Laser Target Crosshairs Using Absorptive Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser beam targets struggle with accurately aligning laser beams at greater distances due to background color matching the beam, leading to difficulty in discerning beam position and direction, especially in bright conditions, requiring additional personnel or costly electronic sensors.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-reflective, light-absorbing materials for crosshairs and light-reflective materials for the background on the target face enhances beam alignment by making off-center beam positions more identifiable and centered beams discernible, allowing single-operator alignment without additional personnel or electronic sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the target background color matches the laser beam color, then the contrast between background and crosshairs is maximized, but the beam becomes difficult or impossible to locate at greater distances
Solution Approach 1:
The target face is divided into different regions with different optical properties: the background uses a reflective color matching the laser beam to provide high contrast, while the crosshairs use a non-reflective black material to absorb the beam and create visible disruption patterns. This local differentiation allows both high contrast and beam detectability to coexist.
2Measurement precision
If the target is placed farther from the laser, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the beam becomes weaker and harder to discern
Solution Approach 1:
The crosshair material's optical parameters are changed from reflective to non-reflective (light-absorbing), which fundamentally alters how the beam interacts with the target. This allows the beam to be detected through absorption-induced disruption rather than reflection, enabling accurate alignment at greater distances where beam intensity is lower.
3Area of stationary object
If the beam width increases at greater distances, then the beam spread makes alignment less accurate, but the beam covers a larger area
Solution Approach 1:
The crosshairs are segmented into thin horizontal and vertical lines that intersect at the center. When the beam hits these segmented lines, it creates distinct disruption patterns that remain visible even when the beam has spread. The segmentation allows precise location identification despite beam widening.
4Measurement precision
If a second person is used to sight the beam at the target, then alignment accuracy is improved, but labor cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The target is designed to provide self-indicating alignment information through the interaction of the laser beam with the light-absorbing crosshairs. The disruption patterns automatically show the operator whether the beam is centered, eliminating the need for a second person to visually assess alignment and provide feedback.
5Measurement precision
If electronic sensors are used to detect beam alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The target uses inexpensive, non-electronic materials (light-absorbing paint or coating on crosshairs) to achieve alignment detection. This disposable-like approach replaces expensive electronic sensors while maintaining alignment accuracy, making the solution cost-effective for routine applications.
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 reduces the need for multiple trips and personnel, increases productivity, and provides accurate beam alignment over greater distances, even in bright environments, using a low-cost, non-electronic approach.
Implementation Method 1
Beam alignment crosshairs on the face of a target are formed from non-reflective, light-absorbing material
Implementation Method 2
A light-reflective material makes up or covers areas of the face not occupied by the alignment crosshairs
Data Source
AI summary
Surface elements for the face of laser beam targets which more efficiently use the properties of light reflectance and absorption to aid a laser tool operator in accurately directing a laser's beam. The surface elements include beam alignment crosshairs and a background. A light-reflective material makes up or covers the background areas of the face not occupied by the beam alignment crosshairs, and allows the operator to better determine the direction and amount of lateral or vertical movement required for final alignment. The beam alignment crosshairs on the face of the target are formed from non-reflective, light-absorbing material that gives the beam an appearance of vanishing when precisely centered. Coupled with the light-reflective background, the light-absorbent crosshairs remedy multiple detriments from beam spread at greater distances, a weak beam, and a poorly discerned beam from bright or sunlit environments.