Rotatable Reception Optics for Scattered Light Self-Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scattered light measurement devices face challenges in precision, space utilization, and construction suitability due to limitations in self-test mechanisms, particularly in detecting contaminants and mechanical fatigue issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a rotatable reception optics on a displaceable rotary axle, allowing for a change between measurement and test modes, where the optical axis is pivoted and displaced in parallel with the light transmitter's axis for direct line-of-sight scanning, utilizing a combination of holding elements, springs, and abutments for stable and efficient scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light receiver is moved into the beam of the light source for self-test, then the reception optics can be tested for contaminants, but the light is incident at different angles during the self-test which falsifies the result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic test mode where the light receiver is movable relative to the light source beam. The receiver can be positioned at different locations along the beam path to perform spatially resolved testing, while the system dynamically adjusts to maintain proper optical alignment. This dynamic positioning allows comprehensive testing without compromising measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a positive cam is used to guide the reception optics for self-test, then the reception optics can be swept over by the transmitted light beam, but the design cannot be used for all scattered light measurement devices from a construction aspect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal self-test mechanism that can be integrated into various scattered light measurement device configurations. The light receiver is equipped with a movable platform and positioning system that can accommodate different housing arrangements and optical geometries. This universal approach allows the same basic mechanism to serve multiple device types without requiring device-specific custom mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the light receiver is arranged at the free end of a leaf spring for self-test, then small movements achieve the desired scanning, but the plate spring can suffer fatigue from changing mechanical strains and can break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the leaf spring mechanical system with an electrically actuated positioning system. The light receiver is mounted on a movable platform that can be positioned using electric motors or actuators instead of elastic deformation. This substitution eliminates the fatigue problem inherent in repeated elastic cycling of the leaf spring while maintaining the ability to perform small, precise movements for scanning.
4Reliability
If the light transmitter and light receiver are pivoted with respect to one another for self-test, then they can be in a direct line of sight, but this takes up too much construction space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional pivoting mechanism to a three-dimensional positioning system. Instead of pivoting the light receiver in a single arc, the system uses a movable platform that can position the receiver at multiple locations in three-dimensional space around the light source. This allows direct line-of-sight testing configurations to be achieved within a more compact volume by utilizing vertical and depth dimensions rather than relying solely on horizontal pivoting range.
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 design achieves high stability, extended service life, and favorable manufacturing and assembly, while ensuring precise and spatially resolved testing of reception optics for contaminants, accommodating various housing configurations and reducing mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
If scatter centers, for example dust grains or other particles, are located in the measurement volume, the light is scattered. A light receiver set up at an angle to the irradiated light registers this scattered light
Implementation Method 2
a first spring (38), in order to restore the rotary axle (32) into a starting position
Implementation Method 3
a second spring (44), in order to restore the reception optics (24) into a starting position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring light scatter, the apparatus having a light transmitter and reception optics for transmitting and detecting a light beam scattered in a measured zone, respectively, wherein an adjustment unit changes between a measuring mode wherein the optical axes of the light transmitter and the reception optics stand at an angle with respect to one another and intersect in the measured zone and a test mode wherein the optical axes of the light transmitter and the reception optics are parallel, wherein the light beam successively sweeps over the reception optics. The reception optics is rotatably held at a displaceable rotary axle, wherein the adjustment unit first rotates the reception optics about the rotary axle in the test mode until the optical axis of the reception optics is parallel with the optical axis of the light transmitter and then displaces the rotatable axle together with the reception optics.