Optical Positioning Aid for Distance Sensor Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of distance sensors is often complicated and error-prone, especially when the distance measuring range and lateral measuring range are small, as existing technologies lack effective aids for precise positioning, requiring installers to constantly switch between the sensor and a controller unit for accurate alignment.
Innovation Solution
A positioning aid that uses a light source to generate a visible light spot on the measured object, with a control unit connected to the light source to influence its properties based on input values from a distance sensor, allowing for direct visual feedback on the object about the sensor's position relative to the target range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a controller unit with display is used to show distance values, then measurement precision can be verified, but the installer must constantly switch gaze between sensor and controller, making setup complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning aid with visible light beam acts as an intermediary between the distance sensor and the installer. The light beam projects visual information directly onto the measured object, eliminating the need for the installer to switch between viewing the sensor and the controller display. This mediator carries the positioning information in a form that is directly observable on the object being measured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electronic feedback system (controller display requiring visual switching) with an optical system. The positioning aid uses visible light beams that can be directly observed on the measured object, substituting the indirect electronic display with direct optical information projection. This makes the positioning process more intuitive and reduces the cognitive load on the installer.
2Measurement precision
If distance measuring range and lateral measuring range are small, then measurement precision is improved, but positioning becomes practically impossible without further aids
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning aid uses visible light beams that can change their properties (such as color, intensity, or position) to indicate the measurement status. By projecting these visual changes directly onto the measured object, the system provides intuitive feedback about whether the sensor is properly positioned, even when the measurement ranges are small. The visual cues make it immediately apparent when alignment is correct.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the positioning process by projecting light beams onto the measured object. Instead of relying solely on numerical displays or indirect indicators, the system creates a visual field where positioning information is directly observable. This dimensional addition makes it possible to intuitively understand and achieve precise positioning within small measurement ranges.
3Ease of operation
If visible light is used for positioning, then ease of operation is improved through direct visual feedback, but the light source must be controlled based on distance sensor input
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning aid is designed to work in conjunction with existing distance sensors without requiring a completely separate control system. The visible light source is controlled based on input from the distance sensor, allowing the same system to perform both measurement and positioning guidance functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining clear visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the distance sensor continuously monitors the measurement and the positioning aid adjusts its light beam properties accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the visible light to dynamically indicate positioning status, providing real-time guidance. The feedback principle ensures that the visual information always corresponds to the current measurement state, maintaining clarity without requiring complex manual control.
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 simple and precise positioning of the distance sensor by providing visual cues on the object, reducing the complexity and time required for setup by allowing installers to recognize the correct alignment without needing to constantly refer to a controller unit.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (10) for generating a setting light beam (11), wherein the setting light beam (11) has a wavelength in the visible range and is suitable for generating a light spot on a measured object (8)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical positioning aid for a distance sensor for assisting in the positioning of the distance sensor relative to a measurement object includes a light source and a control unit. The light source is generates a setting light beam having a wavelength in the visible range and is suitable for generating a light spot on a measurement object. The control unit has a distance input and is communicatively connected to the light source to control at least one property of the setting light beam. The control unit evaluates an input value input into the distance input and influences at least one property of the setting light beam on the basis of a result of the evaluation such that the setting light beam allows conclusions to be drawn concerning the input value. A distance measuring system and a method for assisting in the positioning of a distance sensor are also disclosed.