Photointerrupter With Tunable Light Sources For Encoder Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photointerrupter systems for encoders face challenges in achieving precise positional information due to the need for exact adjustment of photointerrupters and limited precision in detecting light blockings and transmissions, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a photointerrupter with at least two individually tunable light sources and a light adjuster, including a power supply, voltmeter, and power supply controller, allows for precise adjustment of light intensities to achieve higher precision in detecting light blockings and transmissions without the need for exact positional adjustment of the photointerrupters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photointerrupters are exactly adjusted to 1/4 of the blocking cycle using screws based on light intensity, then positional information precision is improved, but device complexity and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw adjustment system with an optical intensity modulation system. Instead of physically moving photointerrupters to achieve 1/4 cycle phase shift, the system uses individually controllable light sources whose intensities are adjusted to create the required phase relationship in the detected signals, thereby eliminating complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from physical position to light intensity. By individually adjusting the intensity parameters of multiple light sources, the system achieves the desired 1/4 cycle phase shift detection capability without requiring precise mechanical positioning, thus simplifying the overall device structure
2Measurement precision
If two photointerrupters are positioned with phase shift to detect light blocking cycle, then positional information precision is improved, but adjustment difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple light sources with individual intensity control capability into the photointerrupter design from the beginning. This preliminary configuration allows the system to achieve phase shift detection by simply adjusting light intensity parameters rather than requiring time-consuming mechanical repositioning of photointerrupters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning and adjustment process with an optical intensity control system. The phase relationship is established through electronic control of light source intensities rather than physical displacement, dramatically reducing the time required for setup and calibration
3Measurement precision
If light intensity is individually tuned for each light source, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the parameter of light intensity as a controllable variable for each light source. By independently adjusting these intensity parameters, the system achieves enhanced detection precision through optimized optical signals without requiring additional complex hardware components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple light sources with individual intensity control into a single photointerrupter unit, making the device multi-functional. The same structure serves both as a light emitter and as a phase shift detection mechanism, reducing overall system complexity despite the added capability
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 solution enables the determination of object movement with quadruple precision relative to the slit cycle, improving accuracy and reducing the effort required for positional adjustments, thereby enhancing the encoder's ability to detect rotational rates and movement with high precision.
Implementation Method 1
The light receivers of the encoder alternately detect transmissions of the light from the light emitters through a certain member or a scale and blockings of the light from the light emitters by the member or scale
Implementation Method 2
the light receiver includes a phototransistor that receives the light and outputs a current value corresponding to the intensity of the received light
Data Source
AI summary
A photointerrupter includes a light emitter and a light receiver integrally formed with each other. The light emitter includes at least two light sources and emits light. At least one of the at least two light sources are individually tunable in light intensity. The light receiver receives the light from the light emitter.