Visible Laser Diode Preheat Bias for Low-Temperature Aimer Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Indicia readers, particularly those using visible laser diodes, face operational instability and potential damage when operating in low-temperature environments, as the components often exceed their operational temperature ranges, leading to unreliable performance and increased risk of damage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a preheat bias current for visible laser diodes in indicia readers, monitored by a temperature sensor, to raise the junction temperature above the operational threshold, ensuring stable operation and extending the component's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the visible laser diode operates in low-temperature environments, then the indicia reader can function in cold settings, but the laser diode experiences operational instability and potential damage due to temperature being below the operational range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational temperature rangeVSAvoidlaser diode performance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies a preheat bias current to the visible laser diode before normal operation to raise its temperature above the lower operational threshold. This preliminary heating action ensures the laser diode reaches its operational temperature range in cold environments, preventing operational instability and damage while enabling the indicia reader to function in low-temperature settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the visible laser diode operates below its minimum temperature threshold, then the indicia reader can be used in cold environments, but the risk of component damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecold environment usabilityVSAvoidthermal stress on laser diode
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects when the visible laser diode temperature falls below the lower operational threshold and automatically applies a preheat bias current to counteract the harmful thermal effects. This preliminary protective action prevents thermal stress and potential damage to the laser diode while maintaining usability in cold environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 solution stabilizes the operation of visible laser diodes in low-temperature environments, preventing damage and ensuring reliable performance by maintaining the components within their operational temperature range, thus enhancing the indicia reader's functionality and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature monitor configured to determine a temperature of the aimer laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Implementation Method 2

the power source is configured to apply a preheat current to the aimer laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4303756A1Visible laser diode preheat control for low temperature operation
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 HAND HELD PRODS INC
  • EP4303756A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4303756A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4303756A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing an indicia aimer laser with a preheat bias current for low temperature operation. For example, an indicia reader utilizing a visible laser diode may operate in an environment with temperatures lower than the operational temperature range of the visible light diode. The indicia reader may utilize a preheat current to raise the temperature of the visible light diode into the operational temperature range.