Reflective Calibration Wall for Laser Projector Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser projector calibration methods rely on visual estimation, which is time-consuming and inefficient, reducing the production and assembly efficiency in manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A reflective calibration wall system with a structural frame, positioning stages, and movable reflective targets that enable quantitative analysis and precise alignment of laser beams, allowing for quick correction of out-of-tolerance projectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If visual estimation is used for calibration, then the calibration process can be performed with simple equipment, but the calibration time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration equipment complexityVSAvoidcalibration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual estimation method with an optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the laser beams, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate the beam positions and orientations, eliminating the need for manual visual estimation and significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of a camera and image processing software. This intermediary captures the laser beam positions and provides quantitative data for calibration, serving as a mediator between the laser projection system and the calibration process, thereby enabling automated and precise calibration without direct human visual estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If visual estimation is used for calibration, then the calibration process is simple to perform, but the measurement precision is insufficient for critical manufacturing applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration operation simplicityVSAvoidlaser beam position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual estimation with an automated optical measurement system. The camera captures laser beam positions with high precision, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate the beam orientations and offsets, providing measurement precision sufficient for critical manufacturing applications while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera captures the actual laser beam positions, the system calculates the deviations from the expected positions, and this information is fed back to adjust the calibration. This closed-loop feedback ensures high measurement precision by continuously monitoring and correcting the laser beam orientations based on actual measured positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual calibration methods are used, then the equipment required is minimal, but the time consumed for calibration increases production costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration system equipmentVSAvoidcalibration downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual calibration operations with an automated optical measurement and processing system. The camera-based system automatically captures laser beam positions, processes the images to calculate orientations and offsets, and provides calibration data without requiring manual intervention, thereby significantly reducing calibration downtime while the equipment complexity remains manageable through the use of standard optical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances the accuracy and efficiency of laser projector calibration, reducing downtime and costs associated with calibration and testing, while improving the productivity of manufacturing processes.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the positioning stages is provided with a movable reflective target that is configured to reflect a corresponding laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7965396B2Enhanced laser projector calibration wall
Publication Date: 2011.06.21 THE BOEING CO
  • US7965396B2 patent drawing
  • US7965396B2 patent drawing
  • US7965396B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for calibrating a laser projection system that is used for marking and guidance of components during manufacturing are disclosed. The apparatus includes a structural frame. One or more positioning stages are coupled to the structural frame. Each of the positioning stages is provided with a movable reflective target that is configured to reflect a corresponding laser beam.