Optical Encoder Dislocated Light Penetrating Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical encoders face challenges in achieving high positioning resolution and accuracy due to increased manufacturing costs and complexity associated with high density and high positioning accuracy sensing devices, which limits their performance in accurately determining displacement and rotation speed.
Innovation Solution
An optical encoder design incorporating a light emitting module, a positioning device with dislocated light penetrating areas, and a light separating structure that uses diffraction gratings or micromirrors to create first positioning optical patterns with increased distance between them, allowing for improved sensing and positioning accuracy without increasing manufacturing difficulty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the density of periodical areas in optical disk is increased to achieve higher positioning resolution, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty of sensing device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the one-dimensional high-density periodical area pattern into a two-dimensional dislocated arrangement of light penetrating areas. By positioning areas in multiple dimensions with dislocation patterns, the system achieves equivalent or superior positioning information without requiring increased sensing device density, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light separating structure as an intermediary between the light source and sensing device. This structure processes the light signals from dislocated light penetrating areas, enabling the system to achieve high positioning resolution through optical manipulation rather than through increased sensing device density, thereby avoiding the manufacturing difficulties associated with high-density sensing arrays.
2Measurement precision
If the density and positioning accuracy of sensing device are increased to analyze light signals from high density periodical areas, then positioning resolution is improved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces sensing device complexity by transitioning from a one-dimensional linear array of sensing elements to a two-dimensional dislocated pattern of light penetrating areas. This dimensional change allows the use of lower-density sensing elements while maintaining positioning resolution through the geometric arrangement of the optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The light separating structure creates multiple optical paths that effectively copy and distribute light signals from dislocated areas to corresponding sensing elements. This copying mechanism allows the system to process positioning information from multiple spatial locations using a less complex sensing array than would be required for direct high-density sensing.
3Ease of operation
If dislocated light penetrating areas are arranged to increase distance between optical patterns, then sensing ease is improved, but area occupied by positioning device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent efficiently utilizes two-dimensional space for the dislocated arrangement of light penetrating areas, allowing increased separation between optical patterns while maintaining a compact overall device footprint. The dislocated pattern optimizes spatial distribution, improving sensing ease through better light separation without excessive area occupation.
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
The solution enhances positioning resolution and durability by allowing for easier sensing of optical patterns and reducing manufacturing complexity, while maintaining high accuracy and durability even in the presence of foreign contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting module configured to emit a light beam
Implementation Method 2
the light separating structure transmits the penetrating part of the light beam to a sensing area and forms at least one first positioning optical pattern
Implementation Method 3
a light separating structure disposed in a transmitting path of the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical encoder includes a light emitting module, a positioning device and a light separating structure. The light emitting module emits a light beam illuminating an illumination area of the positioning device. The positioning device includes light penetrating areas arranged in a dislocation manner. The light penetrating areas sequentially move into the illumination area. The light separating structure is disposed in the path of the light beam. The positioning device is disposed between the light emitting module and the light separating structure. When part of the light beam penetrates one of these light penetrating areas and is transmitted to the light separating structure, the light separating structure transmits the light to a sensing area and forms at least one first positioning optical pattern. The distance between two first positioning optical patterns formed by two adjacent light penetrating areas is greater than the pitch between the two adjacent light penetrating areas.