Multi-Wavelength Sensor Probe for Remote Visual Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic sensors face challenges in adjusting and controlling operations when the probe is placed at a significant distance from the control box, making it difficult for operators to monitor the indicator light, especially in recessed installations where the light is not visible, requiring disengagement of the sensor for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a multi-wavelength transmitter that emits a near-infrared measurement signal and a second signal, such as a visible or ultraviolet signal, simultaneously, based on the sensor's state, allowing for remote monitoring and adjustment by processing the return signal to control the emission of the second signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the probe is placed at a significant distance from the control box, then the sensor can be installed in hard-to-reach locations, but the operator cannot see the indicator light during probe mounting and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visible light signal as an intermediary to convey sensor status information to the operator. Instead of relying directly on the indicator light at the control box, the system uses the optical probe itself to transmit a visible signal that can be observed at the probe location, effectively mediating the communication between the sensor state and the operator's visual perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the indicator light from a single location (control box) to a distributed location (probe tip). By emitting visible light at the probe end through the optical fiber, the system adds a new spatial dimension for visual feedback, allowing operators to see the indicator light at the remote probe location rather than only at the control box.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is recessed, then the sensor can be hidden in its housing, but the indicator light is no longer visible once the sensor is in place
Solution Approach 1:
The optical probe serves as an intermediary that carries both the measurement signal and the visible indicator signal. The visible light emitted by the probe tip mediates the transmission of operational status information to the operator, allowing the control box to remain hidden while maintaining visual feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical probe is given multiple functions: it serves as both the sensing element (transmitting measurement signals) and the indicator light source (emitting visible light). This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill both the recessed installation requirement and the visual feedback requirement.
3Ease of operation
If a visible indicator light is used, then the operator can monitor the sensor operation, but additional optical fibers are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement signal transmission function and the indicator light transmission function into a single optical fiber. By combining these two functions in one fiber, the system avoids the need for separate fibers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining both monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is designed to handle multiple functions simultaneously: carrying both the infrared measurement signal and the visible indicator signal. This multi-functional use of the optical fiber eliminates the need for additional fibers, reducing overall system complexity.
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
Facilitates probe mounting and adjustment at a distance by providing visual feedback through the emission of a visible signal, reducing the need for physical access and simplifying the adjustment process, while also reducing the number of optical fibers and costs.
Implementation Method 1
said transmitter is a multi-wavelength transmitter able to emit a second signal in a wavelength not belonging to the near infrared
Implementation Method 2
said optical probe comprises a set of optical fibers, one end of each optical fiber being connected to said control box
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor including a control housing (2) and an optical probe (3), said control housing (2) including a transmitter (4) capable of transmitting in the direction of said optical probe (3) a measure signal (19) in the near infrared, and a receiver (6) capable of receiving via said optical probe (3) a feedback signal (24) in response to the transmission of said measure signal (19), characterised in that said transmitter (4) is a multiple wavelength transmitter capable of transmitting a second signal at a wavelength not included in the near infrared, said control housing (2) including a processing module (14) capable of selectively controlling the transmission of said second signal based on the condition of the sensor (1) determined from said feedback signal (24).