Holed Mirror Retro-Reflection Measurement Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retro-reflection measurement systems require multiple support devices, leading to instability and measurement inaccuracies, and are limited by the need for small beam splitter mirrors that cause energy loss and processing difficulties, especially in practical engineering applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable retro-reflection measurement device using a combination of a holed mirror and a circular aperture to define annular bands of light for precise observation angles, eliminating the need for support devices and minimizing energy loss, with flexible selection of aperture and mirror sizes to achieve high accuracy and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support devices are used to support the annular transparent portion and annular mirrored portion, then the measurement system can define two annular beams for measurement in two observation angles, but the support devices cause incomplete annular beams and affect measurement accuracy, and increase the risk of instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the support devices that were causing measurement inaccuracies and instability. By extracting these problematic components, the system achieves complete annular beams and improved measurement precision while maintaining the capability to measure at multiple observation angles through the simplified optical path design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of defining annular beams and supporting the optical components into a single integrated optical path design. The light source, beam splitter mirror, and detection system are merged into a compact configuration that eliminates the need for separate support devices, thereby improving both measurement accuracy and system stability
2Volume of moving object
If a small size beam splitter mirror is used in the annular transparent portion, then the device can be more compact, but it produces larger energy loss, introduces measuring error and refraction process, and is difficult to be processed and fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the beam splitter mirror, specifically using a larger size mirror compared to conventional small size mirrors. This parameter change reduces energy loss, minimizes measuring errors and refraction processes, while still maintaining a compact overall device design through optimized optical path configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a beam splitter mirror that creates an accurate optical copy of the illumination path in the observation path. By using a larger mirror, the system achieves better optical copying quality with reduced energy loss and minimal refraction, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining device compactness
3Measurement precision
If a long distance is used for retro-reflection measurement, then the observation angle can be precisely controlled, but the measurement requires a large dark room which greatly limits its application in practical engineering measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a long-distance linear measurement configuration to a compact folded optical path design. By using mirrors to fold the optical path and create annular beams, the system achieves precise observation angle control in a short physical distance, eliminating the need for large dark rooms and enabling practical engineering applications
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 accurate and efficient retro-reflection measurements at multiple observation angles with improved stability and reduced measurement time, suitable for both laboratory and on-site applications, while minimizing equipment volume and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the combination of the holed mirror and the circular aperture shape an annular band of light that the holed mirror reflects the light outer the inner diameter
Implementation Method 2
the circular aperture cuts the light outer the external diameter of the annular band. Only the light with angle less than (α+Δα) can through the aperture
Implementation Method 3
Retro-reflective material is mainly used for traffic signs, marking, sight guidance line and other traffic safety warning signs
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to an apparatus for retro-reflection measurement. By using the one or more sampling devices each consists of a holed mirror and an circular aperture, and corresponding one or more measuring devices, it realize the retro-reflection measurement in one or more observation angles at one time. By flexibly selecting the size of the circular apertures and holed mirrors, it can accurately adjust the measuring annular bands and corresponding observation angles. Without any other intermediate devices, it can realize complete annular band of light measurement which ensures the measurement accuracy. At the same time, filters and monitor device can be set flexibly to realize various measurement functions. It has the advantages of speed measurement, high accuracy, small volume, wide application, comprehensive functions, and can be widely applied in laboratory, industrial production line and field measurement etc.