Range Finder Enclosure Avoiding Specular Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing range finding systems face interference from specular reflections, which can dazzle or otherwise affect the accuracy and longevity of the electromagnetic input, particularly in environments with hazardous gases and dust, such as coal mines.
Innovation Solution
A range finding system with an enclosure that includes a side wall transparent to electromagnetic radiation, where the electromagnetic input is positioned outside the second beam path of specular reflections, and features like sealing elements and a rotatable support system to steer the beam and prevent ignition triggers, ensuring accurate range determination while maintaining safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electromagnetic input is positioned close to the electromagnetic output for compact system design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the specular reflection from the side wall interferes with the electromagnetic input causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic input is positioned in a location that is outside the specular reflection beam path by utilizing spatial arrangement in three-dimensional space. The side wall is configured with specific geometry and the electromagnetic input is placed at an angle relative to the electromagnetic output, ensuring that reflected beams do not intersect with the input sensor position, thus resolving the interference issue while maintaining system compactness
2Reliability
If the side wall is made transparent to electromagnetic radiation for beam transmission, then the range finding function is enabled, but specular reflections off the side wall create interference patterns that affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges that specular reflection is an inevitable physical phenomenon when using transparent side walls, but converts this potential harm into a manageable condition by carefully designing the geometric relationship between the side wall, electromagnetic output, and electromagnetic input. The configuration ensures that reflected beams follow predictable paths that can be excluded from the input sensor's field of view, allowing the transparent wall to serve its transmission function without compromising measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If the electromagnetic input is positioned to avoid specular reflection interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system requires more complex spatial arrangement and larger enclosure volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by utilizing three-dimensional positioning strategies. The electromagnetic input is placed at specific angular and spatial coordinates relative to the electromagnetic output and side wall, allowing it to avoid the specular reflection path without requiring excessive linear distance. This dimensional approach enables accurate range determination while maintaining a compact enclosure volume suitable for practical applications
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 system effectively avoids specular reflection interference, ensuring accurate range determination and safety in hazardous environments by positioning the electromagnetic input outside the specular reflection path and incorporating flame-proof and dust-resistant features.
Implementation Method 1
a second beam path of a second beam of electromagnetic radiation defined by a specular reflection of the first beam on the side wall
Implementation Method 2
the side wall transparent to the electromagnetic radiation provided by the electromagnetic output
Data Source
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AI summary
A range finding system includes: an electromagnetic output to provide a first beam of electromagnetic radiation along a first beam path; an electromagnetic input to receive reflected electromagnetic radiation of the first beam from an object for determining a range of the range finding system from the object; and an enclosure including a side wall that surrounds a central axis of the enclosure, the side wall transparent to the electromagnetic radiation provided by the electromagnetic output. The electromagnetic output and electromagnetic input are disposed within the enclosure such that the electromagnetic input is located outside a second beam path of a second beam of electromagnetic radiation defined by a specular reflection of the first beam on the side wall. Since the electromagnetic input is located outside the second beam path, the specular reflection of the first beam off the side wall does not reach the electromagnetic input.