Distance Measuring Device Divergent Reference Radiation Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measuring devices face challenges in achieving high measurement accuracy due to mechanical components like reflecting flaps, which introduce mechanical errors and require calibration that interrupts measurement operations, especially under temperature variations and mechanical tensions.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring device that emits divergent radiation with a partial beam for reference and measurement, using a sensor device with single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and a reflector to enable continuous calibration without mechanical actuators, allowing for a compact and cost-effective reference unit that simplifies setup and reduces time-of-flight errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical reflecting flaps are used to redirect transmission radiation for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but mechanical errors are introduced and measurement operations are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from the mechanical reflecting flap system and implements it through a purely optical reference section. The reference section separates the calibration path from the measurement path, allowing calibration to occur without mechanical movement or interruption of measurement operations, thereby eliminating mechanical errors while maintaining measurement continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reflecting flap system with an optical reference section that uses fixed optical elements (mirrors, beam splitters) to redirect radiation. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts that introduce errors and require interruption, achieving both high precision and continuous operation through purely optical means.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical actuators are used for calibration, then calibration is possible, but manufacturing costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuators with a fixed optical reference section that uses stationary optical elements. This eliminates complex mechanical drive systems, reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining calibration accuracy through precise optical path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference section creates an optical copy of the transmission path with a known reference length. By measuring the time of flight of radiation through this reference path, the system achieves calibration without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical components are used for beam redirection, then beam direction can be changed, but time-of-flight errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam redirection components with fixed optical elements in the reference section. This eliminates mechanical play, friction, and positioning errors that affect time-of-flight measurements, achieving both operational flexibility and high time-of-flight accuracy through stationary optical components.
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 precise calibration and continuous measurement operation without interruptions, reducing manufacturing costs and improving measurement accuracy by eliminating mechanically movable components, allowing for a more economical and efficient distance measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission device comprises at least one device for generating and emitting visible or invisible radiation
Implementation Method 2
emits time-modulated light in the direction of the target object
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensor device for detecting reference and measurement radiation
Implementation Method 4
using a sensor device with single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and a reflector
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure proceeds from a distance measuring device comprising at least one distance measuring unit, which is in particular suitable for a contactless distance measurement, which has at least one transmission device for emitting reference and measurement radiation and at least one sensor device for detecting reference and measurement radiation. It is proposed that, in the distance measuring device according to the disclosure, the reference radiation is embodied as at least one partial beam of divergent radiation emitted by the transmission device.