Optical Sensing for Linear Motor Position Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location monitoring systems for conveyances, such as vehicles on tracks, face limitations in resolution and mobility due to the use of electrical contacts and Hall effect sensors, which restrict distance and flexibility, and require complex cable management and large sensor spacing.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a linear motor with optical sensors and a target featuring alternating color patterns, allowing precise position and velocity determination without physical tethers, using optical sensors and a controller to process signals from the target's patterns for accurate positioning and motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical contact and attached cables are used to monitor conveyance location, then position monitoring is achieved, but cable management becomes challenging and distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable connection from the system by using wireless optical communication. The optical sensor on the conveyance communicates position data to the fixed processor through optical signals (e.g., reflected light or direct transmission) without requiring physical cable connections, thereby eliminating cable management complexity while maintaining position monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based electrical connection with an optical communication system. Instead of using electrical contacts and cables to transmit position data, the system uses optical sensors to detect position and transmits data wirelessly through optical signals, substituting the mechanical cable system with an optical field-based system.
2Measurement precision
If Hall effect sensors are used to determine conveyance position, then position measurement is achieved, but sensor spacing must be large resulting in low resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces Hall effect sensors with optical sensors that use light reflection or transmission properties to determine position. The optical sensor detects features (such as reflective markers or patterned surfaces) on the conveyance and calculates position based on optical signal characteristics, enabling high-resolution measurement without the large spacing requirements of Hall effect sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from magnetic field detection (Hall effect) to optical property detection (reflection, transmission, or absorption of light). By using optical parameters such as light intensity, phase, or time-of-flight, the system achieves higher position resolution with smaller sensor spacing compared to magnetic field-based methods.
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
This approach provides high-resolution position and velocity measurement with improved mobility and flexibility, enabling independent motion of conveyances and reducing the need for complex cable management, while maintaining precise control over the conveyance's movement.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical sensor disposed with the first member. A target may be disposed with the second member. The target may include at least one pattern of alternating first areas and second areas... sensing, with at least one optical sensor disposed with a first member of a linear motor, a target, the target disposed with a second member of the linear motor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system for optical sensing. The system may include a linear motor, which may include a first member and a second member. The second member may be movable relative to the first member. At least one optical sensor may be disposed with the first member. A target may be disposed with the second member. The target may include at least one pattern of alternating first areas and second areas. The first areas may include a first color. The second areas may include a second color different than the first areas. The target may be positioned to overlap with an optical path of the at least one optical sensor as the second member moves relative to the first member. A method for optical sensing and a method for making a system for optical sensing are also disclosed.