Optical Angle Sensor Reference Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical angle sensors face challenges such as high manufacturing costs for rotary slit plates, misalignment issues during assembly, limited detection range, and inability to detect reference angles without scales.
Innovation Solution
An optical angle sensor design that includes a light source, a reflection means rotating around a measurement axis, and a light receiving means with a diffraction grating to generate interference fringes, allowing for accurate specification of the reference angle and calculation of absolute angles without the need for scales, using multiple light receiving units and signal detection to enhance resolution and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotary slit plate (scale) is used to detect reference angles, then the reference angle can be specified, but manufacturing costs increase and misalignment issues occur during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the reference angle detection function from the rotary slit plate (scale) and implements it through a dedicated reference angle detection circuit that processes signals from the light receiving elements. This separates the reference angle detection function from the incremental angle detection function, eliminating the need for complex scale patterns while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The light receiving elements serve multiple functions: they detect both incremental angle changes through the rotary slit plate and reference angles through the reference angle detection circuit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining both types of angle detection capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If incremental method is used for angle detection, then high resolution can be achieved, but the detection range is limited and reference angle cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the incremental angle detection system and absolute reference angle detection system into a single integrated optical sensor. The light source, rotary slit plate, and light receiving elements serve both detection methods simultaneously, while the calculation means processes signals from both systems to provide comprehensive angle measurement capabilities including high-resolution incremental detection and absolute reference angle detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The calculation means uses feedback from both the incremental detection signals and reference angle detection signals to continuously maintain accurate angle measurement. The reference angle serves as a feedback reference point that allows the system to reset and continue incremental detection over multiple rotations, effectively extending the detection range while maintaining high resolution.
3Measurement precision
If a scale is used for angle detection, then reference angles can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the reference angle detection function from the mechanical scale structure and implements it through an electronic signal processing approach. The reference angle detection circuit processes electrical signals from the light receiving elements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical scale patterns and reducing overall device structural complexity while maintaining reference angle detection capability.
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-resolution angle detection over a wide range without scales, accurately specifying the reference angle and detecting absolute angles with improved precision and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving means with a diffraction grating to generate interference fringes
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving means with a diffraction grating to generate interference fringes
Implementation Method 3
a reflection means for rotating around a predetermined axis as a measurement axis and reflecting light irradiated from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical angle sensor capable of detecting a wide range of angles with high resolution, having no scale, and specifying a reference angle. The optical angle sensor includes a light source for irradiating light, a reflection means for rotating around a predetermined axis as a measurement axis and reflecting the light irradiated from the light source, a light receiving means for receiving the light irradiated from the light source, and a calculation means for calculating the light received by the light receiving means as a signal. The light receiving means receives the light irradiated from the light source through the reflection means. The calculation means includes a specifying means for specifying the reference angle based on the light received by the light receiving means, and an angle calculating unit for calculating an absolute angle based on the light received by the light receiving means and the reference angle specified by the specifying means.