Two Detector Gas Detection System with Standardized Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas detection systems face challenges in accurately and reliably identifying ambient gases without introducing errors from off-axis reflections and stray light signatures, which can lead to false positives or negatives.
Innovation Solution
A gas detection apparatus with a standardized optical path using a main optical element to direct light from a light generating element to both primary and reference detectors, incorporating reflective surfaces, anti-reflective coatings, and a waveguide to ensure focused and less dispersed light beams, thereby increasing the reliability and accuracy of gas identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional gas detection system is used, then the system can detect gases, but it produces false positives or negatives due to off-axis reflections and stray light signatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes stray light and off-axis reflections from the optical path by using a standardized optical design that directs only on-axis reflected light from the target medium to the detector, eliminating harmful light paths that cause false readings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized optical path with specific optical elements (lenses, mirrors, beam splitters) as intermediaries to control and direct light precisely, ensuring that only relevant light signals reach the detector while blocking stray light
2Measurement precision
If light beams are dispersed in conventional systems, then the system structure is simpler, but the detection accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses curved optical surfaces including a parabolic mirror and spherical lenses to focus and concentrate light beams, transforming dispersed light into focused parallel beams that maintain intensity and precision over the optical path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a three-dimensional standardized optical path design with precise spatial arrangement of optical elements, using dimensional positioning to control light propagation and focus rather than relying on simple planar configurations
3Reliability
If the optical path is not standardized, then the system design is more flexible, but the operation reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal standardized optical path design that can be applied to various gas detection configurations, where the same optical elements and arrangement principles serve multiple functions including light generation, direction, reflection, and detection in a unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes standardized optical parameters including specific path lengths, angles of incidence, focal distances, and positioning tolerances that optimize the optical system's performance and ensure reliable operation across different implementations
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 apparatus effectively mitigates stray light and off-axis reflection issues, providing reliable and accurate gas detection by stabilizing the light emission and focusing the light beams for both primary and reference detectors, enhancing the overall performance of the gas detection system.
Implementation Method 1
a main optical element configured to: (1) direct a first portion of light emitted from a light generating element (after the first portion of light has interacted with a target medium) to a primary detector via a second optical element
Implementation Method 2
direct a second portion of light emitted from the light generating element to a reference detector via a third optical element
Implementation Method 3
An anti-reflective (AR) coating may advantageously mitigate stray light signatures from being detected at the primary and reference detectors
Implementation Method 4
A waveguide may aid in guiding the light emitted from the light generating element to/from the target medium with low attenuation
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a gas detection apparatus including a main optical element configured to: (1) direct a first portion of light emitted from a light generating element (after the first portion of light has interacted with a target medium) to a primary detector via a second optical element, and (2) direct a second portion of light emitted from the light generating element to a reference detector via a third optical element. In various examples, the main optical element may be a reflector such as a mirror. The light generating element may, for example, be a red, green, and blue (RGB) light emitting diode(s) (LED(s)). The optical train may, for example, have a single/unitary molded transparent acrylic construction and internal reflective surfaces. A gas detection apparatus may standardize the optical path used by the light generating element and the primary/reference detectors, advantageously providing for reliable operation.