Inclination Detector Closed Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inclination detector devices are sensitive to soiling and surface deviations in the optical components, leading to errors in detection accuracy, and their manufacturing is expensive and complex due to high cleanliness requirements.
Innovation Solution
A closed unit is formed by connecting a light source, light guide, and light sensor device with an optical bonding compound, eliminating gaps and ensuring a stable, refractive-index-matched optical path, which reduces sensitivity to soiling and temperature variations, and is secured with a casting compound for additional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light sources and light sensors are mechanically held independently on the level, then the device structure is simple and easy to assemble, but gaps are formed between components leading to soiling and optical path disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, light guide, level, and light sensor device into a single integrated optical unit. This consolidation eliminates the gaps between separately mounted components, preventing soiling and optical path disturbances while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular integration.
2Measurement precision
If high cleanliness requirements are imposed on the optical path, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of soiling and optical path disturbances into a benefit by creating a sealed, integrated optical unit. The closed structure naturally prevents contamination without requiring complex cleanroom manufacturing processes, thus maintaining high detection accuracy while simplifying manufacturing.
3Reliability
If complex safety equipment and frequent cleaning procedures are implemented, then optical path cleanliness is maintained, but device complexity and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary protection by sealing the optical path within an integrated unit during manufacturing. This preliminary action prevents soiling before it can occur, eliminating the need for subsequent cleaning operations and associated time losses.
4Ease of operation
If gaps are left between optical components, then assembly is easier and component adjustment is simpler, but soiling occurs leading to detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all optical components into a pre-aligned integrated unit, eliminating gaps that would lead to soiling. The integration is designed to maintain optical alignment precision while preventing contamination, thus preserving measurement accuracy without sacrificing ease of assembly.
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 solution reduces errors in inclination detection, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances the robustness of the device against soiling, temperature changes, and mechanical shocks, while maintaining high precision in imaging the gas bubble position.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (3) arranged between the light source and the level... the light source, the light guide, the level and the light sensor device form a closed unit
Implementation Method 2
a hollow body filled with a liquid and a gas bubble... the gas bubble always floats at the highest point in the space due to its buoyancy
Implementation Method 3
Photosensors, photodiodes or photo lines may be used as the light sensor device... allow optical scanning of the position of the gas bubble
Data Source
AI summary
An inclination detector device is disclosed. The detector device has a light source, a light sensor device, and a level arranged between the light source and the light sensor device. In addition, a light guide is arranged between the light source and the level. The light source is joined to the light guide, the light guide is joined to the level, and the level is joined to the light sensor device in such a way that the light source, the light guide, the level, and the light sensor device form a closed unit.