Laser Sensor Integrated Rotating Mechanism for Precise 3D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D laser scanning technologies face challenges in maintaining precise orientation for scanning difficult-to-access areas without moving the part or additional components, due to unreliable and complex rotation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A 3D laser sensor with an integrated rotating mechanism, featuring two motors, an encoder, and a locking mechanism with rollers and balls, allows precise and repeatable angular positioning, enabling effective scanning of inaccessible areas using a motorized arm and simpler articulated elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex rotation mechanism with multiple motors and transmission systems is used to achieve precise orientation for scanning difficult-to-access areas, then the scanning capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotation mechanism and indexing mechanism into a single integrated unit with one motor. The motor shaft directly drives the rotation, while indexing is achieved through a cam mechanism that interacts with a follower, eliminating the need for separate transmission systems and intermediate elements. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to scan difficult-to-access areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor serves multiple functions: it provides both the rotational movement for positioning the sensor and, through the cam mechanism, the indexing function for precise angular positioning. The cam mechanism itself serves dual purposes of transmission and positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while achieving the required scanning adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If a rotation mechanism with intermediate bodies and multiple transmission elements is used to achieve indexed positions, then the angular positioning is improved, but the reliability decreases due to more engagement points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate bodies and multiple transmission elements from the rotation mechanism. Instead of using a complex system with gears, belts, and multiple engagement points, the design uses a direct-drive approach where the motor shaft connects directly to the rotating element, with indexing provided by a simple cam-follower interaction. This reduction in components increases reliability by removing potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as a simple intermediary between the motor and the rotating element, providing both motion transmission and precise positioning in a single, reliable interaction. The cam profile is designed to provide the exact indexing positions needed, eliminating the need for multiple separate positioning mechanisms and their associated reliability issues.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple motors and complex transmission systems are used to achieve precise rotation, then the orientation precision is improved, but the cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple motors and transmission systems into a single motor with a cam mechanism. The motor provides rotational power, while the cam mechanism provides precise positioning without requiring additional motors or complex transmissions. This consolidation significantly reduces cost while maintaining orientation precision through the carefully designed cam profile.
4Measurement precision
If a rotation mechanism with many engagement elements like gear teeth or rollers is used, then the indexed positions are achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex arrays of gear teeth, rollers, and multiple engagement elements from the design. Instead, it uses a single cam mechanism with a follower that provides all indexing positions through the cam profile geometry. This dramatically simplifies manufacturing while achieving the same indexed positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile is designed with specific geometric parameters that define the indexing positions. By changing the cam profile parameters during manufacturing, different indexing schemes can be achieved without changing the basic mechanism structure. This makes the system easier to manufacture and adapt to different requirements compared to systems with fixed gear teeth or roller arrangements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Laser sensor with integrated rotating mechanism which comprises: a camera (1); a laser (2); and a chassis (3) configured to rotate on its own axis (4); which has an indexed rotating mechanism which comprises, in turn: a motorised set (14) consisting of a rotating motor (5) positioned on an axis parallel to the rotating axis (4), and connected to this rotating axis (4) by means of gears (11); and a motorised set (6) consisting of a locking motor (8) housed inside the axis (4) on a support (9); and in which the bottom of the support (9) comprises locking rollers (10) and a ring (13) coupled to this support (9) in such a way that locking occurs as a result of contact between balls housed in the chassis (3) and the rollers (10) adjacent to the bottom of the support (9).