Dual-Directional Laser Rangefinder for Non-Contact Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser rangefinders are inconvenient for measuring distances between objects that are far apart, as they require placement against one end surface and can suffer from flexibility issues and measurement errors, especially when the objects are at different heights or distances that are hard to reach.
Innovation Solution
A dual-directional laser rangefinder with two laser modules that emit and receive laser beams in opposite directions, allowing the device to calculate distances without needing to be placed against any end surfaces, using a control module to compute the difference in travel times or phases of the beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tape measure is used to measure the distance between two objects, then the measurement can be made, but the user must touch against the end surfaces and encounters flexibility issues and measuring errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tape measure with a laser rangefinder that uses optical beams to measure distance. The laser module emits a laser beam toward the target object and receives the reflected beam, calculating distance based on the time of flight. This eliminates the need for physical contact with surfaces and avoids the flexibility and measurement errors associated with tape measures.
2Measurement precision
If a laser rangefinder is placed against one end surface to measure distance to the other end surface, then the distance can be measured, but the device requires precise placement and is inconvenient when objects are at different heights or distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser rangefinder into two separate laser modules positioned at opposite ends of the housing. Each module can independently emit and receive laser beams toward objects in opposite directions. This segmentation allows the device to measure distances to objects at different heights or positions without requiring the user to place the device against a specific surface, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If the laser beam is emitted perpendicular to the end surface, then the distance calculation is simplified, but measuring errors occur easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the reflected laser beams to improve measurement accuracy. Each laser module receives the reflected beam from the target object and uses this feedback information to calculate the distance. The control module processes the time of flight data from both modules to determine the actual distance between objects, compensating for any deviations from perpendicular emission and improving overall measurement precision.
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 convenient and accurate measurement of distances between two objects without the need to physically contact any surfaces, reducing errors and improving usability for measuring between objects at varying heights or distances.
Implementation Method 1
two laser modules disposed on two ends of the housing, each of the laser modules having a laser emitter and a laser receiver
Implementation Method 2
receive the reflected laser beam from the end surface
Implementation Method 3
By measuring the difference between the emission time and reception time of the laser beam, the distance between the two objects can be calculated
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-directional laser rangefinder has a housing with two laser modules and one control module mounted therein. The laser modules emit laser beams toward both sides of the housing and receive the reflected laser beams. The control module computes respectively travel times or the phase differences for the two laser beams from the laser modules, and then computes two distances from the two ends of the housing to the two objects of interest. After adding the length of the housing, the invention obtains an actual total distance between the two objects of interest.