Sensor Indicator Fluorophore Layer Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial sensors face challenges in enhancing the visibility of their indicators, particularly when viewed from large off-center angles, due to light being reflected, scattered, or absorbed by the sensor housing and potting materials, leading to dim and non-uniform illumination.
Innovation Solution
The use of a sensing device with a translucent or transparent indicator layer embedded with fluorophores, such as fluorescent dyes, nano-phosphors, or quantum dots, which absorb and re-emit light to enhance visibility around the perimeter, combined with a housing design that limits light loss and allows 360-degree visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a light source is mounted on a PCB inside the sensor enclosure and conveyed through a light pipe, then the indicator can be integrated into the sensor housing, but the visibility of the indicator is poor when viewed from large off-center angles due to light being reflected, scattered, or absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-reflecting member as an intermediary component between the light pipe and the indicator window. This member reflects light that would otherwise be lost toward the indicator window, thereby enhancing visibility without requiring a more complex light source system or housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a reflective coating or material to the light-reflecting member that optimizes the reflection of specific light wavelengths. This coating enhances the intensity and color consistency of the indicator light by controlling which wavelengths are reflected toward the viewer.
2Illumination intensity
If brighter light source components are selected to improve visibility, then the indicator becomes more visible, but the cost of parts increases and the electric load on the base circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light being reflected, scattered, or absorbed by the housing into a beneficial effect by introducing a light-reflecting member. This member captures and redirects otherwise wasted light toward the indicator window, enhancing brightness without increasing the electric load on the circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-reflecting member acts as an intermediary that amplifies the effectiveness of the existing light source by redirecting light paths. This allows the system to achieve higher apparent brightness without increasing the power consumption of the light source itself.
3Illumination intensity
If physical optical structures such as prisms, light pipes, textured surfaces, and facets are used to enhance visibility, then the indicator visibility improves, but the device complexity and housing size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-reflecting member with the existing housing structure or indicator assembly, combining multiple functions into a single component. This integration approach enhances visibility while avoiding the need for separate, complex optical structures like prisms or facets.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-reflecting member is designed to serve multiple functions: it reflects light toward the indicator window, maintains structural integrity of the housing, and can be integrated with existing mounting features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized optical components.
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 solution improves the visibility and uniformity of sensor indicators without increasing power consumption, providing a brighter and more consistent illumination from multiple angles while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
one or more fluorophores embedded in the indicator layer, a first light source for transmitting light into the indicator layer, wherein the transmitted light is reflected inside the indicator layer and absorbed by the fluorophore to generate enhanced light that is emitted from the end walls
Data Source
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Figure 4A~5
Figure 6A~7C
AI summary
Devices and methods for providing sensor indication are disclosed. The sensor device includes utilizing the signal to activate a light source, transmitting light into a first indicator layer with the light source, and the first indicator layer optionally includes a fluorophore. The indicator layer provides visibility of light around the sensor device.