Configurable Optoelectronic Device Harmonic Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic devices for determining the relative position between moving elements require specific geometric arrangements of photodetectors to achieve desired signal characteristics, limiting adaptability and flexibility in harmonic elimination and signal application.

Innovation Solution

A configurable optoelectronic device with control means that can modify the relationship between electrical signals generated by photodetectors, allowing for different signal characteristics to be produced with a single geometric arrangement of photodetectors, and associating gains to simulate various photodetector arrangements, enabling flexible output signal generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a specific geometric arrangement of photodetectors is used to eliminate specific harmonics, then the quality of output signals is improved, but the adaptability to different light fringe periods and applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput signal qualityVSAvoidadaptability to different light fringe periods
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the photodetector arrangement adaptable through electronic control. Instead of a fixed geometric arrangement, the system can dynamically adjust which photodetectors are active and how their signals are combined, allowing the same physical device to adapt to different light fringe periods and eliminate different harmonics as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the photodetector system by allowing electronic selection and weighting of signals from different photodetectors. By changing the electrical connection configuration and signal processing parameters rather than the physical geometry, the system achieves adaptability to different applications while maintaining signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices with different photodetector arrangements are used to obtain different output signal characteristics, then the signal characteristics requirements are met, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput signal characteristicsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a single photodetector device that can perform multiple functions - eliminating different harmonics, adapting to different light fringe periods, and providing different output signal characteristics. This is achieved through electronic configurability rather than requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple potential photodetector arrangements into a single physical device by incorporating all necessary photodetectors and using electronic switching and signal processing to simulate different geometric configurations. This reduces the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining all required functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If photodetectors are arranged with specific distances and dimensions to eliminate harmonics, then the output signal quality is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput signal qualityVSAvoidphotodetector positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/geometric approach to harmonic elimination with an electrical/electronic approach. Instead of relying on precise physical positioning and dimensions of photodetectors, the system uses electronic signal processing and weighting to achieve the same effect, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes from fixed geometric parameters to adjustable electrical parameters. By controlling the electrical connections and signal processing parameters rather than relying on fixed physical dimensions and positions, the system achieves harmonic elimination with relaxed manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the generation of output signals with varying characteristics for different applications using a single device, improving adaptability and reducing the need for multiple device designs, while enhancing immunity to dirt and manufacturing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

one of said elements comprises at least one light emitter that can emit a beam of light that passes through or is reflected on the other element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission and reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

at least one arrangement of photodetectors, said photodetectors receiving the light that passes through or is reflected on said other element, each photodetector generating an electrical signal according to the light it receives

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1914525B1Configurable optoelectronic device
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 FAGOR SCOOP LTDA
  • EP1914525B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1914525B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1914525B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Configurable optoelectronic device that determine the relative position between two elements (1,2) moveable between each other. One of the elements (1,2) comprises at least one light emitter (20) which emits a beam of light to the other element (1,2), and at least one geometric arrangement (22') of photodetectors (22) that receives the light that passes through or is reflected on said other element (1,2). Each photodetector (22) generates an electrical signal (I1,I2,...,In) according to said light received, and said device (4) comprises control means (3) that receive said electrical signals (I1,I2,...,In) and generate the output signals (S1, S2,...,Sm) according to said electrical signals (I1,I2,...,In). Said control means (3) are adapted to configure the relationship between said electrical signals (I1,I2,...,In), having the capacity to generate different functions dependent on said electrical signals (I1,I2,...,In), and also having the capacity to associate any of said functions to any of the output signals (S1,S2,...,Sm).