Optical Detection Alignment Using Corner Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection systems face challenges in quickly and accurately aligning emitters and receivers over long distances, requiring iterative adjustments that are time-consuming and unclear about which component is misaligned, especially when distances exceed 10 meters.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection system featuring a collimated light beam and a receiver with a corner reflector and lens configuration that allows for simple and quick alignment, where the receiver's optical axis is parallel to the corner reflector's symmetry axis, enabling the emitter to adjust based on reflected light and the receiver to align with the light beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iterative adjustment of emitter and receiver positions is used to achieve proper alignment, then alignment accuracy can be achieved, but alignment time increases significantly and it becomes unclear which component is misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective element is introduced as an intermediary component on the receiver side. This mediator reflects the light beam back to the emitter, enabling the emitter to detect misalignment and guide the operator in adjusting only the receiver position, thereby resolving the confusion about which component is misaligned and reducing iterative adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the emitter actively search for the receiver through iterative adjustments, the system inverts the approach by using a reflective element to send the light beam back to the emitter. This allows the emitter to detect alignment status and guide the adjustment process, reversing the traditional active-passive relationship
2Length of stationary object
If the emitter and receiver are placed far apart to enable long distance sensing, then sensing range is improved, but alignment becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective element acts as a mediator that enables the emitter to detect the returned light beam even at long distances. This allows the alignment status to be visualized at the emitter location, making long-distance alignment as easy as short-distance alignment by eliminating the need for the operator to physically move between components
3Loss of time
If additional alignment assistance components are added to improve alignment speed, then alignment time is reduced, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective element serves multiple functions: it reflects the light beam back to the emitter for alignment detection, enables long-distance sensing by maintaining beam integrity, and provides visual feedback for alignment status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment tools and minimizes system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment through the reflective element that automatically returns the light beam to the emitter. The emitter itself becomes the alignment detection device, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex alignment systems
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 enables rapid and accurate alignment of optical detection systems over distances up to 15 meters without additional cost or complexity, reducing the need for iterative adjustments and improving detection efficiency by ensuring proper alignment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one corner reflector adapted to reflect the collimated light beam about the symmetry axis
Implementation Method 2
a receiver lens having an optical axis, the receiver lens adapted to converge the collimated light beam along the optical axis
Implementation Method 3
a photodiode positioned at the focal point of the receiver lens
Data Source
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AI summary
Optical detection system (10) having: an emitter (12) providing a collimated light beam (16); a receiver (14) receiving the collimated light beam, the receiver having: a receiver lens (30) converging the collimated light beam along an optical axis (Xr), and a corner reflector (34), the corner reflector having three planar surfaces (40a, 40b, 40c) perpendicular to each other and a symmetry axis (A) coinciding with an intersection point of the three planar surfaces and forming an equal angle with each of the planar surfaces, the corner reflector reflecting the collimated light beam (16) about the symmetry axis. The optical axis of the receiver lens is parallel to the symmetry axis of the corner reflector.