Laser Trajectory Sensor for Shaft Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining misalignment between two shafts connected via a coupling are inaccurate when the shafts are vertically aligned or on unstable ground, as they rely on angle measurement techniques that are not precise in these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method using a laser and a flat measuring field with a laser light sensor to detect the X and Y coordinates of the laser light spot, allowing for the determination of a closed trajectory without requiring accurate angle of rotation measurement, by parameterizing the trajectory with a specified angle value and determining the trajectory curve based on these coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If angle measurement techniques (inclinometer) are used to determine shaft misalignment, then measurement accuracy is improved for horizontally aligned shafts, but measurement becomes impossible or inaccurate for vertically aligned shafts or on unstable ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inclinometer-based angle measurement system with an optical measurement system using a laser and laser light sensor. The laser projects a light spot onto a measuring field attached to the shaft, and the sensor detects the light spot position to determine trajectory without requiring angle measurement relative to gravity. This substitution eliminates the fundamental limitation of inclinometers for vertical shafts and unstable ground applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a measuring field as an intermediary element between the shaft and the detection system. The measuring field with coordinate system serves as a reference frame that moves with the shaft, allowing the laser light sensor to track the light spot position changes that indicate misalignment, without needing to measure angles relative to the external gravitational field.
2Reliability
If traditional misalignment detection methods are used, then the system requires angle measurement devices, but this increases device complexity and limits measurement situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for mechanical angle measurement devices by substituting them with an optical system consisting of a laser, a measuring field with coordinate system, and a laser light sensor. This substitution reduces device complexity while expanding the range of measurable situations, as the optical system does not require gravitational reference or stable mounting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the angle measurement function from the misalignment detection system entirely. Instead of measuring angles directly, the system measures the light spot position coordinates on the measuring field and determines misalignment from the trajectory of these coordinates, thereby removing the need for angle measurement devices and their associated complexity and limitations.
3Ease of manufacture
If angle-based measurement methods are used, then the measurement principle is simple, but the method fails when angle measurement is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains simplicity by replacing the angle measurement principle with a position coordinate measurement principle. The laser light sensor detects X and Y coordinates of the light spot on the measuring field, and misalignment is determined from the trajectory of these coordinates. This substitution preserves ease of implementation while achieving universal applicability to horizontal, vertical, and unstable ground situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from angle (which requires gravitational reference) to position coordinates (which are self-referential to the measuring field). By measuring the light spot position coordinates and analyzing their trajectory, the system achieves reliability across all mounting situations while maintaining measurement simplicity through direct coordinate detection.
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
Enables high-accuracy determination of misalignment between shafts even when angle of rotation measurement is not possible or is inaccurate, providing a precise representation of the trajectory that can be used to assess misalignment with minimal measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
using a laser and a laser light sensor with a flat measuring field
Implementation Method 2
the laser light sensor is set up to detect the X-coordinate and Y-coordinate of the position of the laser light spot that occurs when the laser light beam of the laser impinging on the measuring field is irradiated
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a closed trajectory (10) using a laser (12) and a laser light sensor (14) with a planar measuring field (16), comprising steps A to G and a device (36) for determining a closed trajectory (10).