Rotatable Micro-Reflector Distance Sensor for Skewed Angle Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance sensors struggle to accurately measure the shortest distance to a remote surface due to angle misalignment, as they typically measure distance to a point directly aimed at, which may not be the closest point, leading to measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a rotatable micro-reflector and processor that emits and receives energy along multiple angles, allowing the device to redirect energy beams to determine the shortest distance by measuring propagation time, even when held at a skewed angle, using a micro-reflector array and time module to calculate distances to multiple points on the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional distance sensor aims a single beam at a surface, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates when the device is held at a skewed angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single measurement function into multiple measurement beams (first, second, and third measurement beams) that target different points on the remote surface. This segmentation allows the system to measure distances to multiple points simultaneously, enabling calculation of the shortest distance even when the device is held at skewed angles, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure distances to multiple different points on the remote surface using the same basic sensor components. By emitting multiple measurement beams at different angles and processing their reflections, the system universally handles various holding angles and surface orientations, making the device adaptable to different usage scenarios without additional specialized components.
2Measurement precision
If multiple distance measurements are taken at different angles, then measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic angle adjustment by rotating the measurement beam between different angles (first, second, and third measurement beams) to target different points on the remote surface. This dynamic switching of measurement angles allows the system to capture distance information from multiple perspectives, enabling accurate determination of the shortest distance while using a relatively simple sensor structure that can be controlled through software or simple mechanical rotation.
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 approach improves accuracy in determining the shortest distance to a surface by increasing the number of distance measurements and adjusting the emission angle, reducing measurement errors caused by skewed angles, and enabling precise distance calculations in handheld devices.
Implementation Method 1
rotating a rotatable micro-reflector to direct energy toward a remote surface
Implementation Method 2
measuring a distance based at least in part on reflected energy from the remote surface resulting from the directed energy
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to measuring a distance along a remote surface performed by a non-stationary mobile device. The mobile device directs, from a first position of the mobile device, a first energy beam toward a first point on a remote surface, directs, from a second position of the mobile device, a second energy beam toward a second point on the remote surface, measures a position displacement between the first position of the mobile device and the second position of the mobile device, and determines the distance along the remote surface based, at least in part, on the position displacement.