Triangulation Distance Sensor with Fixed Transmitter and Rotating Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement apparatuses face challenges in reducing the inertial moment of rotors, load of rotation power, and complexity of parts due to the simultaneous rotation of both light transmitters and receivers, which complicates the structural design and electrical wiring.
Innovation Solution
A distance measurement apparatus is designed with a fixed light transmitter and a rotating light receiver, where the light transmitter emits collimation light that is reflected or dispersed by an object and focused onto a photo-detector, allowing for triangulation-based distance measurement while simplifying the structure and reducing the mass and power requirements of the rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both light transmitter and light receiver are rotated simultaneously, then the detection scope is improved, but the inertial moment of rotor increases and power load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotating assembly into separate functional components: the light receiver is mounted on the rotating rotor while the light transmitter remains stationary. This segmentation allows the rotor to only carry the light receiver and its associated optics, significantly reducing the rotational mass and inertial moment while still achieving full detection scope through rotation of the receiver array
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the light transmitter as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the transmitter stationary and rotating the light receiver array. This inversion reduces the rotational mass since the receiver components are lighter than the transmitter, thereby reducing the inertial moment and power requirements while maintaining the ability to scan a wide detection scope
2Adaptability or versatility
If both light transmitter and light receiver are rotated simultaneously, then the detection scope is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a stationary transmitter unit and a rotating receiver unit, eliminating the need for complex synchronization mechanisms between rotating transmitter and receiver. The receiver array rotates independently on a simple rotor structure, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving comprehensive detection coverage through the rotational scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating rotor structure serves multiple functions: it mounts the light receiver array, provides the rotational scanning mechanism for wide detection scope, and acts as the support structure for the entire receiving optics. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure
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 configuration simplifies the apparatus, reduces the inertial moment and power load, and enhances the detection scope by allowing the light receiver to rotate independently, enabling accurate distance measurement and presence/absence detection of objects over a wide range.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator lens configured to emit a light by converting the light emitted from the light source to a collimation light
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror configured to reflect the collimation light emitted from the collimator lens to an object
Implementation Method 3
a lens configured to concentrate a light reflected or dispersed from the object to a spot
Implementation Method 4
a photo-detector configured to form a spot concentrated with light on the lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a distance, the apparatus including a light transmitter including a light source configured to emit a light, and a collimator lens configured to emit a light by converting the light emitted from the light source to a collimation light, and a light receiver including a first mirror configured to reflect the collimation light emitted from the collimator lens to an object, a lens configured to concentrate a light reflected or dispersed from the object to a spot, and a photo-detector configured to form a spot concentrated with light on the lens, wherein an optical axis of the light source matches a rotation shaft of the photo-detector, the light transmitter is fixed and the light receiver rotates about the optical axis of the light source.