Dual-Axis Laser Inclinometer Wavefront Homodyne Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inclinometer technologies, such as level, inductive, capacitive, and photoelectric types, face limitations in precision, traceability, and accuracy, particularly in high-end equipment applications, where high-precision dual-axis measurement with direct traceability to measurement results is lacking.
Innovation Solution
A high-precision dual-axis laser inclinometer based on wavefront homodyne interference, utilizing a laser light source module, integrated sensing module, and signal processing module, which generates and decouples wavefront interference signals to achieve high-precision horizontal inclination angle measurements, with the ability to directly trace results to laser wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional level type inclinometer is used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision is low (0.02-0.05mm/m)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bubble position detection system with an optical interference-based measurement system. The wavefront homodyne interference method uses laser light and optical detectors to measure inclination angles, achieving higher precision (0.001mm/m or better) while eliminating the need for complex mechanical reading mechanisms and human eye observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from bubble position (visual) to wavefront interference pattern (optical). By converting the inclination angle into a phase difference in the interference pattern, the system achieves continuous, high-precision measurement without the limitations of discrete bubble positions or visual reading.
2Measurement precision
If inductive type inclinometer is used, then measurement precision improves (0.1 arcsecond resolution), but device complexity increases due to electromagnetic shielding and closed-loop control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic inductive sensing system with an optical interference system. Instead of using coils and magnetic fields to detect inclination, the system uses laser light wavefronts and optical detectors, eliminating the need for electromagnetic shielding, magnetic bearings, and complex closed-loop control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (laser light wavefront) that directly connects the inclination angle to the measurement signal. The wavefront acts as a mediator that converts mechanical inclination into optical phase changes, which are then detected by the camera, avoiding the need for complex electromagnetic intermediaries.
3Measurement precision
If capacitive type inclinometer is used, then measurement precision improves (1 micrometer/meter resolution), but linearity is poor and processing error causes large measurement error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitive sensing system with an optical interference system. Instead of measuring capacitance changes that are sensitive to processing errors and non-linearity, the system measures wavefront phase differences through optical interference, which provides inherently linear response and eliminates the need for complex calibration and error correction.
4Measurement precision
If photoelectric type inclinometer based on laser self-collimation is used, then measurement precision improves (0.05 arcsecond resolution), but processing and installation errors of optical elements directly introduce measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the wavefront homodyne interference pattern as an intermediary that robustly connects the inclination angle to the measurement. Instead of directly measuring light spot position (which is sensitive to optical element alignment), the system measures the interference pattern's phase, which is invariant to optical element processing errors and provides direct traceability to the laser wavelength.
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 provides high-resolution dual-axis measurement with improved energy efficiency, reduced nonlinear errors, and simplified structure, enabling precise and traceable measurements suitable for high-end equipment, while being cost-effective and easy to integrate.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source module, configured to generate a laser signal
Implementation Method 2
an integrated sensing module, connected to the laser light source module, and configured to receive the laser signal and generate a wavefront interference signal based on the laser signal
Data Source
AI summary
A high-precision dual-axis laser inclinometer based on wavefront homodyne interference and a measuring method are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining a laser signal through a laser light source module, transmitting the laser signal to an integrated sensing module, and generating a wavefront interference signal based on the integrated sensing module; and inputting the wavefront interference signal into a signal processing module for performing high-precision decoupling operation to obtain a horizontal inclination angle measurement result. The measurement resolution is high, the measurement result can be directly traced to the laser wavelength, high-precision dual-axis inclination angle measurement can be realized only by using single-beam measurement light, meanwhile, the laser inclinometer has the advantages of being simple in structure, simple in light path, easy to integrate, beneficial to engineering implementation, and high in cost performance, and the requirement of high-end equipment on the ultra-precision inclinometer is met.