Optoelectronic Sensor Common Transmission Optics Multi-Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-beam optoelectronic sensors are complex and bulky, requiring multiple light sources and optical elements, which increases material and assembly costs, and limits the flexibility in scanning movements, especially when trying to expand the measuring range beyond a single plane.
Innovation Solution
A common transmission optics system that deflects and separates multiple light beams, allowing for freely definable angle directions without the need for separate optical elements for each transmitter, using a prism arrangement or lens to achieve clear separation and deflection of light beams, reducing the number of transmission lenses and associated costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate light transmitters and optical elements are used for multi-beam scanning, then the measuring range and scanning capability are improved, but the device complexity and material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate light transmitters and optical elements into a single integrated sensor head. The transmitter unit contains multiple light transmitters (e.g., VCSELs) arranged in an array, sharing common optical components including a single diffraction grating and a single lens for each beam path. This integration reduces the number of separate optical elements and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining multi-beam scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal optical path design where a single lens serves multiple light beams simultaneously. Each transmitted light beam is deflected by a common diffraction grating and focused by a common lens onto corresponding pixels in the receiver array. This multi-functional approach allows one optical element to perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple separate elements, reducing complexity and cost.
2Device complexity
If a single light transmitter is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measuring range and spatial coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light transmission function into multiple independent light transmitters arranged in an array within a single sensor head. Each light transmitter generates a separate transmitted light beam that can be directed at different angles. The segmentation is achieved through the diffraction grating, which spatially separates the beams from the multiple transmitters, allowing simultaneous measurement across a wider spatial range while keeping the physical device compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measuring range by utilizing angular dimension through the diffraction grating. Multiple light beams are emitted at different angles determined by the grating equation, allowing the sensor to cover a larger three-dimensional space. The receiver array detects reflected beams from different directions, effectively expanding the volumetric measurement capability without increasing the physical size of the sensor head.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate optical elements are assigned to each transmitter, then beam quality and alignment are improved, but the assembly costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into shared components. A single diffraction grating handles beam deflection for all light transmitters, and a single lens per beam path focuses multiple beams. This merging reduces the total number of optical elements that need to be individually aligned and assembled, significantly lowering assembly complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining precise beam alignment through the diffraction grating's inherent angular separation.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective multi-beam scanning with reduced material and assembly complexity, allowing for flexible scanning in multiple planes and improved beam alignment, enhancing the sensor's ability to detect objects in three-dimensional spaces with precise angular resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a light beam is emitted into the monitored area and the light beam reflected by objects is received again
Implementation Method 2
The time of flight of light is often measured using a known phase or pulse method in order to determine the distance from a touched object
Implementation Method 3
A common transmission optics system that deflects and separates multiple light beams, allowing for freely definable angle directions without the need for separate optical elements for each transmitter, using a prism arrangement or lens
Implementation Method 4
using a prism arrangement or lens to achieve clear separation and deflection of light beams
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor (10) for detecting an object in a monitoring area (20) is described, comprising at least one light transmitter (22, 22a) for emitting several separate light beams (26), a light receiver (34) for generating received signals from light beams (30) reflected by the object, and an evaluation unit (46) for obtaining information about the object from the received signals. A common transmitting optic (24) is arranged upstream of the light transmitter (22, 22a), which modifies the beam shape and/or the beam direction of the several light beams (26).