Light-Modulated Actuator Rod Position Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack precise and secure methods for verifying the position of rod holes with respect to light sensors, which is crucial for applications requiring precise movement and preventing unwanted movement that could be catastrophic.
Innovation Solution
An actuator apparatus with an actuator rod and block, featuring a set of rod holes and block holes, a light assembly, light sensors, and a verification module that modulates light to transmit position signals, and a verification circuit to ensure alignment and direction detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light sensor is used to detect rod hole position, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to unauthorized or unwanted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the light sensor detects rod hole position and sends signals to a controller, which then verifies the position against expected values. This closed-loop feedback system ensures both precise measurement and security by continuously monitoring and validating position data to prevent unauthorized movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification system between the light sensor and the actuator control. The controller acts as an intermediary that receives position data from the light sensor, validates it against predetermined criteria, and only permits actuator operation when verification succeeds. This intermediary layer enhances security while maintaining measurement precision
2Reliability
If a verification module with light modulator is added to transmit position signals, then position verification security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical verification mechanisms with an optical system using light modulators and light sensors. Instead of mechanical switches or physical verification devices, the system uses modulated light signals to transmit position data, reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing verification security through optical encoding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light from simple illumination to modulated light carrying position information. By varying the light intensity or frequency according to position data, the system encodes verification information in the light signal itself, achieving secure verification without adding complex separate signaling hardware
3Measurement precision
If multiple rod holes are positioned along a line for precise movement tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but the susceptibility to catastrophic unwanted movement increases without verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from multiple light sensors positioned along the rod to continuously monitor the position of each rod hole. The controller receives feedback from all sensors, verifies that movements follow the expected sequence and pattern, and can detect anomalies that indicate unwanted movement, thereby preventing catastrophic failures while maintaining precise tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary verification by pre-programming the expected positions and movement sequences of multiple rod holes. Before allowing actuator operation, the system verifies that the current position matches the predetermined expected position, preventing unwanted movement by rejecting any deviation from the pre-planned sequence before it can become catastrophic
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 provides precise and secure verification of rod hole positions, ensuring accurate alignment and direction detection, thereby enhancing the safety and precision of movement in robotics and medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a light assembly positioned to light the cavity and an actuator block with an opening in the actuator block sized to conform to an outer surface of the actuator rod. The actuator block includes a light sensor positioned in the actuator block to sense light coming through a rod hole aligned with the light sensor
Implementation Method 2
a verification module with a light modulator configured to modulate light of the light assembly to transmit a position signal
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator apparatus includes an actuator rod with an interior cavity and a set of rod holes. Each rod hole of the set of rod holes extends through the actuator rod to the cavity where the set of rod holes are positioned along a line. The actuator apparatus includes a light assembly positioned to light the cavity. The actuator apparatus includes an actuator block with an opening sized to conform to an outer surface of the actuator rod and a light sensor positioned in the actuator block to sense light coming through a rod hole aligned with the light sensor. The actuator apparatus includes a verification module with a light modulator that modulates light of the light assembly to transmit a position signal, and a verification circuit that transmits a verification signal in response to the light sensor receiving the position signal.