Miniaturized Range Finder Actuator for 3D Space Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current range finders lack a compact and efficient mechanism for three-dimensional space recognition, limiting their application in industrial, robotic, and autonomous vehicle systems, as well as security units, where precise distance and position sensing are required.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized range finder design incorporating a reflective mirror that rotates about both vertical and horizontal axes, driven by a motor unit and cam structures, allowing for precise light pulse emission and detection to enable three-dimensional space recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reflective mirror is rotated about both vertical and horizontal axes using conventional actuators, then three-dimensional space recognition capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate rotation functions (vertical and horizontal axes) into a single integrated actuator mechanism. The rotation motor unit and cam mechanism work together to simultaneously control both rotational movements of the reflective mirror, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each axis and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining 3D space recognition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: the rotation motor unit drives both the vertical rotation (first direction) and horizontal rotation (second direction) of the reflective mirror through the cam mechanism. This multi-functional design allows a single actuator system to control bidirectional mirror rotation, reducing the number of components needed while achieving comprehensive 3D scanning capability.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact actuator mechanism is designed for mirror rotation, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical actuator systems with a more streamlined mechanism combining a rotation motor unit and a cam mechanism. This substitution reduces the overall number of parts and assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and precision requirements while achieving the same compact mirror rotation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is designed to dynamically control the mirror rotation movements, converting rotational motion from the motor into the required bidirectional rotations of the reflective mirror. This dynamic mechanism allows for precise control of mirror orientation through geometric design of the cam profile, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing of individual components while maintaining compact device size.
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 high-performance three-dimensional space recognition and motion sensing, facilitating autonomous navigation and security applications by providing accurate distance and position information through a compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective mirror reflecting the light pulse emitted from the light emitting unit to an outside space and reflecting the light pulse incident from the outside space to the light receiving unit
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting unit emitting a light pulse
Implementation Method 3
a light receiving unit sensing an incident light pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A range finder is provided. A light emitting unit emits a light pulse. A light receiving unit senses an incident light pulse. A reflective mirror reflects the light pulse emitted from the light emitting unit to an outside space and reflects the light pulse incident from the outside space to the light receiving unit. An actuator is configured to move the reflective mirror in a first direction rotating about a vertical axis and a second direction rotating about a horizontal axis. A controller controls the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit and driving the actuator. The actuator includes: a rotation motor unit supporting the reflective mirror to be rotated in the second direction and rotating the reflective mirror in the first direction; a bushing hinge-coupled with the reflective mirror to rotate in the first direction together with the reflective mirror and installed movably in a vertical direction; and a vertical driving unit moving the bushing in the vertical direction.