Optical Displacement Sensor Rupture Detection and Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical displacement sensors face challenges in containing light when a reflective moveable member is ruptured, leading to potential leakage of laser light into the ambient surroundings, which can be unsafe and reduce sensor sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The optical displacement sensor arrangement includes a light source, a light detector, and a reflective moveable member. In the event of a rupture detected by a change in the signal, the power level of the light source is adjusted to prevent light leakage, either by reducing the power or turning off the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the power level of the light source is increased to improve measurement sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but light leakage into ambient surroundings increases creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of the reflective moveable member's integrity through signal analysis before potential rupture occurs. By detecting changes in the reflected light signal that indicate impending rupture, the system proactively reduces light source power before actual rupture and light leakage happen, preventing safety hazards while maintaining measurement capability during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the light signal reflected from the moveable member and uses this feedback to detect changes indicating rupture. When signal changes exceed predetermined thresholds, the feedback mechanism triggers automatic reduction of light source power, creating a closed-loop control system that balances measurement sensitivity with safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light source power is reduced to prevent light leakage, then safety is improved, but measurement sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light source power is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting based on the operational state of the reflective moveable member. During normal operation, high power enables maximum sensitivity. When rupture is detected through signal analysis, power dynamically reduces to safe levels, and can be restored when the member is confirmed intact, optimizing the balance between sensitivity and safety throughout operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (light source power level) based on the state of the reflective moveable member. By monitoring signal characteristics and comparing them against predetermined thresholds, the system adjusts power parameters to high levels during healthy operation for maximum sensitivity, and reduces to safe levels when rupture is detected, maintaining optimal performance across different operational states
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a housing structure is designed to contain light in case of rupture, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing optical components and signal processing capabilities to monitor and respond to rupture conditions without requiring additional containment structures. The light source itself, when controlled by the processing circuit, serves the dual purpose of both measurement and safety monitoring, eliminating the need for separate safety housing structures
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical housing structures to contain light physically, the system substitutes a control-based approach where electronic signal analysis and automatic power adjustment replace physical containment mechanisms. This eliminates complex mechanical safety structures while maintaining safety through intelligent control
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 effectively contains light within the sensor even if the reflective moveable member is damaged, ensuring safe operation and maintaining sensitivity by allowing the use of more powerful light sources and flexible internal component configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the light source is disposed to direct light onto the reflective moveable member such that the light is reflected by the reflective moveable member
Implementation Method 2
the light detector is arranged to detect the light reflected by the reflective moveable member, wherein said light is indicative of movement of the reflective moveable member
Implementation Method 3
Laser light is directed onto the interferometer arrangement such that a portion of the light is reflected from each surface. The two portions create an interference pattern at a detector
Data Source
AI summary
An optical displacement sensor arrangement including a light source, a light detector, and a reflective moveable member. The reflective moveable member is moveable relative to the light detector. The light source is disposed to direct light onto the reflective moveable member such that the light is reflected by the reflective moveable member. The light detector is arranged to detect the light reflected by the reflective moveable member, wherein the light is indicative of movement of the reflective moveable member. The optical displacement sensor arrangement is arranged to generate measurement data representing movement of the reflective moveable member based on the light detected by the light detector. The optical displacement sensor arrangement is further arranged to determine a change in a signal generated therein indicative of a rupture of the reflective moveable member; and, in response to determining said signal change, change a power level of the light source.