Laser Ranging System Vertical Beam Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser ranging systems are prone to inaccurate distance measurements due to the complex structure and high production costs of laser receiving devices, which require multiple light sensors and detection components, and struggle to ensure a straight-line distance measurement between the light emitting and receiving positions.

Innovation Solution

A ranging method and system that utilize a laser emitting device emitting a vertical laser beam, with optical detection components on the same vertical plane to ensure accurate distance calculation, and a horizontal laser beam to adjust the receiving device for improved accuracy, employing a gimbal, angle sensor, and control motor for vertical alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple light sensors and detection components are used in the laser receiving device, then the distance measurement coverage is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple light sensors and detection components into a single integrated optical detection component. This component simultaneously performs the detection functions that would otherwise require separate sensors, conversion circuits, amplifier circuits, and comparators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical detection component is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the light sensor and the detection element. This universal component can detect light signals and perform the necessary signal processing functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sensors and detection components are used in the laser receiving device, then the distance measurement coverage is improved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple light sensors and detection components into a single integrated optical detection component. This component simultaneously performs the detection functions that would otherwise require separate sensors, conversion circuits, amplifier circuits, and comparators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary intermediate components (conversion circuits, amplifier circuits, comparators) from the traditional multi-component design. By taking out these redundant elements and retaining only the essential optical detection function, the production cost is reduced while the core measurement capability is preserved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the two sets of light sensors are not set up vertically, then the device assembly is simplified, but the distance measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a preliminary alignment action into the device setup process. The alignment mark on the optical detection component enables users to perform a simple preliminary vertical alignment during assembly, ensuring measurement accuracy without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment mark serves as an intermediary element that facilitates the vertical positioning of the optical detection component. This visual mediator allows users to achieve precise vertical alignment through a simple visual reference, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning systems or specialized assembly tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures accurate distance measurement by aligning optical detection components vertically and horizontally, reducing errors and production costs, while simplifying the structure of the laser receiving device.

Implementation Method 1

a laser emitting device (110) is configured to emit a vertical laser beam (131) rotating in a vertical plane at a first rotation speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a first optical detection component (721) and a second optical detection component (722) on the laser receiving device (710) at least partially on the same vertical plane, wherein a distance between the two optical detection components is a first spacing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3663711B1Distance measurement method and distance measurement system
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 NORTHWEST INSTRUMENTATION INC
  • EP3663711B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3663711B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3663711B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a ranging method and a ranging system, the ranging method includes using a first laser emitting portion of a laser emitting device to emit a vertical laser beam rotating in a vertical plane at a first rotation speed; calculating a time difference between the vertical laser beam passing through a first optical detection component and a second optical detection component by using the first optical detection component and the second optical detection component on a laser receiving device at least partially on the same vertical plane, wherein a distance between the two optical detection components is a first spacing; and calculating a first distance between the laser emitting device and the laser receiving device based on the first rotation speed, the first spacing, and the time difference. The method of the present disclosure can ensure that the first and second optical detection components provided on the laser receiving device can be set horizontally, thereby ensuring that the distance between the specific positions on the first and second optical detection components that the vertical laser beam passes is exactly the first spacing, thereby ensuring that the measured or calculated first distance is accurate.