Adjustable Phototransistor Circuit for UV Curing Lamp Ignition Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultra-violet curing systems face challenges in detecting bulb ignition due to the inability to easily adjust the sensitivity of light sensors, leading to incorrect signaling and undetected failure modes, especially when dealing with varying power levels and multiple lamps in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
A phototransistor circuit with adjustable sensitivity, combined with a signal conditioning circuit, is used to detect bulb ignition, allowing for precise adjustment of sensitivity through a resistor-capacitor circuit and potentiometer, enabling accurate detection across a range of light intensities and multiple lamp configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed sensitivity light sensor (photodiode or photoresistor) is used to detect bulb ignition, then the device structure is simple, but the sensor cannot accurately detect varying light intensities from multiple lamps or different power levels, leading to incorrect signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by replacing the fixed sensitivity photodiode/photoresistor with a phototransistor circuit whose sensitivity can be dynamically adjusted. The phototransistor's gain can be modified through circuit configuration (such as adding resistors in the collector or base circuit), allowing the detection sensitivity to adapt to varying light intensities from multiple lamps or different power levels, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Parameter changes principle by changing the electrical parameters of the detection circuit. By modifying the phototransistor circuit configuration (adding resistors, changing bias conditions), the sensitivity parameter of the sensor is adjusted to match different operating conditions. This allows accurate detection across varying light intensities without requiring a completely different sensor for each condition, balancing precision improvement with acceptable circuit complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If welding glass is added to adjust light sensor sensitivity, then some sensitivity adjustment is achieved, but the calibration process becomes imprecise and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Mechanics substitution principle by replacing the mechanical/optical approach (welding glass filters) with an electrical approach (phototransistor circuit modification). Instead of physically inserting different glass filters to adjust sensitivity, the invention uses electrical circuit elements (resistors, bias conditions) to adjust the phototransistor's sensitivity. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming trial-and-error calibration process while providing a broader and more precise adjustment range through simple circuit parameter changes.
3Ease of operation
If light sensor sensitivity is not adjustable, then the device is easier to operate, but scattered light from ignited lamps causes false detection in adjacent lamp sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by enabling dynamic sensitivity adjustment in the phototransistor circuit. When detecting multiple lamps, the sensitivity can be optimized to distinguish the specific lamp being monitored from scattered light of adjacent lamps. This dynamic capability maintains ease of operation through a unified sensor design while significantly improving detection reliability by allowing sensitivity to be tuned for each specific installation configuration.
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 provides reliable detection of bulb ignition states, preventing incorrect signaling and ensuring proper operation of ultra-violet curing systems by allowing for precise sensitivity adjustment, thus enhancing system reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
using a phototransistor circuit with adjustable sensitivity to detect bulb ignition
Data Source
AI summary
The invention disclosed provides an improved method and apparatus for light sensing to detect bulb ignition for UV curing lamps. The light sensing apparatus is configured with adjustable sensitivity, and can be configured for use with a range of light intensity levels. The light sensing apparatus can be configured for use with multiple ultra-violet lamps in a variety of spatial configurations. The light sensing apparatus comprises a phototransistor circuit configured with adjustable sensitivity. The improved apparatus further comprises a signal conditioning circuit.