Laser Scanner Housing with Composite Plastic and Aluminum Yokes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanners face challenges in reducing weight while maintaining protection and precision, and require effective temperature correction and efficient heat removal during operation.
Innovation Solution
The laser scanner design incorporates lightweight materials like plastic shells and aluminum yokes for protection, a carrying structure made of aluminum, a prism for distance correction, and an integrated cooling system with ventilation and passive cooling elements to manage temperature and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal housing is used for protection, then protection strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining plastic shells with aluminum yokes and carrying structure. The plastic shells provide basic protection and weight reduction, while the aluminum components reinforce critical areas. This composite approach achieves both weight reduction and adequate protection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is segmented into different components: plastic shells for protection, aluminum yokes for structural reinforcement, and a carrying structure for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while using lighter materials overall.
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used for shells and yokes, then weight is reduced, but protection capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where plastic shells are combined with aluminum yokes and carrying structure. The plastic provides weight reduction while the aluminum components provide structural strength and protection, achieving both objectives simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the housing have different material properties: the shells are made of lightweight plastic for weight reduction, while the yokes and carrying structure use aluminum for strength. This local differentiation optimizes both weight and protection where needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If precision interfaces are provided for rotatable parts, then assembly precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interface functionality into a dedicated swivel-axis module that is pre-assembled as a unit. This module contains all the precision interfaces needed for rotatable parts, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining precision. The module can be installed as a single unit rather than requiring complex precision alignment of individual interfaces.
4Temperature
If active cooling with sealed ducts is implemented, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system uses the natural convection currents created by temperature differences to drive air flow through the cooling channels. The heated air rises and creates natural circulation patterns that eliminate the need for complex active cooling mechanisms, simplifying the system while maintaining effective heat removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system utilizes pneumatic principles by using natural air convection to transport heat away from critical components. The sealed ducts guide the air flow through cooling channels, using pressure differences created by thermal expansion and natural convection to drive the cooling process.
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 design achieves weight reduction, enhanced protection, high precision assembly, and effective temperature and heat management, ensuring accurate scanning and extended operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling device is provided with passive cooling elements, for example cooling fins and/or heat pipes, to transfer heat (from sections of the interior of the carrying structure) to the active cooling elements
Implementation Method 2
a fan blows the heated-up air through a further outlet duct, which is sealed with respect to the interior of the carrying structure, and through an air outlet to the outside
Data Source
AI summary
With a device for optically scanning and measuring an environment, which is designed as a laser scanner, with a light emitter, which emits an emission light beam, with a light receiver which receives a reception light beam which is reflected from an object in the environment of the laser scanner or scattered otherwise, and with a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points, determines at least the distance to the object, at least one shell is provided as part of the housing of the laser scanner, said shell being partially covered on its outer side by at least one yoke which serves as protection.