Distance Detection Apparatus Miniaturization via Merged Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance detection apparatuses are not sufficiently miniaturized, making them less convenient for use on mobile carriers and less efficient in terms of compactness and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized distance detection apparatus that uses a single transmitting and receiving lens for both light emission and return light reception, combined with an optical path change element to alter the optical path, allowing for compact and efficient structure design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate transmitting and receiving lenses are used, then optical performance is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmitting lens and receiving lens into a single integrated lens that performs both functions. The lens is designed with specific optical characteristics (focal length, aperture, curvature) that enable it to both collimate the emitted light beam and focus the reflected return light onto the detector, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transmitting lens for beam collimation and a receiving lens for return light focusing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate lenses, reducing device complexity and size while achieving the required optical performance for both transmission and reception
2Reliability
If separate transmitting and receiving lenses are used, then optical performance is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmitting lens and receiving lens into a single integrated lens that performs both functions. The lens is designed with specific optical characteristics (focal length, aperture, curvature) that enable it to both collimate the emitted light beam and focus the reflected return light onto the detector, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is designed to fold back on itself, with the return light path nested within the overall apparatus structure. The single lens handles both outgoing and incoming light paths, and the detector is positioned to receive focused return light within the compact arrangement, achieving miniaturization without sacrificing optical performance
3Reliability
If multiple lenses are used, then optical performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmitting lens and receiving lens into a single integrated lens that performs both functions. The lens is designed with specific optical characteristics (focal length, aperture, curvature) that enable it to both collimate the emitted light beam and focus the reflected return light onto the detector, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transmitting lens for beam collimation and a receiving lens for return light focusing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate lenses, reducing device complexity and size while achieving the required optical performance for both transmission and reception
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 solution enables a more compact and cost-effective distance detection apparatus that can be easily integrated into mobile carriers, improving miniaturization and accuracy while reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting and receiving lens to collimate the beam emitted by the light source, and converge and/or focus at least a part of return light reflected by a to-be-detected object
Implementation Method 2
a transmitting and receiving lens to collimate the beam emitted by the light source, and converge and/or focus at least a part of return light reflected by a to-be-detected object
Implementation Method 3
an optical path change element placed with the light source and the detector on the same side of the transmitting and receiving lens to change an optical path of the beam emitted by the light source or an optical path of the return light that passes through the transmitting and receiving lens
Implementation Method 4
a detector placed with the light source on a same side of the transmitting and receiving lens to convert the at least a part of return light that passes through the transmitting and receiving lens into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses distance detection apparatuses. The distance detection apparatus includes a light source, a transmitting and receiving lens, a detector, and an optical path change element. The light source is to emit a beam. The transmitting and receiving lens is to collimate the beam emitted by the light source, and converge at least a part of return light of the beam reflected by a to-be-detected object. The detector is placed with the light source on a same side of the transmitting and receiving lens, to convert at least a part of return light that passes through the transmitting and receiving lens into an electrical signal. The optical path change element is to change an optical path of the beam emitted by the light source or the return light that passes through the transmitting and receiving lens.