Optoelectronic Measuring Device with Symmetrical Reference Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic measuring devices face limitations in flexibility and robustness, particularly in determining relative positions between moving elements, due to fixed configurations of reference marks and periodic marks, which can be affected by environmental changes like temperature.

Innovation Solution

The optoelectronic measuring device incorporates a graduated scale with integrated reference codes and a readhead featuring a reticule with symmetrical stripe codes, allowing for flexible assembly and robust signal generation through optimal pulse characteristics, even under varying conditions, by using transparent and opaque sections for light passage and reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed configuration of reference marks and periodic marks is used, then the device structure is simple, but the assembly flexibility is reduced and the device becomes sensitive to environmental changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reference code is segmented into multiple reference marks distributed along the graduated scale. Each reference mark can be independently positioned between periodic marks, allowing flexible assembly configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reticule incorporates transparent stripes at specific local positions that correspond to reference marks. This local differentiation in the reticule structure enables selective detection of reference marks while maintaining assembly flexibility and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If reference marks are integrated between periodic marks, then the device compactness is improved, but the reference pulse characteristics may deteriorate under environmental changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidreference pulse stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the light interaction between the reticule's transparent stripes and the reference marks to generate feedback signals. This feedback mechanism ensures that reference pulse characteristics are maintained reliably even when reference marks are integrated between periodic marks, compensating for environmental variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent stripes in the reticule act as an intermediary element between the light source and the reference marks. This intermediary structure enables reliable detection of reference marks integrated between periodic marks while maintaining optimal reference pulse characteristics under varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If transparent stripes are used in the reticule for light passage, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the device becomes more sensitive to environmental changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidenvironmental sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent stripes in the reticule are designed with homogeneous optical properties that match the surrounding structure. This homogeneity reduces environmental sensitivity while maintaining high detection sensitivity, as the transparent regions consistently transmit light without introducing additional environmental variables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 configuration enhances the flexibility of device assembly and maintains optimal reference pulse characteristics across a range of conditions, including temperature changes, ensuring reliable position determination between moving elements.

Implementation Method 1

the light that reflects or passes through the graduated scale

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

through which may pass the light that reflects or passes through the graduated scale

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2163860B2Optoelectronic measuring device
Publication Date: 2014.03.05 FAGOR SCOOP LTDA
  • EP2163860B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2163860B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2163860B2 patent drawingFigure 4b~4c

AI summary

Optoelectronic measuring device which comprises a graduated scale (2) and a readhead that may move in relation to the graduated scale (2) in a direction of movement (X). The graduated scale (2) comprises periodic marks (20) distributed n the direction of movement (X) with a determined period (P1) and at least one reference code with two symmetrical reference groups, each reference group comprising at least one reference mark (22a) integrated between the periodic marks (20). The readhead comprises a reticule with a stripe code for the reference code, said stripe code comprising two symmetrical stripe groups and each stripe groups comprising at least one transparent stripe for each reference mark (22a) of each reference group.