Flexible Optical Measuring Device for Narrow Space Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical measuring devices are limited by fixed optical paths and minimum measurement distances, making them unsuitable for close-range or complex detection environments, such as within machines or transmission pipelines, where the laser beam cannot be arbitrarily directed.
Innovation Solution
A flexible optical measuring device with an optical distance measuring module, optical fiber adapter, and optical coupling module, allowing the optical path to be bent arbitrarily using optical fibers and reflective mirrors, enabling coaxial measurement and zero-distance measurement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical measuring device uses fixed optical path with light-emitting module and light-receiving module on same baseline, then device structure is simple, but measurement distance must be more than 5 cm and cannot measure in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical path into separate segments using optical fibers. The light-emitting module, optical fibers, and light-receiving module are segmented into independent components that can be positioned flexibly. This allows the optical path to be extended and routed through narrow spaces, reducing the minimum measurement distance while maintaining measurement capability in complex detection environments.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers serve as intermediaries between the light-emitting module and the light-receiving module. These fibers transmit the laser beam through flexible pathways, enabling the optical path to bend and adapt to narrow spaces and complex detection environments while maintaining the coherence and precision required for accurate measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical measuring device uses straight optical path, then optical path is simple, but cannot change direction arbitrarily to adapt to complex detection environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical optical path structure with an optical fiber-based system. Instead of moving or adjusting rigid optical components mechanically, the flexible optical fibers transmit light through bent pathways, enabling arbitrary direction changes without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thus improving adaptability while controlling device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If traditional optical measuring device requires minimum distance of 5 cm, then optical path is stable, but cannot perform zero-distance or close-range measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed two-dimensional optical path arrangement to a three-dimensional flexible optical path using optical fibers. This allows the optical path to extend in multiple dimensions and directions, enabling the light-receiving module to be positioned close to or at the measurement point while the light-emitting module remains at a distance,从而实现零距离或近距离测量 capability.
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
The flexible device can adapt to various detection environments, reducing obstacles and allowing measurements at minimum distances, including in narrow spaces and complex environments, by extending and bending optical fibers to change the optical path direction effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The one end of the first optical fiber is disposed corresponding to the light source via the optical fiber adapter... The one end of the second optical fiber is disposed corresponding to the optical receiver via the optical fiber adapter
Implementation Method 2
the flexible optical measuring device with coaxial measuring function and capable of bending an optical path arbitrarily... capable of bending an optical path arbitrarily to adapt to various unfriendly detection environment
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible optical measuring device comprises an optical distance measuring module, an optical fiber adapter and an optical coupling module. The optical distance measuring module comprises a light source, an optical receiver and a computing unit. The optical fiber adapter is disposed and connected between the optical distance measuring module and the optical coupling module. The optical coupling module comprises a first optical fiber, a two-in-one optical coupler, a detector and a second optical fiber. A measuring beam is emitted from the light source and reaches the detector. The measuring beam then passes through the detector to the object and forms a reflected beam which is reflected back to the detector, then enters the second optical fiber and passes through the optical receiver and the optical receiver outputs a measurement signal. The computing unit calculates the distance between the object and a terminal of the detector accordingly.