Tapered Ultrasonic Waveguide with Optical Shield for Range Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic and near-infrared range/proximity sensors face limitations in accuracy due to range limitations, divergence issues, and susceptibility to optical noise, particularly in environments with varying reflectivity and ambient noise.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic and optical waveguide apparatus featuring a tapered ultrasonic waveguide with an integrated optical shield that prevents light transmission, allowing for precise ultrasonic and optical signal transmission and reception while minimizing crosstalk, enabling accurate range and proximity sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If ultrasonic sensors are used for range/proximity sensing, then they can detect objects at various distances, but they experience divergence after a certain distance which prevents successful range determination
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two separate sensing modalities: ultrasonic sensing for longer distances and optical sensing for shorter distances. Each modality operates within its optimal range, with the ultrasonic transducer handling distant objects and the optical receiver handling nearby objects, thus resolving the divergence issue at long distances while maintaining precision at short distances
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the sensing parameter (from ultrasonic to optical) based on the distance parameter. By switching between different physical sensing mechanisms depending on the range, the system maintains measurement precision across varying distances, overcoming the ultrasonic divergence limitation
2Length of stationary object
If near-infrared sensors are used for range/proximity sensing, then they can provide short-range detection, but they experience problems with reflectivity in certain environments making them inaccurate and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer acts as an intermediary sensing mechanism that operates effectively in environments where optical sensors fail due to reflectivity issues. By having both sensing modalities available, the system can switch to ultrasonic sensing as an intermediary solution when optical reflectivity problems occur, thereby maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the sensing parameter from optical to ultrasonic based on environmental conditions. When reflectivity issues are detected or anticipated, the system switches to ultrasonic sensing, maintaining reliability across varying environmental conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If both ultrasonic transducer and optical transmitter/receiver are integrated in the same detector, then they can work alone or in conjunction to estimate range or proximity, but the optical receiver is susceptible to optical noise including ambient noise and crosstalk from the optical transmitter
Solution Approach 1:
The optical shield extracts and removes the harmful optical noise (crosstalk and ambient noise) from the path between the optical transmitter and receiver. By physically blocking the direct line of sight for optical signals while allowing ultrasonic waves to pass, the shield separates the useful optical reflection signal from the harmful direct crosstalk, thereby improving optical measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The optical shield blocks the harmful direct crosstalk from the optical transmitter, converting what would be a source of error into a beneficial separation of signal paths. The shielded configuration ensures that only reflected optical signals from actual objects reach the receiver, not direct emissions, thereby improving measurement accuracy
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 enhances the accuracy of range and proximity determinations by optimizing ultrasonic wave transmission and reception, while reducing optical noise interference, thereby improving the reliability of sensing systems in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal with the ultrasonic transducer and along the ultrasonic waveguide
Implementation Method 2
an optical shield extending through at least a portion of the hollow interior of the ultrasonic waveguide, wherein the optical shield prevents transmission of a portion of light through the hollow interior
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic and optical waveguide apparatus includes a face plate and an ultrasonic waveguide extending through a portion of the face plate. The ultrasonic waveguide has a hollow interior with an interior diameter tapered along an elongate axis of the ultrasonic waveguide. The elongate axis of the ultrasonic waveguide is oriented orthogonal to the face plate. An optical shield extends through at least a portion of the hollow interior of the ultrasonic waveguide. The optical shield prevents transmission of a portion of light through the hollow interior.