Solar Sensor Modulator for Precise Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sun sensors fail to precisely determine the angles of incident electromagnetic waves and provide directional discrimination, making them inefficient for controlling air conditioning systems in vehicles and buildings, especially when manufacturing and attachment are considered.
Innovation Solution
A sun sensor design featuring a modulator with geometric and material properties that refract, absorb, or scatter electromagnetic waves, combined with a photodetector and evaluation unit, allows for precise calculation of the angle of incidence, including a dual-zone configuration for distinguishing between left and right radiation, and a mechanical mount for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional sun sensor design is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the angles of incident electromagnetic waves cannot be precisely determined and directional discrimination is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The modulator is divided into multiple zones with different geometric properties (e.g., dome-shaped areas with different radii, belt-shaped areas with varying widths). Each zone processes electromagnetic waves from specific directions, enabling precise angular measurement through the combined output signals from multiple photodetectors
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the modulator are assigned different optical properties and geometric characteristics. For example, the dome-shaped areas have different curvatures to handle waves from different elevation angles, while the belt-shaped areas have varying widths to discriminate azimuth angles, creating local functional specialization that achieves precise directional measurement
2Illumination intensity
If the photodetector detects strong solar radiation directly, then the detection range is increased, but overdriving of the photodetector occurs when the sun is high in the sky
Solution Approach 1:
The modulator dynamically changes the optical path and intensity parameters of electromagnetic waves before they reach the photodetector. By using dome-shaped and belt-shaped modulating surfaces, the system adjusts the concentration and direction of incident light, reducing peak intensity during high-sun conditions while maintaining detection sensitivity for lower intensity radiation from other angles
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sun sensor is installed in a mobile medium like a motor vehicle, then the application scope is expanded, but secure attachment and stability during movement become critical requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The modulator and photodetector are integrated into a single compact sensor assembly with a unified housing. This merged structure reduces the number of separate components that need to be mounted, simplifying installation while maintaining structural integrity during vehicle movement. The integrated design ensures that the relative positions of modulating elements and photodetectors remain stable under vibration and thermal expansion
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
The solution enables precise detection of solar radiation angles, preventing overdriving of the photodetector, increasing sensitivity, and effectively controlling air conditioning systems for enhanced comfort by accurately measuring solar radiation from various angles, including when the sun is high in the sky or near the horizon.
Implementation Method 1
The photodetector converts the energy of the incident electromagnetic waves into electrical and/or optical output signals that can be read by an evaluation unit.
Implementation Method 2
the first modulator has a bevel which refracts the incident electromagnetic waves in the direction of the photodetector
Implementation Method 3
They can be at least partially absorbed, scattered or refracted.
Implementation Method 4
They can be at least partially absorbed, scattered or refracted.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7a~7d
AI summary
The solar sensor has a modulator (1) i.e. prism, that is permeable to electromagnetic waves within certain spectrum and comprising polycarbonate. An additional modulator (2) i.e. prism holder, is slightly permeable to the waves. The additional modulator has a belt shaped area (2a) with varied width and is arranged on an outer side of the modulator (1), where the modulators are designed as a single piece. The additional modulator (2) partially covers the modulator (1). A photo detector e.g. photo diode, receives electromagnetic waves and is covered by the modulator (1).