Reflection Sensor Mounting Geometry for Alignment Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reflection measurement devices for vessels require precise alignment of light source and receiving device, which is challenging to maintain in reversible or mobile setups, leading to difficulties in interpreting measurement results.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device with a holding body featuring a mounting section that maintains a defined relative position between the light source and receiving device, allowing for adjustable and flexible alignment through hinge devices and contact surfaces, enabling accurate reflection measurements on vessels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed measuring device is used with precise alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidreversible mounting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device transitions from a fixed installation to a mobile, reversibly mountable system. The holding body can be attached and detached from vessels, and the light source and receiving device can adjust their positions dynamically while maintaining the required optical alignment through the defined geometric relationship on the holding body surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile measuring device is used, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile mounting capabilityVSAvoidalignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameter of spatial relationship from absolute fixed coordinates to a relative geometric invariant. The angle defined by three points (light source position, receiving device position, and mounting section position) remains constant regardless of the device's location or orientation, ensuring measurement precision is maintained while enabling mobile operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If precise alignment is maintained in reversible mounting, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding body structure itself provides the alignment function through its geometric design. The defined positions of the light source, receiving device, and mounting section create an inherent angular relationship that automatically ensures correct optical alignment when the device is mounted, eliminating the need for additional complex alignment mechanisms or adjustment devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 cost-effective and simple implementation of reflection measurements on vessels, ensuring high accuracy and flexibility in quantitative and qualitative evaluations, even in mobile or retrofitted applications.

Implementation Method 1

a light source (20) for generating a light beam (LS) along a defined light output direction (LAR)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a receiving device (30) for receiving light beams (LS) along a receiving direction (ERE)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The holding body (40) is equipped with a mounting section (42) for mounting the vessel (100) in a defined position. Furthermore, the light source (20) is arranged on the holding body (40) in a defined source position (QP) relative to the mounting section (42), and the receiving device (30) is also arranged on the holding body (40) in a defined receiving position (EP) relative to the mounting section (42). This results in a defined angle of incidence forming between the receiving direction (ERE) and the light output direction (LAR)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric alignment: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP4257954A1Measuring device for performing a reflection measurement on a vessel
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 2MAG
  • EP4257954A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4257954A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4257954A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a measuring device (10) for performing a reflection measurement on a vessel (100), comprising a light source (20) for generating a light beam (LS) along a light output direction (LAR) and a receiving device (30) for receiving light beams (LS) along a receiving direction (ER), further comprising a holding body (40) to which the light source (20) and the receiving device (30) are attached, wherein the holding body (40) has a mounting section (42) for mounting on the vessel (100) in a defined mounting position (MP), wherein the light source (20) is arranged on the holding body (40) relative to the mounting section (42) in a defined source position (QP) and the receiving device (30) is arranged on the holding body (40) relative to the mounting section (42) in a defined receiving position (EP).so that an acute angle of incidence (α) is formed between the receiving direction (ER) and the light output direction (LAR), so that the receiving device (30) receives light rays (LS) reflected from the vessel (100).