Optical Encoder Connector with Integrated Light Status Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical encoders face difficulties in easily adjusting the positional relationship between the scale and the detecting head, as users must visually check the emission color of LEDs, making it challenging to achieve precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a display and controller in the connector that displays the status of the light received by the light-receiving element, allowing for easy adjustment of the positional relationship between the scale and the detecting head, using a multiphase sine wave signal with a predetermined center voltage to calculate and display the amplitude, and providing operation units for intensity adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user visually checks the emission color of the LED to adjust the positional relationship, then the adjustment can be performed, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual adjustment method (visually checking LED emission color) with an electronic display system that shows the received light intensity directly. The display unit presents numerical values or visual indicators of the light reception status, allowing users to adjust positioning based on quantitative data rather than subjective visual assessment of LED color, thereby simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display unit as an intermediary between the light-receiving element and the user. Instead of directly observing LED emission color, users interact with the displayed information about received light intensity, which serves as a mediator that translates complex optical measurements into user-friendly visual indicators, reducing the complexity of the adjustment process
2Measurement precision
If the read head is moved relative to the scale for adjustment, then the positional relationship can be optimized, but the adjustment becomes difficult when the attachment position makes visual checking hard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection method with an electronic display system that provides quantitative feedback about light reception intensity. The display unit shows the received light status regardless of the read head's physical position or orientation, allowing users to achieve precise positional relationships even when the attachment position makes visual checking of LED emission difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit acts as an intermediary that decouples the adjustment feedback from the physical positioning requirements. Users receive objective numerical or visual feedback about light reception quality through the display, independent of their ability to visually observe the LED emission, enabling precise adjustment even in difficult attachment configurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical encoders are used, then the measurement capability is improved, but the adjustment complexity increases due to multiple LED checking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal display system that can handle multiple optical encoders through a single interface. The display unit provides consistent light reception status indicators for each encoder, allowing users to adjust multiple encoders using the same methodology and visual feedback mechanism, thereby enabling multi-encoder applications without proportionally increasing adjustment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the adjustment feedback for multiple encoders into a unified display system. Instead of requiring separate visual inspection of each LED, the display unit consolidates the light reception status information for all encoders into a single accessible interface, allowing users to monitor and adjust multiple encoders simultaneously or sequentially without the complexity of managing multiple independent adjustment processes
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 easy and precise adjustment of the positional relationship and intensity settings without moving the detecting head, facilitating the use of multiple optical encoders with improved visibility and automatic signal adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a light-receiving element that receives the light emitted by the light-emitting element to be reflected or transmitted by the scale
Implementation Method 2
a light-receiving element that receives the light emitted by the light-emitting element to be reflected or transmitted by the scale
Implementation Method 3
the connector comprises a display that displays a status of the light received by the light-receiving element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An linear encoder (1) includes: a scale; a light-emitting element that emits light onto the scale; a detecting head (2) that has a light-receiving element (22) that receives the light emitted by the light-emitting element (21) to be reflected or transmitted by the scale; and a connector (4) connected to the detecting head (2) via a cable (3). The connector (4) comprises a display (5) that displays a status of the light received by the light-receiving element (22) and a connector controller (6) that controls the display (5). The connector controller (6) includes a display controller (62) that controls the display (5) in accordance with the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving element (22).