Retro-reflective Optical Window Contamination Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical window contamination detection devices require a large number of light transmitting/receiving elements to detect minor contamination, leading to increased complexity and cost, and often mistakenly detect water droplets due to diffuse reflection.
Innovation Solution
An optical window contamination detecting device with a limited number of reflection photoelectric sensors and a retro-reflective member that reflects detection light back to the sensors, allowing for effective detection of microscopic contamination without interfering with the measurement light and reflected light paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of light transmitting/receiving elements are arranged side by side to detect the entire region of the optical window, then contamination detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging multiple light transmitting/receiving elements side by side to cover the entire optical window, the patent inverts the approach by using a single detection element that moves with the scanning mechanism to scan across the optical window. This reduces the number of components while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic detection approach where a single light transmitting/receiving element moves dynamically along with the scanning mechanism to cover the entire optical window area. This dynamic scanning replaces the static arrangement of multiple elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If light transmitting/receiving elements are arranged at small intervals to detect minor contamination, then detection precision is improved, but adjustment difficulty and interference prevention become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic scanning mechanism that moves a single detection element across the optical window at controlled intervals. This dynamic approach achieves the precision of closely-spaced elements without the adjustment complexity, as the scanning mechanism naturally provides consistent spacing and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning mechanism serves multiple functions: it performs both the primary distance measurement and the contamination detection. By integrating these functions, the system achieves high detection precision without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each function, reducing overall complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple light transmitting/receiving elements are used to detect the entire optical window, then detection coverage is improved, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single light transmitting/receiving element that moves dynamically with the scanning mechanism to cover the entire optical window area. This dynamic scanning approach achieves full area coverage with just one detection element, dramatically reducing the component count compared to static multi-element arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple fixed elements to cover the optical window area, the patent inverts the approach by using one moving element that scans across the area. This inversion reduces component quantity while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the scanning motion.
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 contamination across the entire optical window with fewer sensors, reducing complexity and cost while accurately distinguishing between reflective and non-reflective contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a retro-reflective member, attached to the scanning mechanism, the member for reflecting detection light from the reflection photoelectric sensor having passed through the optical window towards the reflection photoelectric sensor
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of reflection photoelectric sensors arranged along the optical window on an outer side of the optical window
Data Source
AI summary
An optical window contamination detecting device capable of detecting even microscopic contamination on an optical window with a limited number of contamination detecting sensors. The optical window contamination detecting device is used for a scanning type distance measuring apparatus that includes a casing, formed with an optical window, which accommodates a light transmitting unit, a scanning mechanism for deflection scanning measurement light output from the light transmitting unit into a measuring space through the optical window, and a light receiving unit for detecting reflected light from an object through the optical window. The optical window contamination detecting device includes a plurality of reflection photoelectric sensors arranged along the optical window on an outer side of the optical window and a retro-reflective member attached to the scanning mechanism, the retro-reflective member for reflecting detection light from the reflection photoelectric sensor having passed through the optical window towards the reflection photoelectric sensor.