Ranging apparatus and cleaning robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ranging technologies using reflective sensors are affected by the reflectivity of different materials, leading to inaccuracies in distance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A ranging apparatus with at least two photodetectors that receive echo signals from a target, calculating distance based on the ratio of these signals to mitigate material reflectivity effects, and incorporates optical lenses and baffles to prevent interference from dust and scattered light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single photodetector is used to receive reflected signal light, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is affected by material reflectivity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single detection function into multiple photodetectors (first photodetector and second photodetector), each receiving signal light through different optical paths. This segmentation allows the system to measure reflectivity differences between multiple detection points and compensate for material reflectivity variations, thereby improving distance measurement accuracy without requiring complex external calibration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational mechanism that processes the ratio of echo signals from multiple photodetectors. By calculating the ratio of signal intensities received by different photodetectors, the system creates a reference relationship that eliminates the influence of material reflectivity, serving as a mathematical intermediary to achieve accurate distance measurement despite varying surface properties.
2Measurement precision
If optical lenses and baffles are added to prevent dust interference, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the dust interference problem by introducing baffles that physically block dust particles from entering the optical path between the light emitter and photodetectors. The baffles create a protected optical channel, separating the sensitive detection system from the contaminated environment, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring complex dust removal or cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary protective measures by pre-installing optical lenses and baffles in the optical path before dust interference occurs. The lenses are positioned to focus signal light while baffles are arranged to prevent dust particles from reaching the photodetectors, establishing a clean optical environment in advance and eliminating the need for real-time dust management during operation.
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
Improves the accuracy of distance measurements by eliminating material reflectivity influences and reducing errors from dust interference, enhancing the reliability of robot positioning and path planning.
Implementation Method 1
the first photodetector is configured to receive first signal light reflected by a to-be-detected target under action of the probe light
Implementation Method 2
the at least two photodetectors include a first photodetector and a second photodetector, where the first photodetector is configured to receive first signal light reflected by a to-be-detected target under action of the probe light and output a first echo signal
Data Source
AI summary
A ranging apparatus includes: a light emitter (101) and at least two photodetectors. The light emitter (101) is configured to emit probe light. The at least two photodetectors include a first photodetector (102) and a second photodetector (103). The first photodetector (102) is configured to receive first signal light reflected by a to-be-detected target (100) under the action of the probe light and output a first echo signal; the second photodetector (103) is configured to receive second signal light reflected by the to-be-detected target (100) under the action of the probe light and output a second echo signal, thereby obtaining a target distance based on the ratio of the first echo signal to the second echo signal.