Optical Tool Position Detection Using Light-Receptive Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining the position of a tool in a tool receiving structure are dependent on multiple variables, such as the material of the tool and the distance between the tool and capacitor surfaces, making the measurements unreliable unless kept constant.
Innovation Solution
A device using light-receptive sensors activated by a sensor activating element, such as a light source, to determine the position of the tool, which can also exchange data with the tool receiving structure, utilizing OLED technology for high accuracy and cost-effectiveness, and optionally employing reflective surfaces to passively reflect light for position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacity measurement between capacitor surfaces is used to determine tool position, then position detection can be achieved, but the measurement becomes dependent on multiple variables (tool material, distance to capacitor surfaces) reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical capacity measurement system with an optical detection system. Light-receptive sensors detect the position of a tool by measuring light intensity or pattern rather than electrical capacity, eliminating dependence on tool material composition and distance variations. This substitution of measurement principle resolves the contradiction by providing both accurate and reliable position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical capacity to optical properties (light intensity, reflection patterns). By using light-based measurement instead of electrical field measurement, the system becomes insensitive to tool material properties and maintains consistent measurement reliability across different tool types and positions.
2Reliability
If light-receptive sensors and light sources are used for position detection, then reliability and accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light sources and light-receptive sensors into an integrated optical detection system where components work together as a unified unit. This merging simplifies the overall system architecture compared to separate measurement systems, reduces the number of independent components, and maintains high reliability through coordinated operation of integrated elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system serves multiple functions: position detection, tool identification, and potentially measurement of other parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby decreasing overall device complexity while maintaining or improving reliability through a versatile measurement platform.
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 solution provides a more reliable and less variable-dependent method for position detection and data exchange, achieving high accuracy with reduced sensitivity to dirt and scattered light, and enabling identification of the tool through unique patterns.
Implementation Method 1
the sensors are light-receptive sensors and the at least one sensor activating element comprises a light source directed to the track of sensors
Implementation Method 2
the light-receptive sensors are based on organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology
Implementation Method 3
the light source comprises a reflective surface arranged on the tool and a light-emitting device arranged in the tool receiving structure emitting light directed to the reflective surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for exchanging data, such as a position or an identification, between a tool and a tool receiving structure, the device comprising: - an elongated track of sensors arranged in the receiving structure; - at least one sensor activating element arranged on the tool. The invention further relates to a method for exchanging data between a tool and a tool receiving structure, which method comprises the steps: - providing a device according to the invention; - activating the at least one sensor activating element; and - checking the track of sensors for activation of a sensor.