Reflective Terahertz Liquid Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid detection technologies, such as transmissive and capacitive methods, face limitations in detecting liquids within tanks or pipes without the need for transparent materials and require significant spacing to avoid interference, limiting their versatility and precision.
Innovation Solution
A reflective detection device utilizing a terahertz wave with an oscillation element, exit part, incident part, and detection element, where the terahertz wave travels in inclined directions to detect liquids within tubular portions filled with fluid, and a shielding part is used to minimize interference, allowing for precise detection without the need for transparent materials or significant spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a transmissive liquid detection device is used, then liquid detection can be performed, but the tank or pipe must be formed with transparent material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the detection approach from transmissive (through-transparent material) to reflective (from opaque material surface). Instead of sending light through the tank wall and detecting transmission, the device sends light toward the liquid surface and detects the reflected light, enabling detection with opaque materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective surface (the liquid surface or tank bottom) as an intermediary to enable detection. By detecting light reflected from this intermediary surface rather than light transmitted through the tank wall, the system can detect liquid presence in opaque containers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a capacitive liquid detection device is used to detect liquid at multiple positions, then multi-position detection is achieved, but sufficient distance must be maintained from adjacent devices to avoid interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection geometry from a configuration requiring significant linear spacing between devices to one where the exit and incident parts are arranged in a compact planar configuration. By using inclined light paths in different dimensions, multiple detection positions can be achieved without requiring large distances between adjacent devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic light routing with inclined exit and incident directions that can be adjusted or optimized. The light paths are configured to travel at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) to maximize detection effectiveness while minimizing device spacing requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If the exit part and incident part are disposed close together, then device compactness is improved, but interference between the two parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light path into distinct exit and incident portions with clearly separated functional zones. By configuring the exit part and incident part to operate in spatially separated but functionally integrated manner, interference is minimized while maintaining compact overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning and angular configuration of the exit and incident parts. Rather than symmetric arrangement that would require larger spacing, the asymmetric inclined configuration allows compact integration while directing light paths to avoid mutual interference.
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 precise detection of liquids in various forms and configurations, including within opaque materials, with reduced interference between detection devices, enhancing the versatility and accuracy of liquid presence detection.
Implementation Method 1
an incident part to which the terahertz wave reflected from a detection target is incident
Implementation Method 2
an oscillation element configured to oscillate a terahertz wave
Data Source
AI summary
A reflective detection device, includes: oscillation element oscillating a terahertz wave; exit part from which the terahertz wave exits; incident part to which the terahertz wave reflected from a detection target is incident; and detection element detecting the terahertz wave incident to the incident part, wherein the exit part and the incident part are disposed on one side in first direction and are spaced apart from each other in second direction with respect to the detection target, the terahertz wave exiting from the exit part travels to propagate from the exit part toward the incident part in the second direction along a direction toward the detection object in the first direction, and the terahertz wave incident to the incident part travels to propagate from the exit part toward the incident part in the second direction along a direction away from the detection target in the first direction.