Optical Encoder with Axial Radial Encoding Pattern for Compact Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional encoders are not suitable for compact electronic devices, as they fail to effectively detect both rotational and linear movement in small form factor spaces.
Innovation Solution
An optical encoder with an elongated shaft featuring an encoding pattern comprising both axial and radial components, combined with a light source and photodiode array, is used to detect rotational and linear movement by reflecting light off the encoding pattern and receiving it with the photodiode array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional encoders are used, then they can detect rotational and linear movement, but they are not suitable for small form factor electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The encoding pattern is designed with both radial and axial components, utilizing two-dimensional markings on the shaft surface. This dimensional approach allows the compact encoder to capture both rotational and linear movement information simultaneously, maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical encoder is designed to detect multiple types of movement (rotational and linear) using a single integrated system. The encoding pattern combines radial and axial components that enable the same encoder structure to measure different movement modes, making it universally applicable in compact electronic devices where space is limited.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the encoding pattern includes both axial and radial components, then rotational and linear movement can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial and axial encoding components are merged into a single integrated encoding pattern on the shaft surface. This combining approach allows the encoder to detect both rotational and linear movement simultaneously without requiring separate sensing systems, thereby increasing versatility while managing structural complexity through integration.
3Measurement precision
If light source and photodiode array are aligned in various patterns, then movement detection accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encoding pattern is created as a precise copy or replica on the shaft surface, with radial and axial components that replicate the movement information. This copying approach enables accurate movement detection through optical reflection patterns, maintaining measurement precision while simplifying the alignment requirements between the light source and photodiode array.
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 the detection of rotational movement, direction, speed, and linear movement, allowing for accurate updates on the user interface of electronic devices, such as wearable devices, by analyzing the reflected light intensity and patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The emitter is configured to emit light that is reflected off of the encoding pattern and received by the photodiode array
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical encoder for an electronic device. The optical encoder comprises an elongated shaft having an encoding pattern made up of axial markings and radial markings. The encoding pattern may be disposed around a circumference of the elongated shaft. The optical encoder also includes an optical sensor. In embodiments, the optical sensor includes an emitter and a photodiode array. The emitter causes light to shine on the encoding pattern. The encoding pattern reflects the light back to the photodiode array and the photodiode array determines movement of the shaft based on the reflected light.