Optical Ranging Device Using Time of Flight Principle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical ranging devices using triangulation are limited by the need for a specific structure design, resulting in a large device size and restricted flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An optical ranging device based on the Time of Flight (ToF) principle, featuring a housing, emitting and receiving lenses, and a circuit board with a light emitting module, receiving module, and data processing module, allowing for flexible structure design and reduced blind zones through the use of a TIR lens with a light guide structure and wavelength-selective filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation is used with laser source and ranging unit set as support structure with special angle and distance, then distance measurement can be achieved, but the structure design is limited and device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical triangulation system (requiring precise angular and distance relationships between laser source and ranging unit) with an optical Time of Flight system. The light emitting module sends infrared light to the target object, and the light receiving module detects the reflected light to calculate distance based on time of flight, eliminating the need for complex mechanical support structures with specific angles and distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to accommodate multiple functional modules (light emitting module, light receiving module, emitting lens, receiving lens) in a compact arrangement. The housing serves as both the structural framework and the mounting platform for all optical components, enabling flexible configuration without requiring separate support structures for each component.
2Measurement precision
If triangulation is used with laser source and ranging unit set as support structure with special angle and distance, then distance measurement can be achieved, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the light emitting module and light receiving module are positioned within the housing in close proximity. The emitting lens and receiving lens are integrated into the same housing space, with their optical paths arranged to minimize the overall device footprint. This nested configuration allows all necessary components to be packed into a compact volume while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the planar arrangement required by triangulation (where laser source and ranging unit must be positioned at specific angles and distances in the same plane) to a three-dimensional optical path configuration. The emitting and receiving optical paths are arranged in different spatial dimensions within the housing, allowing compact integration without requiring large planar distances between components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TIR lens with light guide structure is used, then blind zones are reduced, but the lens design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The TIR lens incorporates a light guide structure with specific local features (grooves or patterns) on its surface to control light distribution in particular directions. This local modification of the lens surface geometry enables the lens to guide light around obstacles and reduce blind zones in specific viewing directions, while the rest of the lens maintains its standard optical properties.
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 ToF principle enables a more compact and flexible design, reducing blind zones and allowing for accurate distance measurement without the constraints of triangular relations, enhancing the device's structural design and measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting module, a receiving module and a data processing and controlling module; the circuit board, receiving lens and emitting lens are installed in the space formed by the housing and the bottom cover; an infrared light emitted by a light source in the light emitting module passes through the emitting lens and the housing successively and enters the external environment
Implementation Method 2
the infrared light reflected by an object passes through the housing and the receiving lens successively and is received by the receiving module
Implementation Method 3
reducing blind zones and allowing for accurate distance measurement without the constraints of triangular relations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optical ranging device. The optical ranging device comprises a housing, a bottom cover, an emitting lens, a receiving lens and a circuit board. The emitting lens and the receiving lens are fixed on the circuit board. The circuit board comprises a light emitting module, receiving module and data processing and controlling module. An infrared light emitted by a light source of the light emitting module passes through the emitting lens and the housing successively and enters the external environment. The infrared light reflected by the object passes through the housing and the receiving lens successively and is received by the receiving module which is connected to a signal processing and controlling module. The distance between the optical ranging device and the object is calculated based on the Time of Flight principle.