Refractive Optical Element for Position Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optoelectronic position measurement devices face challenges in miniaturization, light utilization efficiency, and construction complexity due to the need for precise alignment and small diaphragms, which restrict the solid angle and increase energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of a refractive optical element with a focusing segment and neighboring segments to control the solid angle, allowing parallel light to be focused onto the sensor unit while deflecting oblique light, reducing the structural height and enabling more efficient light use, and allowing for lower power consumption and improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a diaphragm is used to restrict the solid angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the diaphragm component entirely from the optical system. Instead of using a diaphragm to restrict the solid angle, the invention relies on the geometric relationship between the code carrier, detection unit, and optical elements to achieve the desired angular restriction without the intermediate diaphragm structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements (lenses or prisms) serve dual functions: they focus light onto the detection unit while simultaneously restricting the solid angle of accepted light. This eliminates the need for separate diaphragm components and achieves multiple objectives with fewer parts.
2Measurement precision
If a diaphragm is used to restrict the solid angle, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is completely removed from the system. The solid angle restriction function is achieved through the inherent geometry of the optical path and code carrier arrangement, eliminating the manufacturing challenges associated with producing and aligning small precision diaphragms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from using a physical aperture (diaphragm) to using angular geometry parameters. By controlling the relative positions and orientations of the code carrier and detection unit, the solid angle is restricted through geometric constraints rather than physical barriers.
3Measurement precision
If the slot width is reduced to restrict the solid angle, then measurement precision is improved, but light quantity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Optical elements (lenses or prisms) are introduced as intermediaries that collect light over a larger angular range and focus it onto the detection unit. These intermediaries enable the system to maintain a larger effective aperture while still achieving the desired angular restriction for precision measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from direct geometric restriction (narrow slot) to optical focusing (lenses/prisms). This parameter change allows light from a broader range of angles to be funneled onto the detection unit, increasing light quantity while maintaining measurement precision through the optical focusing action.
4Measurement precision
If the diaphragm distance is increased to restrict the solid angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is removed from the system, eliminating the need to increase distance for solid angle restriction. The angular restriction is achieved through the geometric relationship between the code carrier and detection unit, which can be maintained at compact distances.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical elements serve as intermediaries that enable solid angle restriction at short distances. These elements focus light from the code carrier onto the detection unit while maintaining a compact overall device size, eliminating the need for large diaphragm-to-detector distances.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of position measurement, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies the construction of the device, enabling miniaturization and improved robustness.
Implementation Method 1
a refractive optical element, which is arranged between the code carrier and the detection unit
Implementation Method 2
the optical element has, for restricting the solid angle, an optical element having a focusing segment and at least one neighboring segment
Data Source
AI summary
Optoelectronic position measurement device comprises a code carrier, a radiation source and a detection unit. The code carrier can be moved relative to said sensor unit by one degree of freedom. A refractive optical element having a focusing segment and at least one neighboring segment are arranged between the code carrier and the first sensor unit. Optical radiation shining in on the focusing segment parallel or at an angle of incidence below a threshold angle α to the optical axis of the focusing segment can be guided by the focusing segment on the receiving region of the first sensor unit within the optical axis, and radiation that is shining into a deflection angle region above the threshold angle α to the optical axis of the focusing segment can be deflected by the focusing segment and the neighboring segment to a point outside of the optical axis of the focusing segment.