Handheld Distance Measuring Device Optical Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld distance-measuring devices face significant challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy due to user-related tremors and movements, which cause instability in the measuring beam, especially when measuring narrow objects or edges, leading to increased measuring uncertainties.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a motion sensor to detect housing movements and using a control unit to generate actuator signals that stabilize the optical transmitting path by moving movable optical elements, ensuring the measuring beam remains stationary on the target object, thereby reducing the impact of user-induced tremors and movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handheld distance-measuring device is used for contactless measurement, then ease of operation is improved, but measuring precision deteriorates due to user tremors and movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a motion sensor to detect housing movements and feeds this information back to a control unit, which then actuates an opticator to adjust the optical element. This closed-loop feedback system continuously compensates for tremors and movements, maintaining measuring beam stability while preserving handheld operation convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical stabilization (such as tripods) with an active optical stabilization system using motion sensors and opticators. This substitution allows handheld operation while compensating for movements through electronic and optical means rather than mechanical constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the measuring beam is directed at narrow objects or edges, then measurement capability is improved, but measuring precision deteriorates due to beam instability from tremors
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor continuously monitors housing movements and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the opticator in real-time. This feedback mechanism stabilizes the measuring beam on narrow objects and edges, preventing tremor-induced deviations while maintaining the ability to measure such features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic stabilization system where the optical element can be actively adjusted during measurement. The opticator dynamically compensates for tremors and movements, allowing the beam to remain stable on narrow targets even as the user's hand moves, thereby enhancing both adaptability and precision.
3Device complexity
If the optical measuring beam is emitted without stabilization, then device complexity is reduced, but measuring precision deteriorates due to tremor-related movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-controlled stabilization system where motion sensors detect housing movements and the control unit adjusts the opticator accordingly. This feedback mechanism provides precision compensation without requiring a completely redesigned optical system, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while significantly improving measuring accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the optical system by introducing active adjustment capabilities through the opticator. The optical element's position or orientation can be dynamically modified to compensate for tremors, improving precision while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.
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 significantly enhances the accuracy and convenience of handheld distance measurements by minimizing the effect of user-related movements, allowing for precise targeting of narrow objects and reducing signal fluctuations, making it easier to read distance values accurately.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor is configured so as to detect a movement of the housing during the measurement
Implementation Method 2
at least one movable optical element can be moved out of the initial position into a compensation position in such a way that the transmitting path—outside of the housing—can be stabilized at a spatially fixed position
Data Source
AI summary
A distance-measuring device for contactless measurement of a distance to an object, including a housing; a contactless measuring apparatus utilizing an optical measuring beam arranged in the housing and having a radiation unit, an optical unit with optical elements encompassing at least a transmitting and receiving lens system, an optical transmitting path with an optical axis for emitting a measuring beam onto the target object, an optical receiving path with an optical axis for receiving a measuring beam that is reflected and/or scattered by the target object. At least one optical element is movable relative to an initial position; a motion sensor detects a movement of the object, the optical element movable out of the initial position into a variable compensation position so that the transmitting path can be stabilized at a spatially fixed position.