Optical Position Detection for Rotating Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the position of movable objects in compartments often require physical contact, leading to inaccurate measurements, damage to sensors and objects, and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A system using a light source and detector to emit and reflect light off a rotating object with a varying reflecting region, allowing for contact-free position detection and control of the object's position without physical contact, utilizing a microcontroller to adjust operating characteristics based on the detected intensity changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-based sensors are used to detect position, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to contact interference and sensor damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based position detection with optical field-based detection. A light source emits light that reflects off the movable object, and a detector measures the reflected light intensity to determine position without physical contact. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contact interference, simultaneously improving both measurement precision and sensor reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to increase accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical contact sensors with a single optical detection system. The light source and detector work together to provide accurate position measurement without requiring multiple sensors, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the detector and the movable object. Instead of direct sensor-contact with the object, light serves as the mediating medium that carries position information from the object to the detector, enabling accurate measurement with simpler hardware.
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 precise, non-invasive position detection and control of movable objects, reducing maintenance and improving accuracy while allowing for real-time adjustments to optimize engine performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
reflected light is reflected off the rotating object, whereby the reflected light has an intensity
Data Source
AI summary
A timing apparatus, system, and method are provided to determine a position of a rotating object in a device, such as an engine, and control the device according to the determined position of the rotating object. Light is emitted from a light source onto a reflecting region on a portion of the rotating object. Light is reflected off the reflecting region of the rotating object and detected as the rotating object rotates. Intensity of the reflected light is measured, via a microcontroller, and the position of the rotating object is determined according to the intensity of the detected light. A signal is generated that corresponds to the intensity of the detected light associated with the determined position of the rotating shaft. The reflecting region has a feature configured to effect a change in the intensity of the reflected light as the rotating object rotates. The microcontroller is configured to determine the determined position and to utilize the determined position and the change in the signal to control operating characteristics of the device.