Retroreflector Self-Aligned Laser Rangefinder Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser rangefinders face alignment challenges due to parallax between the virtual dot and the visible laser beam, leading to measurement errors, especially in precision applications, and are prone to misalignment from environmental factors and usage.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligned aiming system incorporating a retroreflector ensures zero parallax between the virtual dot in the viewing window and the visible laser beam, using a dichroic mirror to redirect a portion of the laser beam towards the retroreflector and viewing window, maintaining precise alignment regardless of optical component misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical systems are used to minimize parallax, then alignment precision can be improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to difficult and time-consuming alignment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector automatically aligns the virtual dot with the visible laser beam through its inherent optical properties, eliminating the need for manual alignment procedures. The system self-corrects any offset in the visual pathway, maintaining zero parallax without requiring user intervention or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retroreflector acts as an intermediary optical element that receives the visible laser beam and redirects a portion of it to form the virtual dot in the viewing window. This intermediary component ensures precise alignment between the aiming indicator and the measurement beam through its reflective geometry.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment procedures are performed, then initial alignment precision can be improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to error, temperature variations, and impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector continuously maintains alignment through its passive optical design, automatically compensating for environmental factors such as temperature variations and physical impacts. The system requires no active adjustment or power source to maintain zero parallax, ensuring consistent reliability under varying conditions.
3Measurement precision
If complex alignment procedures are used, then measurement precision can be improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming setup and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment procedures by using the retroreflector's inherent optical properties to automatically ensure zero parallax. Users can immediately begin measurements without performing complex calibration steps, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
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 eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures, maintains precise alignment under varying conditions, and can be applied as an add-on to existing rangefinders, ensuring accurate distance measurements without parallax errors.
Implementation Method 1
A retroreflector receives at least a portion of the visible laser beam and redirects the portion of the visible laser beam received from the retroreflector toward a viewing window of the instrument
Implementation Method 2
using a dichroic mirror to redirect a portion of the laser beam towards the retroreflector and viewing window
Data Source
AI summary
A self-aligned aiming system and technique for a laser rangefinder incorporating a retroreflector. In operation, a virtual dot perceived in the laser rangefinder viewing window is inherently aligned with a visible beam projected on the target and has zero parallax by design. Even if there is a slight offset in the visual pathway of the laser rangefinder, when the virtual dot in the viewing window is placed on a specific point on the target, the visual beam is located at that same specific point.