Adjustable LED Guide for Position Measuring System Collimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scanning assemblies face challenges in precisely positioning the radiation source relative to the carrier and lens, affecting the collimation and operation of the scanning assembly.

Innovation Solution

The scanning assembly incorporates a guide system comprising conductor elements and connection elements that allow the radiation source to be moved along an adjustment path for precise positioning, maintaining electrical contact and enabling easy alignment with the lens and scanning plate, with optional mechanical guidance within a receptacle on the carrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the radiation source is fixed rigidly on the carrier, then the electrical connection is stable, but the positioning precision and adjustability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. The radiation source can be positioned at different locations along the conductor track, allowing dynamic adjustment of the distance between the radiation source and lens while maintaining continuous electrical contact through the flexible conductor element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the radiation source position to be adjusted along the adjustment path. This changes the critical parameter of distance between the radiation source and lens, optimizing collimation performance without requiring a completely new device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the distance between radiation source and lens is adjusted for precise collimation, then the collimation quality improves, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollimation precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor element serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, enables positioning adjustment, and acts as a guide for the radiation source. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining precise collimation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible conductor element acts as an intermediary that mediates between the need for stable electrical connection and the need for adjustable positioning. It allows the radiation source to move along a defined path while maintaining continuous electrical contact, simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the radiation source is repositionable on the carrier, then the adjustability and alignment ease improve, but the electrical connection stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment easeVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible conductor element that can bend and deform to accommodate the movement of the radiation source along the adjustment path. This flexibility maintains continuous electrical contact throughout the adjustment range, ensuring connection stability is not compromised by the repositioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 allows for targeted positioning of the radiation source, ensuring precise collimation and immediate readiness for operation, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the scanning process.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation source for generating electromagnetic radiation, for example in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

enables highly precise position determinations by (photoelectric) scanning of an associated measuring graduation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric scanning: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The light emitted by such a radiation source, for example in the form of an LED, is regularly collimated by means of a lens and then shines through a scanning plate as a parallel light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP2570778B1Sampling module of a position measuring system
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 DR JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
  • EP2570778B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2570778B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2570778B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3

AI summary

The component (11) has a radiation source (4) i.e. LED, fixed on a holder and emitting electromagnetic radiation to scan a measurement graduation (50) of a position measuring system. Electrical conductor elements of the holder and electrical connection elements of the radiation source form a guide. The radiation source is moved on the guide along an adjustment trajectory relative to the holder while maintaining electrical contact between the connection elements and the conductor elements to arrange the radiation source at different positions along the trajectory on the holder. The electrical conductor elements are formed as strip conductors.