Optical Encoder Detection Arrays for Harmonic Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical encoders face challenges in manufacturing photoelectric detection units that can effectively suppress higher-order harmonic components, which affect processing accuracy and complicate signal processing circuits.

Innovation Solution

A photoelectric detection device with a first-level detection array and second-level detection array configuration, where the coordinate difference between adjacent first-level detection arrays is adjusted to suppress specific harmonic components, and the device can be fabricated using a rectangle-to-fan-shape transformation for disc-shaped gratings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a specifically designed photoelectric detection unit with curve segments is used to suppress higher-order harmonic components, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The photoelectric detection unit is divided into multiple first-level detection arrays, each containing multiple photoelectric detection units. These arrays are further grouped into second-level detection arrays, creating a hierarchical segmented structure that simplifies manufacturing while maintaining harmonic suppression capability through coordinated arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the arrangement parameters of the photoelectric detection units by setting specific coordinate differences between adjacent first-level detection arrays. The coordinate difference is defined as x×P/N+(t1×P)/(t2×N), where N is an odd number ≥3, which modifies the optical response to suppress Nth harmonic components while maintaining manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If higher-order harmonic components are not suppressed, then manufacturing is easier, but processing accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidprocessing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple first-level detection arrays are merged into second-level detection arrays, where the electrical signals from t2 adjacent first-level detection arrays are combined. This merging process creates a coordinated system that suppresses harmonic components through the collective response of the arrays while maintaining simple individual unit structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple copies of the same basic photoelectric detection unit structure arranged in specific patterns. Each first-level detection array contains identical photoelectric detection units that are replicated and positioned according to the coordinate difference formula, creating a modular system that is easy to manufacture yet effective at harmonic suppression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 allows for easy manufacturing and effective suppression of harmonic components, improving detection accuracy by eliminating higher-order harmonics in the electrical signal.

Implementation Method 1

an optical encoder is a sensor that may be used to convert mechanical displacement of an output shaft into pulses or digital signals through photoelectric conversion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4711723A1Light detection device and optical encoder
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 QUANZHOU KTSENSE MICROELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4711723A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4711723A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4711723A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of photoelectric detection technology. It discloses a photoelectric detection device and an optical encoder. The photoelectric detection device includes: a plurality of first-level detection arrays, where each first-level detection array includes at least one photoelectric detection unit, and an electrical signal output by the at least one photoelectric detection unit included in one first-level detection array is used as a first-level electrical signal output by the first-level detection array; the plurality of first-level detection arrays are divided into a plurality of second-level detection arrays, and a coordinate difference between corresponding points of two adjacent first-level detection arrays belonging to a same second-level detection array is x×P/N+(t1×P)/(t2×N), and corresponding first-level electrical signals in the t2 first-level detection arrays which belong to the same second-level detection array are added together, so as to suppress an Nth-order harmonic component and harmonic components whose orders are integer multiples of N. The optical encoder includes the above photoelectric detection device. In the present invention, harmonic components can be effectively suppressed, and the photoelectric detection device is easy to design and manufacture.