Window Contamination Detection Using Laser Backscatter Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensor systems in aircraft are prone to window contamination, which attenuates laser beams and degrades signal quality, requiring complex and costly solutions that are either too large or require significant computing power.
Innovation Solution
A system using a reflective surface, band-pass filter, focusing lens, photodetector, and processor to detect contamination by analyzing backscattered laser light, utilizing the primary laser source for detection and issuing alerts or maintenance instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex optic components and arrangements are used to detect contamination, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of contamination detection by using a simple photodetector to measure backscattered light intensity, eliminating the need for complex optic components while maintaining detection reliability through straightforward signal analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the laser emitter's own backscattered light to detect contamination, allowing the primary laser source to serve dual purposes: both transmitting signals through the window and providing the detection signal, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing reliability
2Reliability
If additional laser emitter is used for contamination detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The primary laser emitter is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits optical signals through the window for the main sensing operation and simultaneously provides the backscattered light signal for contamination detection, eliminating the need for a separate detection laser and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The laser emitter serves itself by using its own emitted light that backscatters off contaminants to provide the detection signal, removing the need for additional laser emitters and simplifying the system architecture
3Measurement precision
If larger components are used for contamination detection, then detection precision is improved, but available space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from a separate complex optical system and implements it using a compact photodetector that measures light intensity directly, significantly reducing the space required while maintaining detection precision through efficient signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical arrangements with a simpler photodetector-based electrical measurement system, eliminating the need for large optical components and reducing the overall footprint of the contamination detection system
4Reliability
If devices installed external to optical sensor system are used, then detection reliability is improved, but system integration and space constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the contamination detection function directly into the optical sensor system by integrating the photodetector and signal processing circuitry within the same housing, allowing simultaneous transmission and detection operations without requiring separate external devices
5Measurement precision
If significant computing capabilities and power are used, then data processing accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using simple signal processing that analyzes only the essential backscattered light intensity signal rather than performing complex computational analysis, reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient accuracy for contamination detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses low-cost, low-power photodetectors and simple signal processing circuits that consume minimal energy compared to complex optical systems, achieving adequate detection accuracy through efficient, energy-saving components
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
Effectively detects window contamination without increasing system size and computing requirements, providing reliable data by identifying contaminants that cause transmission loss.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photodetector configured to receive at least some of the focused rays and to convert at least a portion of the at least some the focused rays into at least one electric signal
Implementation Method 2
at least one reflective surface positioned out of the initial laser path, the at least one reflective surface configured to reflect at least a portion of the backscatter rays as reflected rays
Implementation Method 3
at least one filter configured to filter out wavelengths of interference light outside of a wavelength band of the reflected rays and/or of the laser and to output filtered rays
Implementation Method 4
at least one lens configured to receive the filtered rays and to focus the filtered rays as focused rays
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes: a laser emitter configured to emit a laser through a window, wherein, in the presence of contaminant on the second surface, at least part of the laser is backscattered from the contaminant as backscatter rays; a reflective surface configured to reflect the backscatter rays as reflected rays; a filter configured to filter out wavelengths of interference light; a lens configured to focus the filtered rays as focused rays; a photodetector configured to convert the focused rays into an electric signal; an amplifier configured to amplify the electric signal; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to output the converted electric signal as at least one digital electric signal; and a processor configured to receive the digital electric signal.