Optical Laser Target With Offset Apertures For Alignment Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser targets often fail to provide clear visibility of the laser alignment, especially at long distances, requiring users to move closer to the target for accurate alignment.
Innovation Solution
The laser target incorporates a mechanism with aligned and offset apertures, optically connected via fibers, which emit light when aligned with a laser, providing visual indication of alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional laser targets are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the visibility of laser alignment deteriorates at long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple functional zones: a target zone with aligned apertures for laser reception, an indicator zone with offset apertures for visual indication, and optical connection elements. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, with the indicator zone providing enhanced visibility through the optical connection mechanism while the target zone maintains simple laser reception capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers or light-guiding elements act as intermediaries between the target zone and indicator zone. These intermediaries transmit the aligned laser light from the target zone to the indicator zone, where it emerges from offset apertures to provide visible alignment indication, thereby solving the visibility problem without requiring direct emission from the target zone itself.
2Measurement precision
If the target zone and indicator zone are integrated, then the device structure is simplified, but the alignment detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The target is segmented into distinct target zone and indicator zone with different aperture configurations. The target zone contains apertures precisely aligned with the target line for accurate laser detection, while the indicator zone contains offset apertures that provide visual feedback. This spatial segmentation ensures that detection precision is maintained in the target zone while the indicator zone provides separate visual indication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the target have different local properties: the target zone has apertures with specific alignment characteristics optimized for laser reception and precise detection, while the indicator zone has offset apertures optimized for visual indication. This local differentiation allows each zone to excel at its specific function without compromising the other.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple aperture pairs are added to provide alignment indication, then the visibility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each aperture pair serves multiple functions: the aligned aperture receives laser light, the offset aperture provides visual indication, and the optical connection between them transmits the alignment information. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve enhanced visibility through multiple aperture pairs while minimizing overall device complexity by having each element perform several roles simultaneously.
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 configuration enhances visibility of the laser alignment, allowing users to easily determine when the laser is aligned with the target line, improving efficiency in alignment tasks.
Implementation Method 1
at least two optical fibers having one end coupled within the target zone... the other ends of the at least two optical fibers to emit light that has been received by the ends within the target zone
Implementation Method 2
Sighting lasers emit focused light and the emitted light is aligned with a feature on the laser target
Implementation Method 3
The aligned aperture and the offset aperture of each pair are optically connected (e.g., with a fiber optic cable) so that light received by one of the apertures is routed to and emitted by the other aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Various products that are used to align objects and features in an area are shown. In one example, a laser target provides optical communication between a target area of the laser target and a non-target area that is offset from the target area. Some light emitted towards the target area will be redirected to emit from the non-target area, and some light emitted towards the non-target area will be redirected to emit from the target area. In another example, a laser target includes reflective portions and non-reflective portions that facilitate aiming a laser target towards a center of the laser target.