Transparent Tube Fluid Detection with Mirror-Expanded Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical detection devices face issues with increased manufacturing and maintenance costs due to the need for wire connections between the emitter and receiver, limited detection range due to beam divergence, and susceptibility to ambient stray light, which affects light intensity differentiation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid detection device with a mirror configuration that reflects light beams to expand the detection zone, using a single circuit board and multiple light receivers to enhance detection range and reduce stray light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the distance between emitter and receiver is increased to widen the light beam coverage, then the illuminated range is expanded, but the device becomes more susceptible to ambient stray light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time dimension by using periodic modulation of the light emitter and synchronized detection. The emitter is modulated at a specific frequency, and the receiver detects signals only at corresponding time intervals, effectively filtering out continuous ambient stray light through temporal discrimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitter performs periodic on-off modulation at a predetermined frequency. The receiver is synchronized to detect light signals only during specific time windows when the emitter is active, creating a time-gated detection scheme that rejects non-modulated ambient light interference.
2Ease of manufacture
If face-to-face configuration is used for emitter and receiver, then light beam transmission is straightforward, but additional wire connections and positional alignment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emitter and receiver onto a single circuit board, eliminating the need for wire connections between separate boards. Both components share the same mounting plane and electrical power source, simplifying the overall device architecture and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A mirror is introduced as an intermediary optical element to redirect the light path. The mirror enables the receiver to detect light from the emitter without requiring direct line-of-sight alignment, effectively decoupling the positional alignment requirement while maintaining optical functionality.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light receivers are used to enhance detection range, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented across multiple light receivers arranged in series on the circuit board. Each receiver monitors a specific portion of the optical path, and their combined signals provide comprehensive detection coverage with improved precision through spatial distribution of sensing elements.
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 device achieves a wider detection zone with reduced stray light interference, enabling effective light intensity differentiation and cost-effective manufacturing by eliminating wire connections and positional alignment complexities.
Implementation Method 1
at least a mirror, disposed on the second surface of the main body, for reflecting the first light beam into a second light beam
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light receivers, disposed on the first surface of the main body, the plurality of light receivers is used for receiving the second light beam and converting it into a first signal
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device for fluid is provided. The detection device is configured to detect fluid flowing in a transparent tube. The detection device includes a main body, a light emitter, a mirror, a plurality of light receivers and a control circuit. The main body covers the transparent tube and includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The light emitter is arranged on the first surface and emits a first light beam toward the second surface. The mirror is arranged on the second surface to reflect the first light beam into a second light beam. The light receivers are disposed on the first surface to receive the second light beam and convert it into a first signal. Each of the light receivers is connected in series. The control circuit is electrically connected to the light receivers, and processes the first signal output by the light receivers.