Spectrometer Sector Shutter Asymmetric Axis for Spark Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometers face challenges in achieving precise and reproducible closure of the entrance slit due to manufacturing tolerances and vibrations, leading to noise components and reduced detection sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The axis of rotation of the sector shutter is made non-parallel to the light path, allowing for a more compact design and precise control, with optically scannable elements for precise triggering and masking of the initial spark phase, eliminating the need for gear elements and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the axis of rotation of the sector shutter is parallel to the light path, then the shutter can cover the entrance slit, but manufacturing tolerances and vibrations impair the closure precision and reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the sector shutter's axis of rotation at a distance from the light path rather than parallel to it. This asymmetric arrangement allows the shutter to approach the slit from an offset position, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances and vibrations on closure precision while maintaining effective light blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical element (such as a mirror or lens) that redirects the light path to pass through the sector shutter. This intermediary allows the shutter to be positioned away from the direct light path, improving closure reliability while still effectively controlling light access to the detector.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sector shutter is located very close to the entrance slit (maximum distance 0.1 mm), then the slit can be effectively covered, but manufacturing tolerances and vibrations impair the closure function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the sector shutter is offset from the direct light path and approaches the slit from a lateral position. This allows effective slit coverage without requiring the shutter to be positioned within 0.1 mm of the slit, thereby reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances and simplifying the overall assembly.
3Ease of operation
If a rotating disk shutter is used to cover the entrance slit, then the light path can be controlled, but the design is not compact and requires gear elements that increase noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gear-driven shutter systems with a direct-drive mechanism or alternative actuation method. This substitution eliminates noisy gear elements while maintaining the ability to control the light path through the sector shutter, resulting in a more compact and quieter device.
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrometer may include a radiation source having a spark generator, an entrance slit, a dispersive element and a plurality of detectors, and a rotatable sector shutter having an axis of rotation and a trigger unit optically coupled to the sector diaphragm. The axis of rotation of the sector shutter is non-parallel to a connecting line between the source and the entrance slit.