Optical Positioning Sensor Multi-DOF Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical sensors often have significantly different resolutions in various degrees of freedom, leading to increased size, complexity, and cost when attempting to achieve measurement redundancy or multiple degrees of freedom, making them impractical for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A sensor design that incorporates a light component and an imaging device movable in multiple degrees of freedom, utilizing a single or multiple light sources to direct beams of light, which are deflected and received by the imaging device to determine relative movement, allowing for measurement in multiple degrees of freedom without substantial increases in size or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to achieve measurement redundancy and multiple degrees of freedom, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single sensor device that can measure multiple degrees of freedom simultaneously. The sensor integrates a light source, light deflecting module, and imaging device into one unit that provides measurement redundancy without requiring multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed as a multi-functional device capable of measuring various degrees of freedom (translational and rotational movements) using a single integrated system. The light deflecting module can detect movements in multiple directions by analyzing light beam deflection patterns, providing universal measurement capability without requiring specialized sensors for each degree of freedom
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed to achieve measurement redundancy, then reliability is improved, but the size and cost of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing capabilities into a single compact sensor unit. By integrating the light source, light deflecting module with multiple detection capabilities, and imaging device into one device, the system achieves measurement redundancy without the space requirements of multiple separate sensors, thereby improving reliability while maintaining a compact size
3Measurement precision
If high resolution measurement in multiple degrees of freedom is achieved using conventional sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing mechanisms with an optical-based measurement system. By using light beams and optical deflection detection, the sensor achieves high-resolution measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without requiring precision mechanical components, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing manufacturing cost through the use of optical elements and digital image processing
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 accurate measurement in multiple degrees of freedom while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design, facilitating applications that require redundancy and high resolution without the need for multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a light deflecting module positioned about an imaging device and operative to receive the beam of light and deflect the beam of light onto the imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor comprising a support structure and an imaging device having an image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS or N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS or Live MOS) sensor, positioned proximate the support structure. The support structure and the imaging device can be movable relative to one another in at least one degree of freedom. The sensor can also comprise a fiduciary disposed about the support structure and identifiable by the imaging device, wherein a position of the fiduciary relative to the imaging device is caused to change with the relative movement of the support structure and the imaging device. A position module can be configured to determine a relative position of the imaging device and the support structure based on the position of the fiduciary relative to the imaging device.