Chromatic Point Sensor Optical Pen Adjustable Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatic point sensors (CPS) face limitations in extending their measurement range while maintaining high resolution capabilities, as design constraints restrict how much the range can be extended without compromising resolution throughout the range.
Innovation Solution
A CPS optical pen with an adjustable range and stand-off distance is developed, utilizing a housing with an aperture and an axial chromatic aberration portion comprising multiple axially dispersive focusing elements, where the lengths between these elements are adjustable, allowing for various configurations that enhance the range and stand-off distance, thereby extending the effective measurement range while maintaining high resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the range of an optical pen is extended, then the measurement range is improved, but the resolution capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable focusing elements that can be dynamically repositioned along the optical axis to change the working range. The second focusing element can be moved to adjust the focal plane, allowing the system to adapt between different measurement ranges while maintaining resolution through optimized optical configuration for each range setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters by adjusting the positions of focusing elements and modifying the axial chromatic aberration characteristics. By varying the focal length and chromatic dispersion parameters through element repositioning, the system achieves different measurement ranges while preserving resolution capability through parameter optimization.
2Length of moving object
If the stand-off distance is adjusted, then the effective measurement range is extended, but the optical alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable focusing elements that can be dynamically repositioned to change the stand-off distance. The mechanical adjustment mechanism allows the optical elements to be moved along the optical axis, enabling the system to adapt to different working distances while maintaining alignment through the adjustable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with multi-functional focusing elements that can perform both focusing and range adjustment functions. The same optical components serve multiple purposes: they focus light, create axial chromatic aberration, and enable range adjustment through repositioning, thereby reducing the need for separate alignment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple focusing elements are added to extend range, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple focusing functions into a integrated optical assembly where the first and second focusing elements work together as a unified system. The combining of chromatic aberration generation, light focusing, and range adjustment into a single optical path reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The focusing elements are designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving as both chromatic aberration generators and focusing components. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extended measurement capability while using fewer discrete components, thereby managing device complexity through functional integration.
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
This solution enables the CPS optical pen to measure over a longer range with high resolution by adjusting the range and stand-off distance, allowing for multiple configurations that optimize measurement capabilities for different applications, effectively increasing the range-to-resolution ratio.
Implementation Method 1
controlled longitudinal chromatic aberration (also referred to herein as axial chromatic dispersion) may be introduced in an optical imaging system, causing the imaging system focal length to vary with wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a lens can be designed whose back focal length (BFL) is a monotonic function of wavelength. In white light operation, such a lens exhibits a rainbow of axially dispersed foci
Implementation Method 3
Upon reflection from the surface, the light is refocused onto a small detector aperture, such as a pinhole and/or the end of an optical fiber
Data Source
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AI summary
A chromatic point sensor (CPS) optical pen 120 provides a signal usable to measure a distance MD to a surface 190, and includes an axial chromatic aberration portion 150 arranged to receive source radiation from an aperture 195, output it toward the surface 190 as a focused measurement beam 196 having axial chromatic dispersion, receive reflected radiation from the surface 190 and focus it proximate to the aperture 195. The axial chromatic aberration portion 150 includes a first axially dispersive focusing element 150A that receives the source radiation and focuses it at a first focal region FR 1, a second axially dispersive focusing element 150B that receives the radiation from the first focal region FR 1 and focuses it at a second focal region FR 2, and a third axially dispersive focusing element 150C that receives the radiation from the second focal region FR 2 and outputs the measurement beam 196. Lengths between the first 150A, second 150B and third axially dispersive focusing elements 150C are adjustable (i.e., resulting in an adjustable range).