Optical Distance Measurement Device with Adjustable Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical distance measurement devices require multiple optical components and complex beam shaping systems, which reduce stability and increase space requirements, and often necessitate two laser beams with different divergences for reflecting and scattering targets, complicating the adjustment process.
Innovation Solution
The device features a compact design with the adjustment device external to the distance measuring device, using collimating optics for reflecting targets and diverging optics for scattering targets, with an optics wheel or slide for adaptive beam shaping, reducing component count and tolerance requirements, and allowing for automatic selection of suitable optics based on distance ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam shaping systems and optical components are used to adjust laser beam divergence and diameter, then the adaptability to different target objects (reflecting or scattering) is improved, but the device complexity and number of optical components increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single adjustable beam shaping system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can adjust both beam divergence and beam diameter, and can adapt to different target object properties (reflecting or scattering surfaces) through a unified adjustment mechanism rather than requiring separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The beam shaping system incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic modification of beam parameters (divergence and diameter) to match different measurement conditions and target properties, enabling one system to replace multiple fixed systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam shaping systems and optical components are used to adjust laser beam divergence and diameter, then the adaptability to different target objects is improved, but the stability of the distance measuring device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single integrated beam shaping system performs multiple adjustment functions, reducing the number of optical components and mechanical adjustment mechanisms that could introduce instability, while maintaining the capability to adapt to different target objects through coordinated adjustment of the unified system
3Adaptability or versatility
If two laser beams with different beam divergences are generated simultaneously, then the measurement capability for both reflecting and scattering targets is improved, but the space requirement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of generating two simultaneous laser beams with different divergences requiring separate optical paths, a single laser beam is used with a dynamic beam shaping system that adjusts the beam divergence parameter as needed, eliminating the need for duplicate beam generation systems and reducing spatial requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of multiple beam generation systems are merged into a single laser source with an adjustable beam shaping system, combining the capabilities of what would otherwise require separate optical paths and increasing the compactness of the device
4Device complexity
If the setting device is arranged within the distance measuring device, then the integration is improved, but the stability of the distance measuring device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into functionally independent modules: a stable distance measuring device for optical measurement and a separate adjustable beam shaping system for beam parameter control, allowing each module to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the stability of the measurement device
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 enhances the stability and compactness of the device while allowing for precise adaptation of laser beam divergence and diameter to target properties, improving measurement accuracy and reducing the complexity of beam shaping, thus addressing the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the first transmission optics of the distance measuring device, designed as a collimation optics, generates a collimated laser beam
Implementation Method 2
the second transmission optics are designed as diverging optics... the collimated laser beam hits the diverging optics of the adjustment device
Implementation Method 3
a detector that receives a received beam reflected and/or scattered by the target object
Implementation Method 4
the first laser beam being provided for measuring the distance from scattering target objects
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for the optical measurement of a distance from a reflecting or scattering target object, having a distance measurement device (11) and an adjusting device (12) arranged outside of the distance measurement device (11), having a second transmission optical unit (17.1-17.6) adjustable between a first and second position for forming the laser light into a beam, wherein in the first position, the second transmission optical unit (17.1-17.6) is arranged in the laser beam, and in the second position, it is arranged outside of the laser beam.