections by not requiring the light to pass through the raindrop multiple times or rely on specific angular geometry.
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
Enables accurate detection of reflective materials at a distance, reducing false signals and improving sensitivity, and can differentiate between liquid and frozen states, suitable for diverse applications including aerospace and harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
A radiation emitter emits radiation towards and through a transparent window
Implementation Method 2
a radiation detector...to detect the radiation reflected from the reflective material
Implementation Method 3
The sensor mount and window reflection path prevent radiation emitter radiation from being mirror reflected to the radiation detector by the transparent window
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote reflective materials sensor for detecting remotely located reflective material. The remote reflective materials sensor includes a transparent window with two window surfaces, an amount of reflective material that is remotely located away from one window surface. An operating parameters sensor located adjacent to the transparent window, a radiation detector located away from the other window surface; and two spaced apart radiation emitters located on either side of the radiation detector, and away from the second window surface. Each radiation emitter is configured to emit radiation along one axis through the transparent window towards the reflective material and towards a common focal point. The radiation detector is located to receive reflected radiation from the reflective material along another axis. The first axis of the radiation emitters is angled towards the other axis of the reflected radiation.