Chromatic Confocal Sensor with Coaxial Observation Beam Splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatic confocal sensors face challenges in achieving high measurement accuracy due to limitations in sensor positioning and the need for separate components for measurement and observation, which affects the precision and ease of measurement.
Innovation Solution
A chromatic confocal sensor design that includes a light source emitting multiple wavelengths, an objective lens for focal position convergence, a position calculation portion, an observation portion with a beam splitter for coaxial observation, and a guide light irradiation unit, allowing for improved positioning accuracy and easy measurement part checking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the observation portion and beam splitter are integrated into the chromatic confocal sensor, then positioning accuracy and measurement part checking are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the observation portion (including observation light source and image sensor) and the beam splitter into the chromatic confocal sensor system. This merging allows the measurement light and observation light to share the same optical path through the objective lens, enabling accurate positioning and easy measurement part checking while maintaining a unified sensor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter serves multiple functions: it directs measurement light to the emission port for height measurement and simultaneously directs observation light to the image sensor for visual confirmation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle both measurement and observation tasks, improving overall system efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If the beam splitter is positioned between the objective lens and emission port to enable coaxial observation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary component positioned between the objective lens and the emission port. It mediates the separation of measurement light and observation light while maintaining their coaxial paths through the objective lens, enabling accurate measurement without compromising the optical path integrity.
3Loss of energy
If a dichroic mirror is used as the beam splitter to separate different wavelengths, then light amount loss is suppressed, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dichroic mirror as the beam splitter, which utilizes wavelength-dependent reflection and transmission properties. This parameter-based approach allows the system to separate measurement light (certain wavelength range) and observation light (different wavelength range) with minimal light loss, as the dichroic mirror is designed to reflect specific wavelengths while transmitting others.
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 configuration enhances measurement accuracy, facilitates easy checking of the measurement part, and enables high-precision object measurement by suppressing light loss and allowing for flexible observation and guide light configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a light source portion configured to emit a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
an objective lens configured to converge each of the plurality of light beams at different focal positions
Implementation Method 3
the beam splitter may be a dichroic mirror that separates the light of the plurality of wavelengths emitted from the light source portion and the light of the wavelength emitted from the observation light source
Data Source
AI summary
A chromatic confocal sensor includes a light source portion that emits a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths; an objective lens that converges the plurality of light beams at different focal positions; an emission port from which measurement light reflected by an object to be measured at the focal positions out of the plurality of light beams is emitted; a position calculation portion that calculates a position of the object to be measured based on the emitted measurement light; an observation portion including an observation light source that emits observation light and an image sensor; and a beam splitter that emits at least a part of the measurement light that passes through the objective lens to the emission port and emits at least a part of the observation light that passes through the objective lens and is reflected by the object to be measured to the image sensor.