Retroreflector Remote Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing colorimetric sensors require close proximity for readout, making them time-consuming and expensive, especially in hazardous environments, and are impractical for remote locations due to the need for physical access and personnel risk.
Innovation Solution
A retroreflector-based detection system with a layer of material that changes optical properties upon exposure to phenomena, allowing for remote detection using a radiation source and sensor to illuminate and sense radiation reflected from the retroreflector, which can include prisms, cat's eye microspheres, or colorimetric dyes, enabling wavelength-dependent or polarization-based detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If colorimetric sensors are deployed in hazardous environments or remote locations, then detection coverage is improved, but personnel safety deteriorates and readout time increases due to required close proximity access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical readout system (operator physically approaching and visually inspecting sensors) with an optical readout system using a radiation source and sensor to detect retroreflected light. This substitution enables remote readout without personnel needing to physically approach the colorimetric sensors, thereby reducing readout time and eliminating personnel exposure risks while maintaining detection coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If colorimetric sensors are deployed in hazardous environments, then detection coverage is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase due to required personal protective equipment and decontamination procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical readout system (operator physically approaching and visually inspecting sensors) with an optical readout system using a radiation source and sensor to detect retroreflected light. This substitution enables remote readout without personnel needing to physically approach the colorimetric sensors, thereby reducing readout time and eliminating personnel exposure risks while maintaining detection coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple colorimetric sensors are deployed for mapping contamination, then detection coverage is improved, but readout time increases as operators must physically approach each sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical readout system (operator physically approaching and visually inspecting sensors) with an optical readout system using a radiation source and sensor to detect retroreflected light. This substitution enables remote readout without personnel needing to physically approach the colorimetric sensors, thereby reducing readout time and eliminating personnel exposure risks while maintaining detection coverage.
4Area of stationary object
If colorimetric sensors are placed in remote locations, then detection coverage is improved, but accessibility deteriorates making physical readout impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical readout system (operator physically approaching and visually inspecting sensors) with an optical readout system using a radiation source and sensor to detect retroreflected light. This substitution enables remote readout without personnel needing to physically approach the colorimetric sensors, thereby reducing readout time and eliminating personnel exposure risks while maintaining detection coverage.
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 remote and efficient detection of various phenomena, such as chemicals or temperature, without requiring close proximity, reducing personnel risk and increasing deployment density, while being cost-effective and suitable for large-scale monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
A retroreflector-based detection system with a layer of material that changes optical properties upon exposure to phenomena, allowing for remote detection using a radiation source and sensor to illuminate and sense radiation reflected from the retroreflector
Implementation Method 2
the material being subject to change in transmission with respect to an optical property of radiation with exposure to a phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system includes a retroreflector and a layer of material over the retroreflector, the material being subject to change in transmission with respect to an optical property of radiation, e.g. wavelength or polarization, with exposure to a phenomenon. The retroreflector and layer are illuminated from a radiation source of multiple aspects of the optical property. A sensor senses radiation retroreflected back through the layer. The retroreflector may, for example, be an array of or individual prisms or an array of or individual cat's eye microspheres. The layer of material above the retroreflector can include a colorimetric dye. In an embodiment, the retroreflector and layer are on the surface of a carrier that moves through a medium, e.g. a projectile or vehicle moving through the air. In a method of detecting a phenomenon, retroreflective elements are distributed in an array, as in the atmosphere or across a region of ground.