Optical Sensor Pivot Bearing Tilt Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors face challenges in precisely adjusting their imaging properties due to the high weight of receiving optics, which complicates the alignment of the image plane with the imaging plane, affecting detection sensitivity and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor adjusts the image sensor relative to the fixed receiving optics using a pivot bearing system, allowing precise tilting in two spatial directions, thereby aligning the image sensor plane parallel to the imaging plane of the receiving optics, and incorporates an illumination unit for optimal object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If receiving optics are adjusted to align the image plane with the imaging plane, then alignment precision is improved, but the high weight of the receiving optics makes the adjustment complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adjusting the heavy receiving optics to align with the image sensor, the patent inverts the approach by adjusting the lighter image sensor to align with the fixed receiving optics. This reversal of the adjustment target resolves the contradiction by maintaining alignment precision while dramatically reducing the weight that needs to be moved during adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from the receiving optics and transfers it to the image sensor mounting structure. By separating the adjustment mechanism from the heavy receiving optics and placing it on the lighter image sensor side, the system achieves precise alignment without the burden of moving heavy components.
2Reliability
If the image sensor is tilted to align with the receiving optics, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent directional adjustments (first and second spatial directions), allowing precise control of the image sensor's tilt angle. This segmentation enables detection sensitivity optimization while keeping each adjustment dimension simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivot bearing serves as an intermediary element between the image sensor and the adjustment means, enabling smooth rotational adjustment in two spatial directions. This intermediary component simplifies the overall adjustment mechanism by providing a dedicated rotational interface that decouples the complexity of direct multi-axis adjustment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the receiving optics are made heavy to improve imaging quality, then image quality is improved, but the overall device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional adjustment paradigm by making the image sensor adjustable rather than the receiving optics. This allows the receiving optics to be optimized for imaging quality without the constraint of being lightweight, while the adjustment burden is placed on the lighter image sensor assembly.
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 allows for a compact adjustment unit with improved detection sensitivity and reliability across all receiving elements, enabling precise alignment and focus adjustments for enhanced object detection and identification.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustment unit is provided, by means of which a tilt adjustment of the image sensor can be carried out relative to a plane of the fixed receiving optics. The adjustment unit has a pivot bearing on which the center of the image sensor is mounted, so that it can be tilted in two spatial directions with respect to the plane of the receiving optics.
Implementation Method 2
with an illumination unit that emits transmitted light beams, with transmitted light beams emitted by the illumination unit being guided from an object to be detected to the image sensor as received light beams.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical sensor (1) for detecting objects (3) within a detection range, comprising an image sensor (5) that receives light beams (8) and to which a receiving optic (6) is arranged. In an evaluation unit, an object detection signal is generated depending on the received signals from the image sensor (5). An adjustment unit (11) is provided, by means of which a tilt adjustment of the image sensor (5) relative to a plane of the stationary receiving optic (6) can be carried out. The adjustment unit (11) has a pivot bearing on which the center of the image sensor (5) is mounted, so that it can be tilted in two spatial directions with respect to the plane of the receiving optic (6). The adjustment unit (11) has two adjustment means by means of which a tilt angle of the image sensor (5) can be preset for each spatial direction.