Dual Receiver Distance Sensing Apparatus for Material-Independent Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared rangefinders have limited measuring accuracy due to the reliance on a single receiver and are influenced by the material properties of objects, particularly absorbing materials that weaken the reflected light signal, making it difficult to determine short distances accurately.
Innovation Solution
A distance sensing apparatus utilizing two receivers with distinct signal-to-distance curves and adjustable angles and positions to generate signals that determine a predetermined distance, regardless of the object's material, by comparing the relative strengths of the signals received from the first and second receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single receiver is used in the infrared rangefinder, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately determine short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple receivers (first receiver and second receiver) positioned at different locations. Each receiver has different signal-to-distance curve characteristics, allowing the system to segment the measurement range and achieve accurate detection across different distance zones by selecting the appropriate receiver based on signal comparison
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameter (position) of receivers relative to the light source, creating receivers with different geometric relationships to the emitting surface. This parameter change results in different signal-to-distance curves, enabling the system to distinguish between short and long distances by comparing signal strengths from multiple receivers
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the object material absorbs light, then the reflected light intensity decreases, but this causes the electrical signal to become weak and measurement accuracy to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system compares electrical signals from multiple receivers and uses this comparison to determine distance. When one receiver produces a weak signal due to light absorption, the system feedbacks to select another receiver whose signal-to-distance curve characteristics provide a stronger, more reliable signal for measurement
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the spatial parameter (position and angle) of receivers, the patent creates multiple detection paths with different signal-to-distance characteristics. This allows the system to find an optimal reception path even when the object material absorbs light, maintaining measurement accuracy despite varying object properties
3Measurement precision
If two receivers with different signal-to-distance curves are used, then the measurement precision for short distances is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function across two receivers positioned at different locations with different signal-to-distance curve characteristics. This segmentation allows each receiver to be optimized for specific distance ranges, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection capabilities of two receivers with different signal-to-distance curves into a unified distance measurement system. By combining their complementary characteristics and using signal comparison logic, the system achieves enhanced measurement precision across multiple distance ranges without requiring complex individual receiver designs
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 approach enhances measuring accuracy for short distances and reduces the impact of object material on measurement, allowing precise determination of whether an object is within a predetermined distance based on the relationship between the signals from the two receivers.
Implementation Method 1
the emitter emits a light along an emitting direction toward the object
Implementation Method 2
the first receiver and the second receiver respectively receiving the light reflected from the object to generate a first signal and a second signal
Implementation Method 3
receives the light reflected from the object
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus for sensing a distance from an object includes an emitter, a first receiver, and a second receiver. The emitter emits a light along an emitting direction toward the object. The first receiver is disposed on a side of the emitter and has a first light incident surface, wherein the first receiver receives the light reflected from the object to generate a first signal. The second receiver is disposed between the emitter and the first receiver and has a second light incident surface, wherein the second receiver receives the light reflected from the object to generate a second signal. The first receiver has a first signal-to-distance curve with a first peak, the second receiver has a second signal-to-distance curve with a second peak, and a distance corresponding to the first peak is larger than a distance corresponding to the second peak.