Compact Laser Rangefinder Multilayer PCB Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser distance measuring devices face challenges in achieving high mechanical and thermal stability, especially for measuring large distances, and are often bulky due to the need for precise alignment and shielding of components.
Innovation Solution
A compact laser distance measuring device design utilizing a dimensionally stable multilayer base printed circuit board, where the laser transmitter and receiver are mounted on opposite sides, providing mechanical stability and shielding, with optical and electrical components aligned using adhesive connections and solder points, and employing a full-surface inner copper layer for thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the transmitter and receiver are disposed on opposite sides of a printed circuit board, then the device can be designed smaller and more compactly, but mechanical and thermal stability becomes difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from mounting all components on a single-sided PCB to a three-dimensional arrangement where the transmitter and receiver are mounted on opposite sides of the PCB. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the device footprint while maintaining component separation and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multilayer PCB structure with alternating conductive and non-conductive layers. This composite construction provides mechanical rigidity, thermal management pathways, and electrical isolation, simultaneously addressing stability requirements while enabling the compact opposite-side mounting configuration.
2Measurement precision
If the transmission axis and reception axis are aligned exactly parallel, then measurement accuracy improves, but the alignment becomes more sensitive to mechanical and thermal influences
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for mounting components, establishes precise spatial relationships between the transmitter and receiver to ensure parallel axis alignment, and offers thermal management pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment and stabilization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the controlled thermal and mechanical properties of the multilayer PCB structure to maintain axis alignment. By designing the PCB with specific layer compositions and thicknesses, the structure compensates for thermal expansion and mechanical stress, keeping the transmission and reception axes parallel under varying operating conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding elements are added to protect the receiver from direct or scattered radiation, then receiver protection improves, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shielding function with the existing PCB structure. The PCB itself, with its opaque properties and multilayer construction, serves as the shield against direct and scattered radiation from the transmitter to the receiver. This eliminates the need for separate shielding elements while maintaining receiver protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support, electrical connection, thermal management, and radiation shielding. By making the PCB opaque to the transmitter radiation, it provides inherent shielding without requiring additional shielding components, thus reducing device complexity.
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 design results in a compact, mechanically stable, and thermally stable device suitable for measuring large distances, with reduced size and weight, and eliminates the need for additional shielding, allowing for easy integration into complex apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a laser transmitter, e.g., a laser diode
Implementation Method 2
calculate the distance of the target measured from the laser distance measuring device based on the time of flight of the laser pulse and the speed of light
Implementation Method 3
a receiver, e.g., a photodiode
Implementation Method 4
employing a full-surface inner copper layer for thermal management
Implementation Method 5
aligned using adhesive connections and solder points
Data Source
AI summary
A laser distance measuring device comprising a transmitter channel (1), a receiver channel (2) and a dimensionally stable multilayer base printed circuit board (3), with the transmitter channel (1) and the receiver channel (2) being mounted and symmetrically disposed one on each side of the base printed circuit board (3), with the base printed circuit board (3) serving as a mechanical foundation, as an optical and electrical shield, as a carrier of electrical and optical connections and, optionally, as a heat conductor.