Optical Device 360-Degree Range Finding Module

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary rangefinders face challenges in achieving accurate distance measurements due to limited rotation range (less than 360°) in coaxial arrangements and reduced accuracy caused by blind zones in non-coaxial arrangements.

Innovation Solution

An optical device with a range finding module that includes a first light condenser unit, a light emitting unit, and a light receiving unit, arranged sequentially along an optical axis. This module allows for 360° rotation without blind zones by using a control module to calculate distance based on time difference and a driving module to rotate the range finding module synchronously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a coaxial arrangement is used for the light emitter and light receiver, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the range of rotation is limited to less than 360° due to signal cable constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidrange of rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based rotation control system with a wireless communication system. The control module wirelessly transmits control signals to the light emitting unit and receives signals from the light receiving unit, eliminating the need for physical signal cables that limit rotation range. This substitution enables full 360° rotation while maintaining measurement accuracy through precise timing signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar rotation constraint to spherical rotation freedom by removing the cable constraint. The range finding module can now rotate freely around the optical axis in three-dimensional space, achieving complete 360° coverage without the dimensional limitations imposed by cable routing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a non-coaxial arrangement is used for the light emitter and light receiver, then the range of rotation can reach 360°, but a blind zone is created at the near end reducing measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of rotationVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light emitting unit and light receiving unit into a single integrated range finding module with coaxial arrangement. This combination ensures that both units share the same optical axis and rotation center, eliminating blind zones while enabling 360° rotation through wireless control. The integrated design ensures that light paths remain unobstructed throughout the entire rotation range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If signal cables are used to control the rotation of the reflective mirror, then the coaxial arrangement is maintained, but the rotation range is necessarily limited to less than 360°

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoaxial arrangement stabilityVSAvoidrotation range

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based control system with a wireless communication system. The control module wirelessly transmits control signals to the light emitting unit and receives signals from the light receiving unit, eliminating the need for physical signal cables that limit rotation range. This substitution enables full 360° rotation while maintaining measurement accuracy through precise timing signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 optical device achieves accurate distance measurements over a full 360° rotation without blind zones, enhancing measurement accuracy and range compared to traditional rangefinder designs.

Implementation Method 1

The light is emitted by the light emitting unit, passes through the hole, reaches an object, is reflected by the object, is converged by the first light condenser unit and is received by the light receiving unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

is received by the light receiving unit to generate an electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

calculates the distance between the object and the optical device by using a time difference, where the time difference is a difference between the time when the control module commands the light emitting unit to emit the light and the time when the light receiving unit receives the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12265208B2Optical device

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 SINTAI OPTICAL SHENZHEN CO LTD

AI summary

An optical device includes a range finding module. The range finding module includes a first light condenser unit, a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The first light condenser unit defines an optical axis and a hole disposed along the optical axis. The first light condenser unit, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are sequentially arranged along the optical axis. The light is emitted by the light emitting unit, passes through the hole, reaches an object, is reflected by the object, is converged by the first light condenser unit and is received by the light receiving unit to generate an electrical signal.